Anita Diamant tells stories about women in history. Her books often focus on their lives, especially within Jewish traditions. Think about *The Red Tent* and how it brings Dinah’s world to life.
If you enjoy novels like hers and want to discover authors with a similar approach, you might find some new favorites here.
Geraldine Brooks writes historical fiction that brings the past to life in vivid detail. Her book, “People of the Book,” follows the journey of a rare manuscript, the Sarajevo Haggadah, across centuries.
From its creation in medieval Spain to its survival through war-torn Europe, each chapter reveals the lives of those who protected it. Along the way, readers get glimpses of art, faith, and resilience through the eyes of characters connected to the book’s history.
Alice Hoffman is an author known for weaving elements of magic into everyday life. Her book “The Dovekeepers” is set in ancient Israel at the siege of Masada, where a group of Jewish families seeks refuge from Roman soldiers.
The story follows four women with different backgrounds who end up in the fortress, each carrying secrets and struggles. Their lives intersect in unexpected ways, creating a tale of love, loss, and survival against impossible odds.
The historical setting and strong characters pull you into a world that feels both distant and deeply personal.
Sue Monk Kidd is an author known for weaving deeply emotional and human stories. Her book “The Secret Life of Bees” is set in the South during the 1960s. It follows Lily, a teenage girl, who runs away with her caregiver, Rosaleen.
They find refuge with three sisters who keep bees and harbor secrets of their own. The story explores Lily’s search for truth about her mother and her journey toward understanding herself.
Barbara Kingsolver is known for writing stories that explore human connections and our ties to the natural world. One of her standout books is “The Poisonwood Bible.” It follows a missionary family who moves to the Congo, bringing their rigid beliefs with them.
The story shifts between the perspectives of the mother and her four daughters, showing how each adapts—or fails to adapt—to their new environment. Themes of family, culture, and survival drive the narrative. It’s a rich, deeply personal tale of change and conflict.
Sarah McCoy is known for creating stories that weave together history and human emotion.
Her novel, “The Baker’s Daughter,” focuses on a young German girl named Elsie during World War II, who faces difficult choices when her family’s bakery becomes entwined with the lives of those affected by the Nazi regime.
Decades later, a journalist named Reba uncovers Elsie’s past while writing about her bakery in Texas. The book explores personal struggles and secrets across two timelines, connecting past and present in meaningful ways.
Tracy Chevalier is an author known for her historical novels that bring different times and places to life.
One of her well-known books, “Girl with a Pearl Earring,” is set in 17th-century Delft and follows Griet, a young maid who works in the household of the painter Johannes Vermeer.
The story explores her role in his world, especially when she becomes involved in the creation of his famous painting. The book captures the tension of class, art, and personal choices in a way that feels intimate and vivid.
Fans of Anita Diamant’s focus on women’s lives and inner worlds might enjoy Chevalier’s ability to focus on small, human struggles within larger historical settings.
Elizabeth Berg is a writer known for her warm storytelling and relatable characters. Her novel “The Art of Mending” is about a woman named Laura, who returns home for a family reunion and finds buried tensions between her and her siblings.
As the story unfolds, long-hidden secrets from their shared past are revealed. The book explores how family bonds can both hurt and heal, and it pulls you into the complexities of forgiveness and love.
Jeanette Winterson is a bold and imaginative author who often weaves themes of identity, love, and transformation into her stories.
Her book “Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit” is a semi-autobiographical novel about a young girl named Jeanette growing up in a strict religious community.
She is adopted by a deeply devout mother who expects her to become an evangelist, but Jeanette starts to question her faith when she falls in love with another girl. The story mixes humor and heartbreak, and the characters are vivid and unforgettable.
Winterson’s way of blending real life with a touch of the surreal makes her work stand out.
Kristin Hannah is an author known for heartfelt stories about family, friendship, and resilience. One of her books, “The Nightingale,” is set during World War II and follows two sisters in France as they navigate the dangers of the war in their own ways.
One sister risks her life to help downed Allied pilots escape Nazi-occupied France, while the other tries to protect her family as the harsh realities of war close in. The story paints a vivid picture of courage and sacrifice.
Toni Morrison is an author whose writing explores deep emotions and human connections. Her book “The Bluest Eye” tells the story of Pecola Breedlove, a young Black girl in 1940s Ohio who dreams of having blue eyes.
Pecola believes blue eyes will make her beautiful and loved, but her life is filled with pain and hardship. As the story unfolds, it reveals the impact of racism, family struggles, and societal standards.
Morrison’s words bring Pecola’s world to life in a way that makes her journey unforgettable.
Lisa See writes stories that often explore relationships and history, focusing on culture and family. Her book, “Snow Flower and the Secret Fan,” is about a lifelong friendship between two women in 19th-century China.
It gives readers a glimpse into the secret world of women’s traditions, featuring a writing system called nu shu, used by women to communicate. The story captures the challenges and loyalty of the bond between these two friends as they face societal rules and personal struggles.
Isabel Allende is a writer known for weaving rich family sagas with historical settings. One of her most famous books, “The House of the Spirits,” tells the story of the Trueba family across several generations.
It begins with Clara, a girl who has a gift for communicating with spirits, and follows the fortunes and struggles of her descendants. The novel is set against a backdrop of political change in an unnamed South American country.
The relationships between the family members are filled with intense love, betrayal, and the effects of power. Allende creates a vivid blend of reality and the supernatural, drawing readers into the lives of her unforgettable characters.
Karen White is known for crafting atmospheric stories that often weave together family secrets, history, and relationships.
In her book “The Forgotten Room,” written with co-authors Beatriz Williams and Lauren Willig, readers follow three women connected across generations by a mysterious New York mansion and a hidden painting.
The story moves effortlessly through different time periods to uncover how these women’s lives intertwine. Fans of Anita Diamant’s focus on the struggles and resilience of women may find something to enjoy in White’s immersive storytelling.
Ann Patchett writes stories that explore deep human connections and the unexpected relationships people form.
Her novel “Bel Canto” tells the story of a lavish birthday party in a South American mansion that takes a surprising turn when a group of terrorists takes everyone hostage.
Instead of chaos and fear, what unfolds is an unusual bond between captors and captives, set against a backdrop of music and unlikely friendships. The characters are layered, and their relationships grow in ways that keep you wanting to know more about them.
Wally Lamb is an author known for crafting heartfelt stories about family, identity, and resilience. His novel, “She’s Come Undone,” follows the life of Dolores Price, a woman who faces loneliness, heartbreak, and trauma as she journeys toward self-acceptance.
The story takes readers through her struggles and growth, making her someone you root for despite her flaws. The emotional depth of Lamb’s writing may resonate with fans of Anita Diamant, as both authors explore personal transformation and human connections with great care.