As of October 2023, LGBTQ+ fiction sales had soared to 4.4 million units–up 200% from October 2019, despite increased efforts to censor queer voices. Sapphic stories by sapphic authors are more widely accessible than ever, and they encompass a wide range of emotions and genres. To keep those numbers climbing in 2024, here are eight sapphic reads to keep on your radar.
(photo from Catapult.co)
Following the death of her brother from sickle cell anemia, and a breakup from her long-term partner, twenty-year-old Akúa returns to Kingston, Jamaica in 1996 to seek out her estranged sister. Akúa’s reconnection with her home country brings her face-to-face with her family’s grief and the homophobia she faces as an out lesbian in this coming-of-age debut. ($15.76 at Bookshop.org)
(Photo from PenguinRandomHouse.com)
A bisexual ode to burnout, Dawson’s debut novel follows Charlotte, whose social life, career, and mental health are stalling. When work demands her to return to her university at the same time as her five-year reunion, she faces not only memories of a time gone by, but opportunities to move forward—one of which involves reconnecting with her ex. ($26.04 at Bookshop.org)
(photo from Simon & Schuster)
Austin’s sophomore novel is the humorous and tender character study of Enid, a hard-of-hearing lesbian. She reconnects with her estranged half-sisters following a death in the family and scrolls through dating apps, all while her mind keeps her occupied with anything from thoughts of space to a new paranoia. ($26.03 at Bookshop.org)
(Photo from PenguinRandomHouse.com)
Voskuni’s sophomore novel, Lavash at First Sight, brings the sensory experiences of Armenian culture to the page. The story follows Ellie and Vanya, daughters of two rival Armenian family food companies, whose meet-cute fizzles out before anything has the chance to begin. Or does it? ($16.76 at Bookshop.org)
(Photo from PenguinRandomHouse.com)
Calling all astrology queers! When Gray moves to New Orleans, on the cusp of her Saturn return, she decides to seize the opportunity to find “The One.” As she cycles through the Zodiac signs in the form of the people she dates, she finds herself reflecting on her own needs. ($16.74 at Bookshop.org)
DeRobertis retells the myths of Psyche, the Greek goddess of the soul, and Eros, the nonbinary deity of desire. Their romance begins in secret when Eros disobeys Aphrodite’s order to destroy the beautiful Psyche. But love cannot only exist in the darkness, and soon, their bond is tested. ($26.96 at Bookshop.org)
(photo from hachettebookgroup.com)
This romance is written by real-life lovers! Ballerina Lillian and burlesque dancer Izzy embark on a hook-up-turned-situationship that finds itself in the spotlight of reality TV. Both compete for the opportunity to keep their dance dreams alive while fighting their undeniable chemistry. ($16.73 a Bookshop.org)
(photo from Catapult.co)
Xaviere’s debut novel introduces us to Bessem through her letters to Fatima, her lover who disappeared following an altercation involving her brother, a local imam. Thirteen years later, Bessem searches for Fatima in Cameroon, where homosexuality is outlawed, and colonialist legacies inflame separatist tensions. ($25.11 from Bookshop.org)
Hopefully, one or more of these stories will resonate with you or inspire you to write your own. Be sure to consult your local or favorite online queer booksellers or librarians for their recommendations, too!
