Here are 12 authors that fans of Emily St. John Mandel might enjoy:
Margaret Atwood is known for her speculative fiction with a strong focus on dystopian and post-apocalyptic themes, much like Mandel’s Station Eleven. Her novels, including The Handmaid’s Tale and Oryx and Crake, explore societal decay and resilience, often in poetic prose.
Kazuo Ishiguro’s Never Let Me Go delves into dystopian settings and complex human emotions. His meticulous character development and elegant writing style resonate with the introspective and richly crafted worlds that Mandel creates.
Famous for Cloud Atlas, David Mitchell’s work often features interconnected stories and diverse characters across different timelines and settings. His intricate narrative style and imaginative storytelling mirror the structure and thoughtfulness found in Mandel’s novels.
Colson Whitehead’s works, such as The Underground Railroad and The Nickel Boys, blend historical contexts with imaginative premises. His exploration of human endurance and societal constructs aligns well with the themes that Mandel fans appreciate.
For fans of post-apocalyptic fiction, The Road by Cormac McCarthy is unmissable. His sparse, powerful prose and brutally honest portrayal of survival echo the grimmer aspects of Mandel’s work, capturing both devastation and fleeting hope.
Ann Patchett’s novels often explore the intricate dynamics of human relationships and community, similar to Mandel. Books like Bel Canto and The Dutch House offer deeply emotional narratives and well-drawn characters that resonate with readers.
Yaa Gyasi’s Homegoing spans generations and continents, exploring the effects of history on individual lives. Her intricate storytelling and deep character insights are reminiscent of the rich narratives Mandel crafts.
Donna Tartt’s novels, such as The Secret History and The Goldfinch, often feature complex characters and intertwining plots. Her ability to build suspense and delve into the human psyche will captivate Mandel’s readers.
Lily King’s Euphoria is inspired by the life of anthropologist Margaret Mead. Like Mandel, King creates vivid settings and intense character studies, providing readers with an immersive reading experience.
Whitehead’s The Underground Railroad presents a stark, imaginative reworking of the historical escape network. His masterful blend of history and speculative elements might appeal to Mandel’s readers who enjoy blending fiction with reality.
Octavia Butler’s Parable of the Sower is a brilliant choice for Mandel fans. Butler’s speculative fiction often tackles themes of survival, societal collapse, and human resilience, drawing parallels to Station Eleven.
Claire North’s The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August weaves together time-bending plots and richly developed characters. Her clever and intriguing storytelling style makes it a great match for Mandel enthusiasts.