If you enjoy reading books by Dalton Trumbo then you might also like the following authors:
Kurt Vonnegut writes in a way that mixes dark humor with sharp commentary on society. One of his most famous books, “Slaughterhouse-Five,” tells the story of Billy Pilgrim, a soldier who survives the firebombing of Dresden in World War II.
Billy becomes “unstuck in time,” jumping between moments in his life, including his time as a prisoner of war and his encounters with aliens on a distant planet. The book explores war and human behavior in ways that can surprise you, while still making you think.
John Steinbeck was an American author who wrote stories about ordinary people facing struggles in life. One of his most well-known books, “The Grapes of Wrath,” tells the story of the Joad family, who leave their drought-stricken farm in Oklahoma during the Great Depression.
They head to California, searching for work and dignity, but what they find is far from what they hoped for. The book doesn’t shy away from showing the hardships faced by migrant families.
Steinbeck paints a vivid picture of resilience, humanity, and injustice that feels deeply real, similar to the way Dalton Trumbo brought raw emotions and social issues to life in his stories.
George Orwell was an author known for stories that explore power, control, and human society. One of his most famous books, “1984,” is set in a bleak future where a totalitarian government watches everything its citizens do.
The story follows Winston Smith, a man who quietly questions the oppressive system he lives under while working at the Ministry of Truth, where facts and history are constantly rewritten.
The book captures the crushing weight of surveillance and propaganda, showing how truth can be twisted to serve those in power.
Ernest Hemingway is known for his straightforward style and strong, understated characters. One of his famous works, “For Whom the Bell Tolls,” tells the story of Robert Jordan, a young American working with guerrilla fighters in the Spanish Civil War.
The novel explores loyalty, fear, and sacrifice. Robert is sent to blow up a bridge, and along the way, he forms a deep connection with a local woman named María. The way the characters wrestle with the weight of their choices gives the story an intense and personal feel.
Albert Camus was a French author who wrote about deep questions of life’s meaning and human existence in ways that feel grounded and relatable. His novel “The Stranger” tells the story of Meursault, a man living in Algeria who reacts to life’s events with detachment.
After a chance encounter leads to a tragic act, his trial becomes more about his character than the crime itself. Camus explores themes of isolation, choice, and society’s expectations, shedding light on how people grapple with existence when faced with absurdity.
Graham Greene is an author who explored the darker sides of human nature and morality. One of his books, “The Power and the Glory,” tells the story of a fugitive priest in Mexico during a time when the government is persecuting the Catholic Church.
The priest isn’t portrayed as a saintly figure—he’s flawed, drinks too much, and struggles with guilt—but his journey is powerful as he tries to stay true to his faith while evading the authorities.
Greene’s writing often examines inner conflict and the cost of personal beliefs, which might remind readers of the kinds of themes Dalton Trumbo tackled in his work.
Norman Mailer was a bold and passionate writer, known for tackling raw and complex characters. His book “The Naked and the Dead” is a powerful look into the lives of soldiers during World War II.
It follows a group of men sent to a Pacific island, exploring their fears, frustrations, and bonds as they navigate the harsh realities of war. The story isn’t about heroics but the human side of surviving in an unforgiving environment.
If you’re into intense and thought-provoking war stories, this one leaves a lasting impression.
James Baldwin was a writer who explored themes around identity, race, and human connections. His book, “Giovanni’s Room,” tells the story of David, an American man living in Paris. David struggles with his emotions and faces difficult decisions about love and who he truly is.
The story focuses on his complex relationship with Giovanni, an Italian man, and the ways society influences their lives. The writing is emotional, honest, and unflinching, capturing the challenges of self-acceptance and societal judgment.
Howard Zinn was a historian and author who offered a fresh look at history by focusing on the lives of ordinary people.
His book, “A People’s History of the United States,” turns the spotlight away from presidents and generals to show how workers, activists, and marginalized groups shaped the nation.
One memorable part explores the stories of early labor movements, showing the struggles and sacrifices of those fighting for fair treatment in factories. Zinn’s writing has a direct tone, which makes the history feel personal and alive.
Ray Bradbury was a brilliant storyteller known for his imaginative and thought-provoking fiction. One of his most famous works, “Fahrenheit 451,” takes readers into a world where books are outlawed and firemen burn them to maintain control over knowledge.
The story follows Montag, a fireman who begins questioning his role in this oppressive society after meeting a free-spirited young woman and an elderly book lover.
As Montag discovers the power of ideas hidden within books, his life begins to unravel in ways that push him to make difficult choices.
Arthur Koestler was a Hungarian-British writer known for his thought-provoking and politically charged novels.
His book “Darkness at Noon” explores the life of a man named Rubashov, a loyal Soviet revolutionary who finds himself imprisoned and accused of treason during Stalin’s purges. The story dives into his memories, his interrogations, and the twisted logic used to justify his fate.
Koestler examines the clash between personal morality and blind loyalty to ideology, painting a vivid picture of a man trying to reconcile his past decisions with where they led him.
Joseph Heller is an author best known for “Catch-22,” a novel that mixes humor with the absurdity of war.
The book focuses on Captain John Yossarian, a U.S. bomber pilot during World War II, who tries to escape dangerous missions by navigating a ridiculous bureaucratic rule known as Catch-22.
This rule makes it impossible for airmen to declare themselves unfit for duty because if they claim to be insane to avoid flying, it proves they are rational enough to fly.
The story dives into the chaos, fear, and madness of war, showing how rules and institutions often work against people. It’s a sharp and unforgettable take on how survival and morality collide in the most desperate circumstances.
Carson McCullers wrote stories that explore the emotions and struggles of outsiders. Her book, “The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter,” revolves around John Singer, a deaf-mute man who becomes a confidant for a group of lonely characters in a small Southern town.
Each person shares their pain and dreams with him, unaware of his own quiet sorrow. McCullers creates a world where isolation and connection exist side by side, making her stories unforgettable.
Fans of Dalton Trumbo might enjoy the way McCullers captures raw human vulnerability.
Richard Wright was an American writer who explored race, identity, and society in his works. One of his most famous books, “Native Son,” tells the story of Bigger Thomas, a young Black man navigating poverty in 1930s Chicago.
When a series of tragic events pulls him into a terrible crime, Bigger’s life spirals out of control. The novel digs into fear, desperation, and systemic forces that shape his world.
Wright’s raw storytelling captures moments that feel vivid and powerful, leaving readers questioning the society that shaped Bigger’s choices.
Ken Kesey was an American writer known for exploring authority, rebellion, and individual freedom. His novel, “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” tells the story of a man named Randle McMurphy, who fakes insanity to avoid prison labor and is sent to a mental hospital.
There, he clashes with Nurse Ratched, a figure of strict control, as he inspires other patients to resist. The book combines sharp dialogue and unforgettable characters, offering a vivid look at power dynamics and the cost of defiance.