If you enjoy reading novels by Charles Dickens then you might also like the following authors:
Wilkie Collins was a close friend of Charles Dickens and often contributed stories to Dickens’s periodicals. Readers will appreciate Collins’s skill at creating intricate plots and memorable characters, much like Dickens.
His novels, particularly “The Woman in White” and “The Moonstone,” are pioneering works in the mystery and detective genres.
Elizabeth Gaskell shared Dickens’s keen interest in social reform and vividly portrayed working-class struggles in her novels.
“North and South” and “Mary Barton” are excellent reads for those who enjoy Dickens’s exploration of social issues and richly detailed settings.
Anthony Trollope’s novels, especially the “Chronicles of Barsetshire” series, offer a detailed depiction of Victorian society.
Like Dickens, Trollope explores the complexities of 19th-century England with humor and a keen eye for character.
Thomas Hardy might appeal to Dickens fans who appreciate an in-depth exploration of rural and social issues. His novels such as “Tess of the d’Urbervilles” and “Far from the Madding Crowd” explore the darker aspects of human nature and Victorian society.
George Eliot (the pen name of Mary Ann Evans) wrote novels that are psychologically complex and deeply insightful. Books like “Middlemarch” and “Silas Marner” offer a rich exploration of characters and social issues, much like Dickens’s work.
Charlotte Brontë’s “Jane Eyre” provides readers with a beautifully crafted story of love and social criticism, akin to the emotional depth and social commentary found in Dickens’s novels.
William Makepeace Thackeray was born in July 1811, just seven months before Charles Dickens.
His most famous work, “Vanity Fair,” is a satirical exploration of British society. Fans of Dickens will appreciate Thackeray’s sharp wit, memorable characters, and his critique of social pretensions.
An American author, Edith Wharton’s novels such as “The Age of Innocence” and “Ethan Frome” provide a critical look at upper-class society. While set in a different context, her thematic concerns resonate with Dickens’s social critiques.
Victor Hugo, author of “Les Misérables,” offers an epic tale of redemption, justice, and societal ills that mirrors the grandeur and social awareness found in Dickens’s novels. His rich characterization and grand storytelling will captivate Dickens readers.
Emile Zola’s works, particularly his “Rougon-Macquart” series, offer an intense portrayal of French society with a focus on the working class. His naturalistic style and deep character studies can intrigue those who relish Dickens’s social realism and descriptive power.
Arnold Bennett’s “The Old Wives’ Tale” and his “Clayhanger” series present a vivid portrayal of the English Midlands and its inhabitants. His detailed storytelling and character depth will resonate with fans of Dickens.
John Galsworthy’s “The Forsyte Saga” provides a multi-generational look at family dynamics and societal changes, which readers who enjoy Dickens’s focus on family and social evolution will find compelling.
While primarily known for her gothic and suspenseful novels like “The Woman in Black,” Susan Hill’s attention to atmosphere and character detail can appeal to readers who appreciate Dickens’s ability to bring settings and characters to life.
George Gissing’s novels, such as “New Grub Street” and “The Nether World,” delve into the grim realities of urban life and literary circles. His social realism and focus on the lower middle class offer parallels to Dickens’s work.
Stevenson’s novels, such as “Treasure Island” and “Kidnapped,” provide adventure and rich storytelling that can capture the imagination much like Dickens’s more dramatic tales. His vivid characters and engrossing plots will keep readers engaged.