Fredrik Backman writes books that get to readers. Think of *A Man Called Ove* or maybe *Anxious People*. They mix humor and serious topics. His characters are always memorable.
If you enjoy this mix and appreciate stories about human connection, you may want to discover other authors. This article points to authors who capture a similar spirit to Fredrik Backman. They tell stories that are both thoughtful and moving.
Elizabeth Strout is a writer who creates vivid characters and stories filled with emotional depth and gentle humor. If you enjoy Fredrik Backman’s warm and honest storytelling, then Strout’s “Olive Kitteridge” might interest you.
This book introduces Olive, a blunt and strong-willed retired schoolteacher, in a series of connected short stories set in a small coastal town in Maine.
Through Olive’s eyes and the lives around her, Strout explores everyday human connections, loss, joy, and the quiet strength needed to face life’s trials.
The narrative style offers insight into complicated, yet deeply relatable characters—perfect for readers who value Backman’s compassionate Looks at ordinary lives.
Matt Haig is an author whose stories resonate with warmth, humor, and heartache, qualities readers also appreciate in novels by Fredrik Backman. In his book “The Midnight Library,” Haig introduces Nora Seed, a woman filled with many regrets.
After one particularly bleak day, Nora finds herself in a mysterious library between life and death. There, each book she shelves represents the chance to explore an alternate version of her own life. Nora goes through different lives as she uncovers what truly matters.
Haig gently weaves reflections on hope, choice, and the everyday wonders we often overlook. Anyone who enjoyed Backman’s thoughtful characters and heartfelt storytelling will likely find joy and meaning in Haig’s work too.
Rachel Joyce is a British author whose books often blend humor, warmth, and a deep appreciation for life’s quieter moments. Readers who enjoy Fredrik Backman will likely connect with her novel, “The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry.”
It tells the story of Harold, a retired man living a quiet life who suddenly decides to walk hundreds of miles across England to see an old friend. During his journey, Harold encounters strangers who subtly change his understanding of himself and his past.
The book delivers emotional depth in simple yet powerful storytelling, bringing out humor and humanity through ordinary characters facing life’s challenges.
Anne Tyler is a perfect fit for readers who enjoy Fredrik Backman’s gentle yet insightful stories about everyday lives.
In her novel “A Spool of Blue Thread,” Tyler explores the Whitshank family through multiple generations, uncovering family secrets, misunderstandings, and deeply felt connections.
Abby and Red, the aging parents at the center, live in a Baltimore home filled with memories—and those memories aren’t always what they seem.
Tyler’s characters are authentic and flawed, making their struggles and joys ring true for readers who love Backman’s heartfelt storytelling.
If you enjoy Fredrik Backman’s heartfelt storytelling and characters who stay with you long after you’ve finished the last page, Jojo Moyes might be a great fit. Moyes writes insightful, emotionally rich novels that explore relationships with warmth and authenticity.
Her novel “Me Before You” introduces readers to Louisa Clark, an upbeat young woman whose life takes an unexpected turn when she becomes a caregiver to Will Traynor. Will is a charismatic yet bitter man whose adventurous life was halted by an accident.
Over time the story unfolds into a powerful exploration of love, choices, and revisiting the things we value most. Moyes brings humor and depth to her characters, making this book hit home especially for readers who appreciate Backman’s genuine, heartwarming style.
If you enjoy Fredrik Backman’s heartfelt and humorous narratives, then Gail Honeyman’s novel “Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine” might capture your interest as well.
This book introduces Eleanor, a socially awkward yet endearing young woman whose strict routines and blunt honesty often isolate her. Beneath her quirky habits and straightforward comments lies a difficult past she prefers not to confront.
Eleanor’s carefully organized life shifts unexpectedly when she forms an unlikely friendship, opening paths toward healing and connection. Honeyman skillfully blends warmth, humor, and emotional depth, offering readers an authentic and uplifting story.
Abbi Waxman is an author known for her warm and humorous stories about ordinary people facing life’s challenges. Her novel “The Bookish Life of Nina Hill” is about Nina, a bookstore employee who thrives on routines, trivia nights, and her quiet, solitary lifestyle.
When the family she never knew existed suddenly appears in her life, she must learn to navigate relationships and uncertainty with courage and humor.
Abbi Waxman’s storytelling is gentle and emotional, similar to Fredrik Backman’s heartwarming character portrayals and insightful observations about human nature.
