“To Reign in Hell” by Stephen Brust (although that may be a little too complex). Bronte’s “Jane Eyre” followed immediately by “Wide Sargasso Sea” by Jean Rhys, because not only are both outstanding novels in their own right with content very relevant to women, but it is fascinating how one author was able to write a sequel to another author’s work that is so different yet still consistent with the original work.
How about short stories, since time is an issue? A complex short story can stimulate just as much discussion as a novel, without as much time devoted.
I would heartily recommend, not just for the book club, but anybody, “That Beautiful Undiscovered Voice” by Selwa Bakr, a simply amazing short story that speaks to every woman I know who has read it. It’s only a few pages, but no one I know who has read it has not found it moving, insightful and influential. On one level, it is about the struggle of women in a culture that is not only male-dominated, but almost compels women to exist as domestic animals. On another level, it is about the sacrifice of any parent who either chooses or is compelled to sacrifice their own actualization to take care of the domestic needs of a family. It is breathtakingly beautiful, and moved me, I must admit, to open sobbing. I don’t believe I fully appreciated my own mother until I read this story.