Minisode Forty-Three: Sad Girl Novels

About this episode

The episode discusses the concept of 'sad girl novels' and explores its implications in literature and publishing.

Our theme this month was suggested by our patron Mary, who asked us to talk about so-called 'sad girl novels', and it turns out we have some strong opinions! So, listen in as we get to grips with what the term 'sad girl' really means - is it just reductive and misogynistic, or is it getting at something? Was Madame Bovary the original literary sad girl? Is it simply a marketing term or has it become problematic trope in publishing? Have we moved on from book covers with women face down in cakes on them? Plus all the usual recommendations.

Topics covered

• sad girl novels
• literature
• feminism
• publishing
• book recommendations

Keywords

• sad girl
• Madame Bovary
• misogyny
• marketing term
• problematic trope
• book covers

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