A gender novel is a genre of novel that features gender, or the concept of gender, as a central theme to the plot of the novel. The concept of gender may be used to initiate debate regarding gender stereotypes, gender equality or the reversal of gender roles within books. This term is synonymous with gendered fiction. Gender novels may be categorized not only under the genre of gendered fiction but crime, novel of manners, romance novels, western novels, fantasy, and science-fiction. A gender novel is characterised by the central theme of gender, which is exhibited in the plot, by characters, or within the context of the novel. This involves the inclusion of transgender or androgynous characters, and the challenging of traditional gender roles. Another central theme is the development of gender-focused conflicts throughout the plot, particularly through settings where gender is written in a way that is controversial to the societal norms of the period of writing. Gender novels may also fall into the category of feminist literature. Famous gender novels include Ursula K. Le Guin's Left Hand of Darkness, Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, Naomi Alderman's The Power and Markus Zusak's The Book Thief. Many of these gender novels have been critically acclaimed for challenging of gender roles and expectations Gender novels as a contemporary genre have their foundations in the late 1940s. Later on, in the 21st century, the works of Jeffrey Eugenides, Jeff Garvin and Jessica Herthel broke stereotypical gender norms and attempted to warp traditionalist gender views. Background History of gender in literature up until the 19th century Until the 19th century, literature reflected the gender roles of the time period. Throughout the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, traditional gender roles were enforced. Women were required to wear, act and behave a certain way both in public and in the private home. Prior to the 17th century, men would play women's roles in old Shakespearean plays and musicals. Cross-gender acting is seen as evidence of the fact that women were not typically included or invited to participate in the arts, literature and musical theatrics. Throughout the 17th century, women were primarily viewed as caretakers and homemakers. Women were discouraged from expressing their opinion about politics, money and other contemporary issues. Due to their overall submissive role, most literature that was produced during this time centered around male characters. The women who were educated and capable of