Emma Donoghue writes stories that just stick with you. Think about “Room,” told from a child’s point of view, or “The Wonder,” which is set in the 1800s. Her books often put people in really unusual spots and look closely at how they deal with it all.
If you enjoy books with a similar focus on character and intense situations, then you might be interested in discovering some other authors.
Sarah Waters is a British author known for historical fiction that vividly brings the past to life, often with rich portrayals of women and LGBTQ+ characters.
Her novel “Fingersmith” is set in Victorian England and revolves around two young women whose lives become entwined through deception and unexpected affection.
Sue Trinder, raised among thieves in London’s slums, becomes involved in a plot to defraud a gentlewoman named Maud Lilly out of her inheritance.
However, as Sue gets closer to Maud, secrets emerge, resulting in surprising twists that challenge what they—and readers—believe to be true.
With complex characters, an atmospheric setting, and thrilling plot turns, Waters’ storytelling resonates strongly with readers who enjoyed Emma Donoghue’s “The Wonder” or “Slammerkin.”
Readers who enjoy Emma Donoghue’s rich storytelling might appreciate Geraldine Brooks. She is known for vivid historical settings and thoughtfully developed characters. Brooks’ novel, “Year of Wonders,” follows a small English village during the plague outbreak of 1666.
Through the eyes of Anna Frith, a maid turned healer, readers witness courage, tragedy, and transformation as the villagers isolate themselves to halt the spread of disease.
Brooks skillfully captures human relationships, resilience, and the complexities of confronting fear in uncertain times. Fans of Emma Donoghue’s thoughtful explorations of character and history will find much to discover in Geraldine Brooks’ work.
Maggie O’Farrell is an Irish-British author known for storytelling that explores powerful emotions and rich historical settings. Her novel “Hamnet” brings readers back to Stratford-upon-Avon in the late 16th century.
It follows the life of William Shakespeare’s family, particularly focusing on his son Hamnet. O’Farrell skillfully portrays the deep bond between twins Hamnet and Judith.
The story captures the vivid struggles of family, illness and grief in a sensitive yet profoundly moving way. Fans of Emma Donoghue’s thoughtful historical narratives, strong character relationships and emotional intensity will likely appreciate O’Farrell’s “Hamnet.”
If you enjoy Emma Donoghue’s character-driven narratives and thoughtful storytelling, Kate Atkinson might be a good match for your reading list.
Her book “Life After Life” explores the unusual life of Ursula Todd, a woman who lives and dies multiple times through the early 20th century. Each new life offers a chance to alter past mistakes and avoid tragedies.
With each restart, small choices lead to very different futures. Atkinson weaves historical events with personal drama, creating a story full of vivid characters, emotional depth, and surprising possibilities.
Readers who enjoy Emma Donoghue’s vivid storytelling and historical narratives may also find Hannah Kent appealing.
Kent’s novel “Burial Rites” brings to life the harsh Icelandic landscape of the early 1800s through the story of Agnes Magnúsdóttir, the last woman executed in Iceland.
Agnes is sent to live with a remote farming family as she awaits her execution, and the novel explores her relationships, the judgments passed on her by society, and the compassion she slowly uncovers within the household.
Kent’s writing carefully evokes the stark and unforgiving setting, while her attention to historical detail and character depth resonate deeply throughout the narrative.
Readers who enjoy the layered stories and vivid characters of Emma Donoghue might find Eleanor Catton equally engaging. Catton is a New Zealand author known for rich narratives and atmospheric storytelling.
Her novel “The Luminaries” takes place during New Zealand’s nineteenth-century gold rush. In the story, a young prospector named Walter Moody arrives in town and happens upon a secretive meeting of twelve men who are connected through a series of mysterious events.
Together, they explore strange mysteries involving a fortune in gold, disappeared persons, and complex relationships. Catton weaves astrology into the structure, giving each character a distinct sign and placing their interactions amid celestial patterns.
The result is a captivating historical mystery with vivid characters and surprising turns.
Readers who enjoy Emma Donoghue’s historical depth and compelling characters may appreciate Hilary Mantel. Mantel excels in transporting readers into rich historical worlds, especially in her Booker Prize-winning novel “Wolf Hall.”
This book follows Thomas Cromwell, the clever and resourceful advisor to King Henry VIII, as he maneuvers his way through the dangerous politics of the Tudor court.
Mantel portrays Cromwell vividly, bringing to life the intrigues, betrayals, and ambitions that defined one of history’s most turbulent times. The dialogue feels sharp and authentic, the characters complex and lifelike, painting a historic moment with surprising intimacy.
Anne Enright is an Irish author known for her sharp wit and sensitive exploration of family dynamics and personal struggles. If you’ve enjoyed Emma Donoghue’s thoughtful narratives, Enright’s novel “The Gathering” could be an excellent choice.
