Epicenter by Carrie Hannah

A historical novel about four diverse women struggling to survive on the cusp of the 20th century, Carrie Hannah’s Epicenter is a deftly crafted, character-driven epic about fighting against sexism and never giving up. Caitlyn, Liah, Marianna, and One Feather’s stories are each uniquely compelling and all eventually converge in San Francisco, where the 1906 earthquake wreaks havoc in the background, for an intense and dramatic setting. While it’s sometimes painful to see these women treated so brutally, the characters’ perseverance and persistence are inspirational, and the author’s skill with characterization makes this a highly rewarding read.