If you enjoy reading books by Amor Towles then you might also like the following authors:
Anthony Doerr writes stories that feel rich and full of life. His book, “All the Light We Cannot See,” is set during World War II and follows the journey of a blind French girl named Marie-Laure and a young German boy named Werner.
Their lives cross in unexpected ways, showing moments of beauty even in times of war. Doerr focuses on small details, like a hidden radio or a priceless jewel, to create a world where every moment feels meaningful.
Kristin Hannah writes stories that focus on relationships, resilience, and the emotional connections that define people’s lives. One of her standout novels is “The Nightingale,” a story set during World War II in German-occupied France.
It follows two sisters—Vianne, who stays in her village to protect her daughter, and Isabelle, who risks her life by joining the Resistance. The book explores sacrifice and courage during an intense time in history.
If Amor Towles’ character-driven storytelling resonates with you, Kristin Hannah’s heartfelt narratives might be a great fit.
William Kent Krueger is an author known for his engaging storytelling and character-driven novels. One of his standout works is “Ordinary Grace.”
Set in a small Minnesota town during the 1960s, the story follows thirteen-year-old Frank Drum as he navigates a summer marked by unexpected tragedy and long-buried secrets. Through Frank’s eyes, you get a glimpse of family bonds, loss, and moments of quiet resilience.
The book captures the atmosphere of a close-knit community while exploring the experiences that shape a boy growing up on the edge of innocence.
Kate Morton writes stories filled with secrets, family mysteries, and connections between the past and the present. Her book “The Forgotten Garden” tells the story of a woman, Cassandra, who uncovers her grandmother Nell’s mysterious past.
Nell was found alone as a child on a ship to Australia, unable to remember where she came from. Decades later, Cassandra follows clues that lead her to a forgotten English estate with an overgrown garden and answers hidden in an old book of fairy tales.
Morton takes readers across generations as they uncover the puzzle piece by piece.
Erik Larson writes narrative nonfiction that immerses readers in true historical events, often with a strong sense of place and atmosphere. One of his most well-known books, “The Devil in the White City,” tells the story of the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair.
It intertwines the lives of architect Daniel Burnham, who designed the fair, and H.H. Holmes, a serial killer who used the event to lure victims. The contrast between the grandeur of the fair and the dark crimes lurking in its shadow makes the story unforgettable.
Elizabeth Strout writes stories that focus on ordinary lives, often filled with quiet struggles and hidden emotions. In her novel “Olive Kitteridge,” she explores the life of a retired schoolteacher in a small town in Maine.
Olive is prickly, blunt, and sometimes difficult to like, but through her interactions with neighbors, friends, and family, you start to see her vulnerabilities and regrets.
One moment she’s confronting her son about their strained relationship; in another, she’s grappling with loneliness in her marriage. The book captures those small moments that reveal so much about human nature.
Strout’s ability to show the depth of everyday people is unforgettable.
Colson Whitehead is an author known for crafting stories that explore history and social issues in vivid and thought-provoking ways.
His book, “The Underground Railroad,” takes readers on an unforgettable journey through the story of Cora, an enslaved young woman who escapes a Georgia plantation.
In Whitehead’s twist, the Underground Railroad becomes a literal network of trains beneath the ground, each station revealing new challenges and dangers. The book paints a stark picture of survival, resilience, and the human cost of injustice.
Ann Patchett is an author who writes character-driven stories that explore human connections and relationships. Her novel “Bel Canto” begins with a glamorous birthday party in a South American mansion. The evening is disrupted when a group of terrorists takes everyone hostage.
Over time, the boundaries between captors and captives shift, creating unexpected bonds and moments of beauty in a stressful situation. The story is inspired by a real-life event and blends tension with deep emotional insight.
Fredrik Backman is a Swedish author known for stories filled with heart and humor. His book, “A Man Called Ove,” tells the story of a grumpy yet deeply lonely man who finds his life changed when a lively family moves in next door.
With unexpected friendships and moments that tug at the heart, the book explores themes of connection and second chances.
Lisa See is an author who brings deep relationships and family history to life. Her novel “The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane” follows the journey of Li-yan, a young girl from a remote mountain village in China.
Raised in the Akha ethnic minority, she is expected to follow cultural traditions. Everything changes when she meets a stranger with modern ideas. The story explores her decision to abandon her newborn at an orphanage and how that choice ripples across her life and the child’s.
It’s a fascinating look at tradition, change, and the bonds between mothers and daughters.
Graham Swift is a British author known for his rich and thought-provoking storytelling. One of his standout novels, “Waterland,” is set in the Fens of eastern England. The book weaves together the life of a history teacher, Tom Crick, with the secrets and tragedies of his past.
As Tom reflects on his personal history and its connection to the larger forces of change, the story explores themes of memory, love, and loss.
Swift’s ability to connect individual lives to the weight of history adds depth to his work while keeping the focus on deeply human experiences.
Ken Follett is a master at creating sweeping stories with rich historical settings.
One of his most popular works, “The Pillars of the Earth,” takes place in 12th-century England and follows the lives of several characters as they become connected by the construction of a grand cathedral.
It explores ambition, betrayal, and the struggles of ordinary people navigating the dangerous politics of the time.
With a mix of personal triumphs and harrowing losses, the book weaves together the lives of a stonemason, a visionary monk, and an ambitious noblewoman, showing how their dreams and decisions shape their world.
It’s a gripping tale for fans of vivid storytelling and unforgettable characters.
Téa Obreht is a storyteller who weaves together history and myth in unique ways. Her novel, “The Tiger’s Wife,” follows a young doctor named Natalia as she pieces together stories about her grandfather after his death.
The book moves between the modern Balkans and old-world tales, including a strange connection between her grandfather and a tiger that escaped from a zoo during wartime. Obreht blends personal struggles with larger histories, making her work a rich reading experience.
Julian Fellowes is known for creating stories filled with sharp observations about class and society. His book “Snobs” is a look into the world of British aristocracy. It follows Edith Lavery, a middle-class woman who marries Charles, an earl, for his title and wealth.
The story explores her entry into the elite world of titles and social conventions, showing the clash between her ambitions and the life she thought she wanted. The characters are richly drawn, with humor and a touch of drama, making their world feel both distant and familiar.
Eowyn Ivey writes stories that often explore life in the rugged landscapes of Alaska, blending vivid settings with heartfelt characters. Her debut novel, “The Snow Child,” is about a couple struggling to build a new life in the Alaskan wilderness.
One winter day, after the season’s first snowfall, they shape a child out of snow. The next morning, a mysterious girl appears near their cabin. The story weaves in themes of love and loss, with elements that feel magical but grounded in the harsh realities of survival.