Candice Carty-Williams writes books that get under your skin. Her stories look at life, love, and identity with a sharp eye and a lot of heart.
If you enjoyed the way she writes about modern life, especially in books like *Queenie*, and are searching for authors who explore similar themes with a similar voice, here are some writers you might want to check out.
Bernardine Evaristo is an author who explores identity and the interconnected lives of her characters. Her novel “Girl, Woman, Other” follows the stories of twelve people, mostly Black British women, across different generations.
The book weaves their lives together, revealing their personal struggles, relationships, and triumphs. Evaristo’s writing captures the richness of their experiences and highlights voices that are often overlooked.
Queenie Mbatha is an author who writes about young women navigating personal growth and societal expectations while exploring themes of identity and relationships.
Her novel, “This Is Home,” follows Thandi, a 25-year-old woman who returns to her small South African hometown after life in the city takes a bad turn. Back home, she reconnects with family secrets and confronts old friendships that never healed.
The story paints a vivid picture of Thandi’s struggle with belonging and finding a sense of self in a world that seems to pull her in every direction. It’s filled with heartfelt moments and unforgettable characters.
Fans of Candice Carty-Williams might appreciate the emotional depth Mbatha brings to her stories.
Oyinkan Braithwaite is a Nigerian author known for her sharp and darkly humorous storytelling. Her novel, “My Sister, the Serial Killer,” is a mix of family drama and crime.
The story follows Korede, a meticulous nurse, who finds herself cleaning up after her sister Ayoola’s deadly messes. Ayoola, charismatic and beautiful, has a troubling habit—her boyfriends don’t make it out alive.
The book examines sibling loyalty while twisting the idea of family bonds into something darker yet oddly fascinating.
Brit Bennett writes about family, identity, and the choices that shape us. Her novel, “The Vanishing Half,” tells the story of twin sisters, Stella and Desiree, who grow up in a small Southern town.
One chooses to embrace her Black identity, while the other passes as white and starts a new life. The book spans generations, exploring how decisions echo through time. It’s filled with secrets, love, and questions about who we really are.
Kiley Reid is an author whose writing explores relationships, identity, and social dynamics in a way that feels fresh and authentic. Her novel, “Such a Fun Age,” tells the story of a young Black woman named Emira, who works as a babysitter for a wealthy white family.
When Emira is accused of kidnapping the child she cares for, this sets off a chain of events that brings questions of privilege, race, and intentions to the surface. The book follows how Emira navigates these tensions while trying to figure out what she wants for her own life.
Reid’s storytelling blends humor with sharp observations, creating a story that’s both real and memorable.
Zadie Smith is a British author known for creating vibrant, character-driven stories that explore identity, relationships, and culture.
Her novel “White Teeth” follows two families in London, the Joneses and the Iqbals, who navigate the struggles of immigration, generational differences, and personal ambitions.
The story weaves through decades, touching on everything from science experiments to family secrets, showing how the past impacts the present. It’s packed with unique characters and moments that stick with you long after reading.
Diana Evans is an author known for exploring family dynamics and the emotional layers of everyday life. Her novel, “Ordinary People,” follows two couples in London as they navigate love, change, and the struggles of long-term relationships.
Set against the backdrop of London’s vibrancy, the story looks at the toll of routine and unspoken desires on intimacy. Fans of Candice Carty-Williams might appreciate Evans’ way of capturing the personal and cultural challenges her characters face.
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is a Nigerian author known for stories that explore identity, love, and cultural shifts. Her book “Americanah” follows Ifemelu, a Nigerian woman who moves to the United States for college.
As she navigates her new life, she starts a blog about race and reflects on how America sees her as a Black woman. Meanwhile, her first love, Obinze, faces his own challenges in London after being unable to join her in the States.
The novel weaves together their journeys and examines the personal cost of immigration and the pull of home.
Tayari Jones is known for her rich storytelling and heartfelt exploration of relationships and identity. Her novel, “An American Marriage,” follows Celestial and Roy, a young couple whose lives are torn apart when Roy is wrongfully incarcerated.
The story captures the strains on their marriage and how they try to navigate love and loyalty in the face of overwhelming challenges. It’s tender, emotional, and filled with characters that feel deeply real.
Angie Thomas writes stories that feel real and full of heart, often focusing on the lives of young Black characters. Her book, “The Hate U Give,” follows Starr Carter, a teenage girl who witnesses the police shooting of her best friend, Khalil.
The story explores how Starr navigates the aftermath, dealing with the pressures from her family, her mostly white private school, and her community.
It’s a story about identity, race, and standing up for what matters most, all told in a way that feels both honest and deeply human.
Phoebe Robinson is a writer who brings humor and honesty to her work, often touching on race, relationships, and pop culture. Her book “You Can’t Touch My Hair: And Other Things I Still Have to Explain” blends her experiences as a Black woman with sharp commentary.
In one chapter, she talks about the awkwardness of explaining cultural differences to well-meaning but clueless friends, while in another, she tackles beauty standards with heartfelt humor.
The personal stories give readers a mix of wit and insight, with moments that feel relatable and refreshingly real.
Tia Williams is an author known for creating characters that feel real and relatable. In her novel “Seven Days in June,” she tells the story of Eva, a single mom and bestselling erotica writer who reconnects with Shane, a literary star from her past.
Their lives have gone in separate directions, but their meeting stirs up emotions and secrets they thought they had left behind. The book weaves together love, second chances, and the complexities behind the stories people tell about themselves.
It’s a deeply emotional journey with moments of humor and warmth.
Reni Eddo-Lodge is a writer whose work explores the connections between race and society. Her book, “Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race,” grew out of a blog post and became a bold, thought-provoking work.
It looks at the history of systemic racism in Britain and how it shapes everyday life today. One striking part examines the forgotten stories of Black British history, showing how they’ve been left out of what most people learn.
Eddo-Lodge’s voice is clear and direct, which makes her a strong storyteller for those who are ready to engage with these issues.
Yvonne Battle-Felton is an author who brings history and personal stories to life. Her novel, “Remembered,” is set in the early 1900s and follows Spring, a mother who shares her memories with her dying son, Edward.
Through her storytelling, she reveals the struggles and resilience of her ancestors, moving through slavery and into freedom. The narrative moves back and forth in time, uncovering family secrets and the heavy weight of the past.
With its focus on family, identity, and legacy, Battle-Felton creates a thought-provoking and emotional journey. Fans of Candice Carty-Williams may find her work equally engaging because of the strong, nuanced characters and themes of self-discovery.
Nikki May is a British-Nigerian author whose writing captures the complexity of friendships, identity, and culture. Her debut novel, “Wahala,” tells the story of three mixed-race friends navigating life in London when a fourth woman enters their circle, bringing chaos.
The story explores their relationships, secrets, and the unexpected ways their lives intertwine, all against a backdrop of food, fashion, and modern life. It’s vivid and full of personality, with characters you can’t help but get invested in.