Alias Grace

A parent would reach for this book when their older teenager is beginning to question the objectivity of history and how societal biases shape the stories we tell about women. This complex historical novel explores the real life case of Grace Marks, a young servant convicted of a double murder in 1843, through the eyes of a doctor attempting to map her psyche. It is a profound meditation on memory, the Victorian class system, and the limited agency of women during that era. While the story centers on a violent crime, the true focus is on the psychological weight of trauma and the ambiguity of truth. For a mature 16 to 18 year old, this book offers a masterclass in critical thinking and unreliable narration. It is an excellent choice for a young adult who enjoys deep dives into human behavior and isn't afraid of a story that refuses to provide easy answers or a clear moral resolution.