Liane Moriarty is an Australian author who captures everyday family drama with humor, insight, and memorable personalities—qualities that readers of Fredrik Backman will appreciate. Her book “Big Little Lies” begins with a school trivia night that turns unexpectedly violent.
The story jumps backward in time, interweaving the lives of three mothers—Madeline, the lively force of nature; Celeste, who seems perfect from the outside; and Jane, a young single mom new to town.
Through friendship, rivalries, misunderstandings, and hidden truths, their stories lead inevitably toward that chaotic night. Moriarty explores family relationships and human nature, and she keeps readers entertained by blending seriousness with sharp wit.
Books by Markus Zusak often speak directly to readers who enjoy Fredrik Backman’s heartfelt storytelling style and memorable characters. In “The Book Thief,” Zusak gives readers a moving story set in Nazi Germany.
Told from the unique perspective of Death, the novel follows a young girl named Liesel who discovers a love for books and words amidst turmoil and loss.
Her adventures in stealing books, her friendships and family relationships, and the everyday courage of people around her create a sincere and meaningful read. Zusak blends humor, tragedy, and humanity in ways that echo Backman’s tender approach to life’s big questions.
Katherine Center writes heartfelt novels filled with relatable characters, humor, and emotional depth. If you enjoyed Fredrik Backman’s stories about second chances and unlikely friendships, you’ll appreciate Center’s “How to Walk Away.”
The book follows Margaret Jacobsen, a young woman whose life changes abruptly after a devastating accident. Facing uncertainty and loss, Margaret must redefine her sense of hope and happiness.
Center captures life’s hardest moments with warmth, resilience, and satisfying realism.
Readers who enjoy Fredrik Backman’s heartfelt storytelling with memorable characters may also connect with Mitch Albom. Albom writes moving books that often explore themes of life, loss, and the importance of human connection.
One of his most popular works, “Tuesdays with Morrie,” is a thoughtful reflection based on Albom’s real-life meetings with his former professor, Morrie Schwartz. The author returns every Tuesday to visit Morrie after discovering that his old mentor faces a progressive illness.
In their weekly conversations, Mitch learns valuable insights about friendship, forgiveness, and living bravely in the face of mortality. Albom’s genuine narrative style and emotional depth create an engaging story that stays with readers long after the final page.
If you enjoy Fredrik Backman’s emotional storytelling and authentic characters, Ruta Sepetys could be a perfect match. Sepetys tells powerful stories drawn from historical events, with characters who feel genuine and relatable.
Her novel “Between Shades of Gray” explores a lesser-known chapter from World War II. It follows a young Lithuanian girl named Lina, whose family is deported by Soviet soldiers to Siberian labor camps.
Lina’s struggles paint a vivid picture of resilience and courage, revealing human strength in dark times. Sepetys brings hidden history to life and leaves readers deeply moved.
Readers who enjoy Fredrik Backman might want to check out Kristin Hannah. She has a knack for capturing emotional stories about family ties, friendships, and complicated twists of life.
In her novel “The Nightingale,” Hannah explores the lives of two very different sisters in Nazi-occupied France. Vianne strives to keep her family safe in a village that’s falling apart under war, while her rebellious sister Isabelle joins the Resistance.
The story shows how ordinary people are capable of extraordinary courage during difficult times. It’s a tale about bravery, love, and the quiet strength people have even when faced with impossible decisions.
If you enjoy Fredrik Backman’s heartfelt and character-driven stories, you might also appreciate Eleanor Brown. Her novel “The Weird Sisters” explores family dynamics and personal growth with warmth and humor reminiscent of Backman’s style.
The story follows three sisters who reunite at their childhood home when their mother falls ill. Each sister comes carrying her own struggles and secrets.
Through their reunion, the novel shows a moving portrait of sisterhood, forgiveness, and the messy but beautiful ties of family. Brown mixes thoughtfulness with gentle wit, shaping characters who feel like old friends.
If you enjoy Fredrik Backman’s heartfelt stories and complex characters, Jan-Philipp Sendker is an author you might appreciate. Sendker wrote “The Art of Hearing Heartbeats,” a beautiful tale about love and connection set in Myanmar.
The story follows Julia, a young woman traveling from New York to Burma to discover why her father disappeared. As Julia uncovers her father’s past, we see a man’s life filled with deep secrets, loyalty, and compassion.
Sendker paints emotional portraits of characters facing life’s challenges with grace and resilience. Readers who appreciate Backman’s sincerity and emotional depth often find Sendker’s storytelling equally touching and memorable.