This book follows Veronica Hegarty as she deals with the loss of her brother Liam. After his death, Veronica revisits their childhood memories; she uncovers family secrets and reflects on their complicated bonds.
Enright uses direct, insightful storytelling to examine grief, memory, and the quiet tensions beneath everyday lives. “The Gathering” moves between past and present, revealing the complexity of family relationships and the subtle weight they carry through the years.
Jessie Burton is an author whose novels often explore the hidden lives and emotional depths of intriguing characters, making her a good match for readers who enjoy the thoughtful storytelling of Emma Donoghue.
Her novel “The Miniaturist” is set in seventeenth-century Amsterdam and introduces readers to Nella Oortman, a young bride who enters a marriage filled with secrets.
Her husband presents her with a cabinet-sized replica of their home, and soon miniature figures, mysteriously sent by a skilled miniaturist, begin to mirror unsettling events within their household.
Burton creates an atmospheric tale filled with suspense and vivid historical detail, drawing you deeply into the secrets of her characters.
Readers who enjoy Emma Donoghue’s thoughtful storytelling and unique character perspectives might find Laline Paull particularly appealing. Paull’s novel “The Bees” introduces Flora 717, a humble sanitation bee born into the lowest caste of her hive.
But Flora is different—she can communicate, produce royal jelly, and question the rigid rules of bee society. Through Flora’s eyes, readers experience the hidden dramas and secrets inside the hive’s structured world, where loyalty and survival collide.
Paull skillfully balances imaginative storytelling with themes of identity, oppression, and resistance, making “The Bees” an unforgettable read.
Tracy Chevalier is an author who excels at building vivid characters and believable historical settings. Her book “Girl with a Pearl Earring” transports readers to 17th-century Holland.
The story follows Griet, a determined young girl who works as a maid in the household of painter Johannes Vermeer, whose art and mysterious personality draw her in. Chevalier creates an atmospheric tale full of tension, emotion, and quiet drama.
Her thoughtful exploration of art, social class, and inner conflict will appeal to readers who enjoyed Emma Donoghue’s carefully crafted narratives and subtle character portrayals.
Elizabeth Wein is an author who brings historical moments to life through powerful characters and emotional narratives. If you enjoyed Emma Donoghue’s nuanced storytelling, Elizabeth Wein’s “Code Name Verity” might resonate deeply with you.
This novel is set during World War II and tells the tale of two close friends, a pilot named Maddie and a spy known as Verity. After Verity falls into enemy hands in occupied France, she is faced with harrowing decisions about friendship loyalty and survival.
The novel carefully uncovers her journey through bravery, sacrifice, and heart-wrenching realism. Elizabeth Wein captures the voices and courage of young women swept into the turmoil of war and creates a powerful, unforgettable story.
Readers who enjoy Emma Donoghue’s historical novels may find Alison Weir equally fascinating. Weir is known for bringing historical figures back to life through detailed storytelling and authentic period settings.
In her novel “Innocent Traitor,” Weir tells the tragic yet engrossing story of Lady Jane Grey, England’s nine-day queen.
Through vivid characterization and dramatic events, readers witness Jane Grey’s youth, intelligence, and the difficult choices forced upon her by ambitious relatives and political plots.
Fans of historical fiction grounded in accurate historical detail will likely appreciate Weir’s approach and compelling narratives.
Readers who are drawn to Emma Donoghue’s evocative storytelling and intimate character portrayals may find themselves equally captivated by Madeline Miller. Miller reimagines ancient myths with vibrant humanity and emotional depth.
Her novel “Circe” retells the life of the sorceress famously depicted in Homer’s “Odyssey.” Set apart from the divine realm due to her unique powers, Circe struggles to find her identity and place in a world dominated by gods and heroes.
Miller’s portrayal of Circe is powerful and sympathetic, exploring themes of loneliness, independence, and the courage to defy expectation.
For readers intrigued by character-driven narratives and stories of inner strength and transformation, “Circe” offers an unforgettable experience.
Pat Barker is a British author known for powerful historical fiction. Readers who enjoy Emma Donoghue’s thoughtful exploration of human emotion in difficult circumstances might want to pick up Barker’s “Regeneration.”
This novel is the first in an absorbing trilogy set during World War I. It centers around the real-life psychiatrist Dr. Rivers and his treatment of shell-shocked soldiers, including poets Siegfried Sassoon and Wilfred Owen.
Barker brings the past to life through deeply layered characters and memorable dialogue. She confronts themes of war, mental trauma, and personal identity with honesty and sensitivity. Barker blends factual accuracy and fiction in a way that makes history vivid and personal.