If you enjoy reading novels by Edith Wharton then you might also like the following authors:
Henry James, known for his exploration of the complexities of human relationships and social conventions, authored novels such as “The Portrait of a Lady” and “The Turn of the Screw”.
His works delve into themes of identity, morality, and the clash between American and European cultures. Fans of Edith Wharton might appreciate James’s insightful examinations of society and character, as both writers offer deep analyses of the upper class and its influence on individual lives.
Jane Austen’s works offer keen observations of 19th-century British society. In “Pride and Prejudice”, she explores themes of love and social standing through the story of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy.
“Emma” portrays a young woman’s misguided attempts at matchmaking in her small community, which result in unexpected self-discovery. Her novels continue to resonate for their wit and insight into human nature.
E.M. Forster wrote novels that explore themes of class, human connection, and the complexities of British society. His works “A Room with a View” and “Howards End” offer insightful critiques of social conventions and the struggle for personal freedom.
Readers who appreciate Edith Wharton’s keen observations of social structures and the constraints they impose may find similar depth and nuance in Forster’s portrayal of English society.
Theodore Dreiser was a pivotal figure in American literature, known for his portrayal of life’s harsh realities.
His novel “Sister Carrie” tells the story of a young woman’s rise in the big city of Chicago, “Jennie Gerhardt” depicts the struggles of a woman constrained by society, and “An American Tragedy” explores the dark side of ambition and desire.
Willa Cather captured the spirit of the American frontier in novels like “My Ántonia” and “O Pioneers!”. Her stories portray the struggles and triumphs of pioneers on the Great Plains, with themes of endurance and the connection between people and the land.
Someone who appreciates Edith Wharton’s exploration of human character and societal pressures might also enjoy Cather’s insightful depictions of individuals who confront challenges in different settings.
Bowen’s novels typically deal with themes of loss and dislocation. Her detailed and atmospheric style can be compared to Wharton’s expert evocation of time and place.
Woolf’s complex characters and focus on the internal life of individuals echo Wharton’s psychological insights. Her novel “Mrs Dalloway” particularly explores themes of social facade and fragmentation.
Fitzgerald’s portrayal of the Jazz Age and the decline of the American aristocracy in novels like “The Great Gatsby” may captivate Wharton’s readers, who appreciate a critical look at the elite.
Eliot’s exploration of social constraints and individual moral struggles in “Middlemarch,” for example, provides a depth and insight that would appeal to fans of Wharton’s novels.
Trollope’s novels of social manners and political ambition, most notably the “Barchester Chronicles” and “Palliser” series, can offer Wharton’s readers a similar mix of character and social analysis.
Waugh’s satirical take on British aristocracy and gentry, particularly in novels like “Brideshead Revisited,” provides a biting critique similar to Wharton’s portrayal of New York society.
Chopin’s “The Awakening” explores the constraints placed upon women and the struggle for autonomy, themes that are also prevalent in Wharton’s stories.
Maupin’s “Tales of the City” series captures the intricate social fabric and personal dramas within a community, echoing Wharton’s detailed depiction of societal interactions.
Lodge’s exploration of academic and social mores in novels like “Changing Places” and “Nice Work” provides a modern and humorous counterpart to Wharton’s social examinations.
Though set in the American South rather than the elite Northeast, Welty’s keen understanding of social boundaries and human nature will resonate with fans of Wharton’s intricate societal portraits.