If you enjoy reading books by Elizabeth Kostova then you might also like the following authors:
Diana Gabaldon is known for writing historical fiction with immersive detail and strong emotional connections. Her novel “Outlander” begins with Claire Randall, a World War II nurse who is mysteriously transported to 18th-century Scotland.
Caught between her life in the 1940s and the world of clans, war, and survival, Claire meets Jamie Fraser, a young Highlander with a fiery spirit. The story weaves romance and history, set against the backdrop of a tumultuous time in Scottish history.
Fans of richly layered historical narratives might find her work exciting to explore.
Carlos Ruiz Zafón is a Spanish author known for weaving stories filled with mystery and atmosphere. One of his best-known books, “The Shadow of the Wind,” is set in post-war Barcelona.
It begins with a boy named Daniel finding a forgotten novel in a hidden library called the Cemetery of Forgotten Books. When he tries to learn more about the author, he uncovers dark secrets connected to the city’s past.
The mix of faded glamour and danger in Barcelona’s streets creates a haunting backdrop for the twists that follow. Fans of stories with layered histories may find his work hard to put down.
Deborah Harkness is known for blending history, science, and magic in her storytelling. Her book, “A Discovery of Witches,” introduces Diana Bishop, a scholar who stumbles upon an enchanted manuscript in a library.
This discovery pulls her into a world of witches, vampires, and ancient secrets. Diana’s journey is intertwined with Matthew Clairmont, a mysterious vampire. Their search for answers takes them through a mix of historical mysteries and supernatural danger.
Kate Morton is an author who weaves family secrets and past mysteries into layered tales. Her book “The Forgotten Garden” tells the story of Cassandra, who inherits a mysterious book of fairy tales and an old house from her grandmother, Nell.
As Cassandra investigates, she uncovers Nell’s shocking origins, which tie back to a little girl abandoned on a ship heading to Australia in 1913. The story jumps between time periods, tracing the lives of Nell, Cassandra, and a young woman connected to the mysterious garden.
Morton’s writing has a way of keeping readers curious as all the pieces come together.
A.S. Byatt is an author known for weaving history and literature into her stories. Her novel “Possession” is about two modern-day scholars who uncover a hidden romance between two Victorian poets.
The book moves between timelines, blending the scholars’ discoveries with excerpts of poetry and letters from the past. As the mysteries of the poets’ lives unfold, the story explores themes of love and obsession, all while painting a vivid picture of the literary world.
Tracy Chevalier is known for weaving historical settings into her novels in a way that feels vivid and real. One of her beloved works, “Girl with a Pearl Earring,” is set in 17th-century Delft, Netherlands.
It tells the story of Griet, a quiet maid who works in the household of painter Johannes Vermeer. As she becomes involved in his work, she finds herself drawn into the world of art, tension, and power.
The novel explores the relationship between Griet and Vermeer, showing how their lives intersect through the creation of his famous painting. Fans of Elizabeth Kostova might enjoy the way Chevalier immerses readers in rich historical detail and personal stories.
Umberto Eco was an Italian author known for blending history, literature, and mystery. His novel “The Name of the Rose” is set in a remote monastery during the 14th century.
The story follows a Franciscan friar, William of Baskerville, who investigates a series of murders tied to forbidden knowledge and ancient manuscripts. The book weaves together a sense of danger, religious debate, and secrets hidden in the shadows of the monastery’s library.
Fans of Elizabeth Kostova might enjoy its mix of historical settings and layered storytelling.
Ann Patchett writes stories that often bring people together in unexpected ways. Her novel “Bel Canto” is about a group of strangers held hostage during a party at a South American embassy after a failed terrorist attack.
The story focuses on the relationships that form between the hostages and their captors. There’s a famous opera singer, a translator caught between worlds, and even moments of beauty within the tension.
The setting creates an atmosphere where language, music, and human connection take center stage. If you enjoy detailed character work and strong storytelling, her books are worth exploring.
Erin Morgenstern is an author known for weaving imaginative and atmospheric stories. Her novel, “The Night Circus,” centers on a magical competition between two young illusionists, Celia and Marco.
The circus itself appears without warning, operating only at night and filled with enchanting tents that seem to defy reality. Beneath its wonder lies a deeper struggle, as the competitors find their lives and hearts unexpectedly intertwined.
Fans of Elizabeth Kostova might enjoy the rich setting and layered storytelling in this book.
Hilary Mantel is known for her ability to immerse readers in vivid historical settings through richly drawn characters. One of her best-known books, “Wolf Hall,” tells the story of Thomas Cromwell’s rise to power in the court of Henry VIII.
The novel follows his journey from a blacksmith’s son to one of the most influential figures in England, capturing the betrayals and shifting alliances within the Tudor world.
Mantel brings Cromwell’s world to life with details about political schemes, his personal struggles, and the dangerous path he walks as he navigates the king’s volatile demands.
Geraldine Brooks writes historical fiction that brings past worlds to life with vivid detail and rich storytelling.
Her novel, “People of the Book,” follows the journey of a rare Jewish manuscript through centuries, tracing its history from its creation to its preservation during moments of conflict and chaos.
The story weaves together the lives of people connected to the book, revealing their struggles, secrets, and acts of courage. Brooks explores human connections through artifacts, creating a sense of history that feels personal and immediate.
Sarah Waters is a British author known for her richly detailed historical novels. Her book “Fingersmith” is set in Victorian England. It follows a young woman named Sue who becomes part of a con to swindle a wealthy heiress, Maud Lilly.
As Sue works as Maud’s maid to carry out the scheme, secrets unravel, and the characters’ lives take unexpected turns. The story is full of twists, layered relationships, and a dark, atmospheric setting perfect for fans of Elizabeth Kostova’s works.
Dan Simmons is an author known for blending history, literature, and speculative fiction. If you enjoyed Elizabeth Kostova’s way of weaving rich settings with deep stories, you might want to check out his book “The Terror.”
This novel takes place during the doomed 1840s Arctic expedition of the HMS Erebus and HMS Terror. As the crew battles hunger, freezing temperatures, and isolation, a mysterious creature begins hunting them.
The story brings in historical detail and an eerie sense of menace that keeps you hooked.
Susanna Kearsley writes historical fiction with dual timelines, weaving together modern stories and the past. One of her books, “The Winter Sea,” follows a modern writer named Carrie McClelland, who visits Scotland to research her novel.
As she works, Carrie begins to uncover a mysterious connection between her family history and the events of the Jacobite uprising in the early 1700s. The story shifts between Carrie’s discoveries and the life of her ancestor, Sophia, who lived through those tumultuous times.
With its mix of historical detail and personal drama, the book pulls you into both time periods.
Barbara Kingsolver is an author known for weaving rich settings and deeply personal stories. One of her books, “The Poisonwood Bible,” follows a missionary family who moves to the Congo in 1959.
Through the perspectives of the mother and her four daughters, readers witness how their lives and beliefs are shaped by the complexities of the country they barely understand.
The novel explores family, culture, and the impact of belief systems in a way that leaves a lasting impression.