Translated Books 2023: Best New Reads by Women Writers
Explore a diverse world of literature with these must-read 2023 translated books by women writers. Celebrate Women in Translation Month and expand your literary horizons today!
17 Translated Books by Women Writers from 2023 You’ll Want to Add to Your TBR
Reading translated books always feels like unlocking a door to another world. They let us hear voices we might never have encountered, see life through a completely different lens, and immerse ourselves in new cultures without leaving home. And 2023 was a fantastic year for books in translation—especially from women writers.
Whether you’re already a fan of translated literature or brand new to it, this list of my favorite translated books from 2023 has something for every mood—from dark thrillers and epic family sagas to surrealist fables and tender stories about connection.
List of 17 Translated Books by Women Writers
The Forbidden Notebook by Alba de Céspedes, Translated by Ann Goldstein
In postwar Rome, a dissatisfied housewife secretly buys a notebook and begins documenting her deepest thoughts—unfiltered, unapproved, and completely her own. As her inner life unfolds on the page, she questions her marriage, her role as a mother, and the choices she’s made. I chose this because it’s a classic feminist novel that still feels daring today, perfect for readers who love domestic dramas with sharp social commentary. It made me think about the quiet ways women resist and redefine their lives.
You Will Never Be Found by Tove Alsterdal, Translated by Alice Menzies
Detective Eira Sjödin investigates a disappearance that hits dangerously close to home in this atmospheric Nordic noir. As she searches for answers, small-town secrets and hidden motives start to unravel. I picked this because it’s perfect for readers who enjoy slow-burn suspense and richly drawn settings—it kept me guessing until the very last page.
Our Share of Night by Mariana Enriquez, Translated by Megan McDowell
After his wife’s mysterious death, a man and his son become entangled with her family—a secretive, sinister clan connected to the occult. This dark, sprawling novel blends horror, political history, and family drama. I loved it because it’s unsettling in the best way and ideal for readers who want a story that lingers long after the final chapter.
Evil Flowers by Gunnhild Øyehaug, Translated by Kari Dickson
This collection of surreal, witty short stories moves between the absurd and the profound, touching on love, death, and transformation. Each story felt like opening a strange, beautiful gift. I recommend it for readers who enjoy quirky, genre-defying fiction that leaves you slightly off-balance in the best way.
Ada’s Room by Sharon Dodua Otoo, Translated by Jon Cho-Polizzi
Spanning centuries and continents, this novel follows four different women named Ada as they navigate survival, resilience, and connection. The threads between them are revealed in surprising, poetic ways. I picked this because it’s a beautifully layered read for those who love intergenerational narratives like Homegoing. It left me feeling both heartbroken and hopeful.
I Went To See My Father by Kyung-Sook Shin, Translated by Anton Hur
A woman returns to her rural hometown to reconnect with her aging father, uncovering family secrets and rediscovering the depth of their bond. This tender novel is for readers who enjoyed Please Look After Mom and want another moving exploration of family and memory. It made me want to call my loved ones immediately.
First Comes Summer by Maria Hesselager, Translated by Martin Aitken
Set in a Viking-age village, a young woman becomes drawn into a dangerous passion during a summer where desire and myth blur together. I loved how this story combined historical atmosphere with an almost dreamlike tension. Perfect for readers who want something lush, suspenseful, and steeped in legend.
Mothers’ Instinct by Barbara Abel, Translated by Susan Pickford
Two best friends and neighbors share everything—until a tragic accident fractures their lives, turning friendship into suspicion. This dark domestic thriller is a must for fans of Big Little Lies. I read it in one sitting and was completely hooked.
My Men by Victoria Kielland, Translated by Damion Searls
Inspired by the true story of Belle Gunness, one of America’s most notorious female serial killers, this novel traces her descent into violence and madness. I picked it because it’s a chilling portrait of ambition and survival gone wrong—ideal for readers who love true crime–inspired fiction.
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Nineteen Claws and a Black Bird by Agustina Bazterrica, Translated by Sarah Moses
These nineteen short stories are dark, unsettling, and wildly imaginative. From eerie fables to grimly realistic tales, each one surprised me. I recommend it for readers who loved Tender Is the Flesh and want more of Bazterrica’s signature bite.
Watch Us Dance by Leila Slimani, Translated by Sam Taylor
In 1960s Morocco, an interracial family’s personal rebellions mirror the social and political upheaval around them. Slimani’s storytelling is sensual, sharp, and full of complex family dynamics. I loved it for its lush setting and nuanced characters.
The Forest Brims Over by Maru Ayase, Translated by Haydn Trowell
A woman transforms into a literal forest after years of being used as inspiration for her husband’s novels. This surrealist fable is both whimsical and razor-sharp in its commentary on exploitation and gender. I chose it because it’s utterly unique and ideal for fans of Sayaka Murata.
How to Love Your Daughter by Hila Blum, Translated by Daniella Zamir
When a mother and daughter become estranged, love turns into a haunting question: what damage do we cause when we love blindly? This is a quiet but piercing novel for readers who appreciate emotional depth and family complexities.
The End of August by Yu Miri, Translated by Morgan Giles
An epic, multi-generational novel set in Japanese-occupied Korea, following a family’s resilience in the face of oppression. I loved how it combined personal and historical storytelling—it’s for readers who want to be immersed in another time and place.
The Goodbye Cat by Hiro Arikawa, Philip Gabriel
From the author of The Travelling Cat Chronicles, this heartwarming collection follows seven cats who change their humans’ lives in small but profound ways. I picked it because it’s pure comfort reading—ideal for animal lovers and anyone in need of a gentle, uplifting story.
What do you think of these translated books by women writers?
Translated books invite us into conversations across cultures, and the women behind these 2023 releases offer stories that are rich, bold, and unforgettable. If you’ve read any of these—or if you’re adding them to your TBR—I’d love to hear from you. Which translated books from 2023 stood out to you?
