Translated Books 2024: 10 Must-Read International Stories by Women
Discover the best translated books of 2024 by women writers. From gripping mysteries to heartfelt dramas, these international stories will inspire, challenge, and move you.
2024 Translated Books by Women Writers You Won’t Want to Miss
One of my favorite things about reading is how it lets me travel the world without leaving my couch. And nothing does that quite like translated books. In 2024, we’ve been treated to an incredible range of fiction from women writers around the globe—stories that crack open new cultures, challenge how we see the world, and remind us that human emotions are universal, even if the settings and customs are new to us.
This year’s list is a mix of gripping new releases and thoughtful backlist picks I couldn’t resist including. Whether you’re looking for historical fiction, dark literary thrillers, or heartfelt coming-of-age tales, you’ll find something here to add to your TBR.
10 Translated Books by Women Writers
Your Utopia by Bora Chung, Translated by Anton Hur
This collection of short stories mixes dystopia, absurdity, and pitch-black humor in the most unexpected ways. Each tale invites you to confront humanity’s fears and desires—whether it’s an AI elevator in love or a surreal gala for immortality donors. I picked it because Bora Chung’s mind works in ways that make you think and squirm at the same time. Perfect for readers who like speculative fiction with bite, it left me questioning what our future might look like if capitalism keeps winning.
You can get a copy of Your Utopia by Bora Chung, translated by Anton Hur on Amazon or Bookshop.
Butter by Asako Yuzuki, Translated by Polly Barton
Loosely inspired by a real-life criminal case in Japan, this novel follows a journalist who begins meeting with a convicted killer in prison—all to get a recipe. What unfolds is a slow-burn exploration of gender, desire, and the power of food as connection and weapon. I loved how this story used culinary detail to reveal character truths. If you’re drawn to dark, character-driven dramas like Killing Eve, this is for you.
You can get a copy of Butter by Asako Yuzuki, Translated by Polly Barton on Amazon or Bookshop.
Thirst by Marina Yuszczuk, Translated by Heather Cleary
Two women—one living through 19th-century Buenos Aires, the other in modern-day—are linked by a mysterious vampire. This isn’t your typical horror story; it’s a meditation on mortality, agency, and desire. I chose it because it blends feminist Gothic vibes with raw emotional honesty. It’s ideal for readers who like their supernatural stories rich with atmosphere and meaning.
You can get a copy of Thirst by Marina Yuszczuk, Translated by Heather Cleary on Amazon or Bookshop.
Fall of the Florios by Stefania Auci, Translated by Katherine Gregor and Howard Curtis
The conclusion to the sweeping Florio family saga finds Sicily’s most powerful clan facing decline. As fortunes dwindle and family bonds are tested, the matriarch Franca emerges as a force of resilience. I was hooked on the mix of opulence, tragedy, and family politics. A must for fans of The Godfather or The House of Gucci.
You can get a copy of Fall of the Florios by Stefania Auci, Translated by Katherine Gregor and Howard Curtis on Amazon or Bookshop.
On Her Own by Lihi Lapid, Translated by Sondra Silverston
When a runaway teen finds refuge with a lonely widow who mistakes her for a granddaughter, two fractured families are set on a collision course. This book moved me because of how tenderly it handles themes of loss, trust, and unexpected love. Perfect for readers who want a deeply human story about connection and redemption.
You can get a copy of On Her Own by Lihi Lapid, Translated by Sondra Silverston on Amazon or Bookshop.
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Bad Habit by Alana S. Portero, Translated by Mara Faye Lethem
A trans woman comes of age in Madrid during a time of rapid change, navigating love, identity, and the rough edges of nightlife. This debut is fierce, tender, and unapologetically honest. I loved it for its celebration of chosen family and resilience. It’s for anyone who has ever felt like an outsider searching for their place in the world.
You can get a copy of Bad Habit by Alana S. Portero, Translated by Mara Faye Lethem on Amazon or Bookshop.
The Cursed Friend by Beatrice Salvioni, Translated by Elena Pala
Two girls from different backgrounds forge a dangerous bond in 1930s Italy—a friendship tested by politics, war, and a desperate secret. I couldn’t stop reading because of the emotional intensity between the girls and the rich historical backdrop. Great for fans of My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante.
You can get a copy of The Cursed Friend by Beatrice Salvioni, Translated by Elena Pala on Amazon or Bookshop.
Pink Slime by Fernanda TrÃas, Translated by Heather Cleary
In a city collapsing under a mysterious plague, a woman struggles to care for the people she loves. This is part dystopian survival story, part meditation on human endurance. It’s beautifully unsettling and perfect for readers who liked Severanceor Station Eleven.
You can get a copy of Pink Slime by Fernanda TrÃas, Translated by Heather Cleary on Amazon or Bookshop.
The Divorce by Moa Herngren, Translated by Alice Menzies
A marriage unravels over the course of a single summer in Stockholm. Told from alternating perspectives, this novel had me feeling both sides of the heartbreak. I recommend it to readers who enjoy domestic dramas with emotional depth, like Fleishman Is in Trouble.
You can get a copy of The Divorce by Moa Herngren, Translated by Alice Menzies on Amazon or Bookshop.
Mina’s Matchbox by Yoko Ogawa, Translated by Stephen B. Snyder
Twelve-year-old Tomoko spends a formative summer in her aunt’s luxurious but mysterious home. What she discovers there quietly changes her understanding of family and love. Ogawa’s writing is so delicate and precise that I found myself savoring every line. This is for readers who love quiet, character-driven novels like The Housekeeper and the Professor.
You can get a copy of Mina’s Matchbox by Yoko Ogawa, Translated by Stephen B. Snyder on Amazon or Bookshop.
What do you think of these 2024 translated books by women writers?
Translated books have a way of reminding me that while cultures differ, emotions are universal. Reading these 2024 titles felt like being handed little keys to other worlds—and each one opened a door I didn’t want to close. If you’re curious about stepping into more international fiction, this list is a great place to start.
Have you read any of these? Which translated book from 2024 should I pick up next?
