If you enjoy reading books by George Eliot then you might also like the following authors:
Thomas Hardy was an English novelist known for his moving and deeply human stories set in the rural countryside. One of his most well-known books, “Tess of the d’Urbervilles,” follows the life of Tess, a young woman from a poor family who learns they might have noble ancestry.
Tess’s journey is shaped by her struggles with love, societal expectations, and the harsh realities of life. The book explores themes of morality and fate, with moments that feel both intimate and heartbreaking.
Hardy’s writing often paints vivid pictures of the natural world while diving into the complex lives of his characters. Fans of George Eliot might find Hardy’s focus on personal struggle and social forces captivating.
Elizabeth Gaskell was a 19th-century British author who wrote stories about society, class, and human relationships. Her novel “North and South” explores the clash between the industrial North and the rural South of England.
The story follows Margaret Hale, a young woman who moves from the countryside to a smoky industrial town. There, she meets John Thornton, a mill owner with strong ideals and a difficult personality.
The book shows life in a factory town, the struggles of workers and mill owners, and how Margaret’s view of the world changes as she gets to know the people around her. It’s a book that mixes romance with social issues.
Anthony Trollope was a Victorian novelist known for his detailed portrayal of English society and characters with rich inner lives. One of his best-known books, “The Warden,” is the first in the Chronicles of Barsetshire series.
The story focuses on Reverend Septimus Harding, a kind and gentle clergyman who becomes caught in a public scandal over the distribution of funds from a local almshouse. The book explores themes of morality, duty, and the pressures of public opinion.
Trollope creates a vivid picture of small-town life, where personal struggles and social concerns collide in quiet but meaningful ways.
Charlotte Brontë wrote stories that pull you into the lives of her characters, often grappling with love, independence, and struggles against societal expectations. Her novel, “Jane Eyre,” follows the journey of Jane, an orphan who grows up facing hardship and loneliness.
As she becomes a governess, she finds herself at Thornfield Hall and meets the mysterious Mr. Rochester. The story explores their complicated relationship and Jane’s search for self-respect and freedom.
Brontë’s portrayal of Jane is powerful, giving readers a character who stands firm in her values despite the challenges she faces.
George Gissing was an English author known for his realistic novels that explore the struggles of working- and middle-class life in Victorian England.
One of his most notable works, “The Odd Women,” tells the story of a group of single women navigating a society stacked against them. The book centers on sisters left without financial security after their father’s death.
Their lives intersect with other characters, including Rhoda Nunn, an independent woman committed to helping other women escape societal expectations.
The story examines themes like gender roles and personal independence, showing the challenges women face while trying to carve out better futures.
Wilkie Collins was a 19th-century writer known for his engaging storytelling and memorable characters. One of his most famous books, “The Woman in White,” begins with a mysterious encounter on a moonlit road.
A young drawing teacher, Walter Hartright, meets a distressed woman dressed entirely in white. This chance meeting pulls him into a tangled web of secrets, deception, and hidden identities.
The story is filled with unexpected twists, and characters like the clever Marian Halcombe and the sinister Count Fosco leave a strong impression. Collins combines suspense with sharp observations of society, which fans of George Eliot might appreciate.
Margaret Oliphant was a 19th-century author who wrote novels that explored family dynamics, social pressures, and moral choices.
Her book “Miss Marjoribanks” tells the story of Lucilla Marjoribanks, a lively young woman who returns home after finishing her education to take charge of her widowed father’s household.
Lucilla is determined to elevate her small-town society, but her efforts reveal sharp insights into class distinctions and human nature. The book blends humor with a sharp observation of relationships, offering an engaging portrait of ambition and community life.
Fans of George Eliot might enjoy how Oliphant captures the nuances of social structures and personal aspirations.
Henry James was a writer who focused on human relationships and moral questions. His novel “The Portrait of a Lady” follows Isabel Archer, a young woman who travels from America to Europe.
She’s independent and eager to experience life but faces challenges when she inherits money and falls into a troubling marriage. The story explores her decisions, the motives of those around her, and how freedom can sometimes feel like a trap.
If you enjoy George Eliot’s way of examining human choices and flaws, you’d probably find this book interesting.
Mary Elizabeth Braddon was a popular Victorian author known for her sensation novels. One of her most famous works, “Lady Audley’s Secret,” tells the story of a charming and beautiful woman who seems to have a perfect life.
But beneath her polished exterior, there are hidden truths that threaten to destroy everything. The novel weaves through an investigation filled with deceit, betrayal, and shocking revelations.
It’s a story about identity and the lengths someone will go to in order to protect their secrets. Fans of George Eliot’s exploration of human nature might enjoy Braddon’s focus on character and moral struggles.
Elizabeth Barrett Browning was a poet and writer whose works often explored themes of love, faith, and social justice.
One of her most well-known works, “Aurora Leigh,” is a verse novel about a young woman determined to become a poet despite societal pressures and personal struggles.
The story follows Aurora’s life as she grows up, inherits her father’s wealth, and faces challenges from those who doubt her abilities. It also weaves in a romantic thread with her cousin, Romney Leigh, who has his own conflicting ideals.
The book reflects on art, identity, and social responsibility in a way that feels rich and emotional.
Charles Dickens is known for creating vivid characters and capturing the struggles of everyday life in 19th-century England. His novel, “David Copperfield,” tells the life story of a boy who grows up facing hardship but remains determined to find his place in the world.
From his cruel stepfather to the eccentric yet kind-hearted Aunt Betsey, the people David meets shape his journey. The story explores ambition, friendship, and resilience, all with moments of humor and heartache.
Readers who enjoy richly drawn characters and stories about personal growth might connect with Dickens’ writing.
E. M. Forster is an author known for his sharp observations and deep look into human relationships and societal clashes. His novel “Howards End” is a story about two families with very different values: the intellectual and idealistic Schlegels and the business-driven Wilcoxes.
At the heart of the story is a struggle over a house, Howards End, which becomes a symbol of inheritance and connection. The interactions between these families stir up questions about class, loyalty, and personal growth.
It’s a heartfelt tale with memorable characters and moments that linger after you finish the book.
Robert Louis Stevenson wrote stories that pull you into vivid worlds and unforgettable characters. One of his most famous works, “The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde,” explores the duality of human nature.
It follows Dr. Jekyll, a kind and respected man, who creates a potion that transforms him into the cruel and unrestrained Mr. Hyde. The story dives into how Jekyll struggles to control this darker part of himself as Hyde’s actions spiral out of control.
Stevenson’s writing makes readers think about morality and the hidden sides of people, while keeping you eager to see what happens next.
Louisa May Alcott was a 19th-century author known for her heartfelt storytelling and memorable characters. Her novel “Little Women” follows the lives of the four March sisters—Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy—as they grow up in New England during the Civil War.
The story takes you through their struggles, dreams, and bonds as a family. Jo, an aspiring writer, refuses to conform to society’s expectations, while Amy dreams of elegance and art. Their mother, Marmee, holds the family together through hardships.
The book explores love, ambition, and loss, making the sisters’ journeys feel personal and real.
Anne Brontë is often celebrated for her honest and straightforward storytelling. Her book, “The Tenant of Wildfell Hall,” tells the story of Helen Graham, a mysterious woman who arrives at Wildfell Hall with her young son.
Through her journal, Helen reveals her troubled past, including her escape from an abusive and morally corrupt husband. The novel digs into issues like independence and personal integrity, showing how Helen defies societal expectations to protect herself and her child.
It’s bold and unflinching, offering a portrait of resilience and courage.