If you enjoy reading novels by Cormac McCarthy then you might also like the following authors:
If you’re into Cormac McCarthy’s style, William Faulkner is another writer to check out. Faulkner often explores the darker sides of the American South. One good place to start is his classic novel, “As I Lay Dying.”
The story follows the Bundren family as they carry their mother’s coffin to her hometown. Everything goes wrong on the journey. Each chapter offers a different person’s view, which makes the family drama extreme at times.
The characters are strong, flawed and sometimes even funny. Faulkner gives readers honest emotion and difficult situations, without holding back or making excuses.
Flannery O’Connor wrote stories of southern life filled with complex characters and dark humor. Her collection “A Good Man Is Hard to Find” contains several short stories that show human flaws and moral tension in clear, sharp prose.
In the story “A Good Man Is Hard to Find,” a family heads out on a road trip and meets trouble when they cross paths with an escaped criminal called The Misfit.
O’Connor makes ordinary situations feel tense and uncertain, similar to the unsettling mood readers find in Cormac McCarthy novels.
Ernest Hemingway had a knack for telling stories with direct language, cutting to the heart of human experience. He created intense scenes and explored the depths of human emotions.
One of his notable books, “The Old Man and the Sea,” tells the tale of an aging fisherman named Santiago who faces a giant marlin in the Gulf Stream. There’s a raw struggle between man and nature, reflecting on themes of perseverance and dignity.
The simplicity in Hemingway’s style lets readers feel the tension of the fisherman’s solitary battle, drawing you into a tale that stays with you long after you finish reading.
Larry McMurtry is a writer known for his vivid storytelling and deep characters. In his book “Lonesome Dove,” we journey with former Texas Rangers, Captain Woodrow F. Call and Augustus “Gus” McCrae. They set off on an ambitious cattle drive from Texas to Montana.
The story explores themes of friendship and the harsh realities of frontier life. Gus, with his charm and humor, and Call, quiet yet determined, bring the narrative to life.
This epic tale captures the grit and beauty of the Old West, making it a classic for anyone drawn to stories of rugged landscapes and complex characters.
McMurtry’s work resonates with fans of Cormac McCarthy, who appreciate rich settings and strong personalities in their reading.
Charles Portis is a writer known for his distinct blend of dry humor and vivid storytelling. His novel “True Grit” tells the story of a tough young girl named Mattie Ross.
She sets out on a mission to avenge her father’s murder with the help of Rooster Cogburn, a grizzled U.S. Marshal. This tale is set in the Old West, filled with gritty landscapes and unforgettable characters. It’s a journey into themes of justice, bravery, and resilience.
If you enjoy stories with strong characters and a sense of adventure, this book should be right up your alley.
Kent Haruf is an author with a knack for painting vivid pictures of small-town life. One of his well-loved books is “Plainsong.”
This novel takes us to the quiet town of Holt, Colorado, where the lives of a high school teacher, two young brothers, and a pregnant teenager weave together in unexpected ways. Haruf’s ability to capture the essence of everyday life and human connection shines here.
The stories of these characters, each dealing with their own struggles, create a tapestry of resilience and kindness. Readers who appreciate Cormac McCarthy’s focus on the raw, honest aspects of life might find Haruf’s storytelling style engaging.
Jim Harrison, known for his rich storytelling and deep connection to the natural world, offers readers an experience different than the typical.
One of his notable novels, “Legends of the Fall,” consists of three novellas, each exploring themes of love, loss, and the passage of time.
Set against the backdrop of the Montana wilderness, the stories highlight complex characters and their struggles with the forces of nature and fate.
The titular novella explores the tumultuous relationship between three brothers, forever changed after World War I, and how their bond is tested. With a vivid sense of place and gripping human drama, Harrison creates a narrative that sticks with you.
Thomas McGuane is an author known for his vivid storytelling and unique characters. If you’re a fan of Cormac McCarthy, you might enjoy McGuane’s “Ninety-Two in the Shade.”
The story takes place in Key West, where a young man named Thomas Skelton returns home to start a charter fishing business. His plans quickly become complicated because of a rivalry with a seasoned and unhinged fishing guide named Nichol Dance.
The book explores themes of ambition, rivalry, and the complexities of human nature set against the vibrant backdrop of the Florida Keys. You’ll find a mix of intense moments and dry humor, all woven into a narrative that’s hard to put down.
Annie Proulx writes stories that transport you into worlds that feel both familiar and unique. In “The Shipping News,” she brings to life Quoyle, a struggling newspaper writer who finds himself navigating the rugged coast of Newfoundland.
This book unfolds with a mix of humor and hardship, showing what life in a remote, windswept area is like. With its engaging characters and vivid settings, Proulx’s work resonates with the kind of raw and vivid storytelling fans of Cormac McCarthy will appreciate.
Michael Ondaatje is a Canadian author with a knack for weaving vivid tales that captivate readers who appreciate deep storytelling.
One of his notable books, “The English Patient,” revolves around a mysterious, severely burned man found in the wreckage of a plane during World War II.
Set in an Italian villa, the novel explores the interconnected lives of the patient, his nurse, and two other characters with their own haunting pasts. As secrets unfold, the characters confront love, betrayal, and the scars left by war.
Fans of Cormac McCarthy might find Ondaatje’s rich narrative and complex characters refreshing.
Ron Rash, a Southern Appalachian writer, is known for his ability to capture the raw beauty and harsh realities of life in the mountains. His book, “Serena,” unfolds in the timber-rich North Carolina mountains during the Great Depression.
The story introduces Serena Pemberton, a formidable woman who, alongside her husband, seeks to build a timber empire. With no children of her own, Serena proves relentless and unforgiving, ensuring nothing and no one stands in her way.
The novel paints a vivid picture of ambition, power, and the lengths people go to fulfill their desires. For readers who appreciate Cormac McCarthy’s gritty storytelling, Rash’s work offers a similar immersive experience, rooted deeply in the land and its people.
Don DeLillo is a writer known for his strong storytelling and keen observations about society. If you enjoy Cormac McCarthy, you might like DeLillo’s “White Noise.”
The book follows Jack Gladney, a professor who teaches about Hitler but can’t quite grasp the chaos in his own life. When a toxic event hits his town, Jack and his family find the everyday world unraveling.
This story explores how people grapple with fear and uncertainty while holding onto the fragments of modern life. It’s a tale where ordinary events echo deeper questions about existence and identity.
James Lee Burke is an author known for stories filled with vivid landscapes and deep character development. One book to check out is “The Neon Rain.” This novel introduces detective Dave Robicheaux in New Orleans.
The story starts with Dave discovering a murdered prostitute, leading him into a world of corruption and crime. Burke’s writing paints the gritty atmosphere of the city, making you feel every drop of rain that falls on its streets.
Each character is well-drawn, from Dave’s complex personality to the sinister figures he meets. If you enjoy atmospheric settings and strong storytelling, this might be a book you’d like.
Denis Johnson is known for his evocative storytelling and insightful exploration of human nature. One of his standout works is “Tree of Smoke”. This novel takes readers into the dense landscapes of the Vietnam War, capturing the confusion and chaos of the era.
It follows a young CIA operative named Skip Sands as he navigates a world of espionage and moral ambiguity. The novel dives into the turmoil of war, with characters facing dilemmas that force them to confront their own beliefs and values.
Full of tension and vivid scenes, “Tree of Smoke” offers a deep look into the human experience during a turbulent time. Fans of Cormac McCarthy might find Johnson’s storytelling both powerful and thought-provoking.