If you enjoy reading books by Gertrude Atherton then you might also like the following authors:
Ambrose Bierce was an American writer known for dark and sharp storytelling. His book “Tales of Soldiers and Civilians” is a collection of stories often set during or after the Civil War.
One story, “An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge,” starts with a man standing on a bridge, about to be hanged. The way moments unfold from there is unforgettable.
Bierce’s writing often explores strange twists of fate and human nature, creating an atmosphere that readers of Gertrude Atherton might find fascinating.
Edith Wharton was an American author known for her keen observations of high society. One of her standout novels, “The House of Mirth,” tells the story of Lily Bart, a beautiful but impoverished woman navigating the rigid social circles of New York’s upper class.
Lily struggles to maintain her status while facing the cold reality of a society that values wealth over character.
The book paints a vivid picture of luxury and the sacrifices people make to belong, showing how ambition and societal expectations can collide with personal happiness. It’s a poignant and unforgettable look at social ambition and its costs.
Willa Cather is an author known for stories that explore the American frontier and the spirit of its people. Her novel, “My Ántonia”, tells the story of Jim Burden and Ántonia Shimerda, immigrants in Nebraska.
The book captures their lives on the prairie, where survival and friendships shape their world. Ántonia stands out as a strong, vibrant character, and her story highlights themes of resilience and change set against the vast and rugged landscape.
If you enjoy stories with richly drawn characters and a sense of place, Cather’s work might resonate with you.
Kate Chopin was an American author who wrote stories that explored women’s lives and inner struggles. One of her most notable works is “The Awakening.” It follows Edna Pontellier, a wife and mother in late 19th-century Louisiana, who begins to question her role in society.
As she spends time by the sea and meets new people, Edna starts to see her world differently. Chopin paints sharp, intimate scenes of Edna’s choices and the freedom she seeks. It’s a story that feels personal and bold, with moments that linger in your mind.
Mary Austin was an American writer who focused on the landscapes and cultures of the American West. Her book “The Land of Little Rain” paints vivid scenes of the California desert, capturing its beauty and challenges.
The book describes the life of plants, animals, and people who survive in the harsh conditions of the region. One striking part of the book looks at the way water shapes the lives of everything in the desert.
If you appreciate stories that explore strong settings and the connection between people and place, her work might appeal to you.
Rebecca Harding Davis was a 19th-century writer who explored social issues and the lives of ordinary people. Her novella “Life in the Iron Mills” tells the story of Hugh Wolfe, a factory worker trapped in poverty, and his cousin Deborah, who works in the mills.
Set in a grim industrial town, the story reveals the harsh conditions of labor and the struggles of the working class. The tale feels raw and vivid, showing the desperation of people trying to find beauty or escape amidst the bleakness.
It pulls you into their world, making the characters and their hardships hard to forget.
Harriet Prescott Spofford was a 19th-century American author known for her rich, descriptive stories and her ability to weave elements of mystery and romance into her work.
One of her notable books is “The Amber Gods,” where a complex and eerie tale unfolds around a cursed necklace with a dark history. The story mixes opulence and suspense, drawing readers into a world where secrets and passions collide.
Spofford’s atmospheric settings and dramatic plots might appeal to fans of Gertrude Atherton’s bold and emotional storytelling.
F. Marion Crawford was a writer of captivating stories that often explored unique characters and unusual situations. One of his books, “The Witch of Prague,” is about a mysterious young woman named Unorna, who possesses hypnotic powers.
Set in Prague, the story has an almost dream-like quality, filled with strange encounters and questions about love and destiny.
Unorna’s abilities lead her to manipulate others, but this brings unexpected consequences, especially when her feelings for a man named The Wanderer complicate everything. The atmosphere and the sense of mystery pull you in right away.
Readers who enjoy Gothic undertones and unpredictable twists may find this book hard to put down.
Jack London was an American author known for writing adventure stories set in harsh and untamed environments.
One of his well-known books, “The Call of the Wild,” follows a dog named Buck who is stolen from his comfortable home and forced into the brutal world of sled dogs during the Klondike Gold Rush.
Buck faces violence, loyalty, and survival in the wilderness, where he begins to reconnect with his primal instincts. The story captures the raw power of nature and the deep bond between humans and animals.
Charlotte Perkins Gilman was a writer known for exploring societal roles and expectations, often through the lens of women’s lives. Her novella, “The Yellow Wallpaper,” takes readers into the mind of a woman confined to a room by her husband under the guise of medical treatment.
As she stares at the wallpaper in the room, its patterns seem to shift and come alive, mirroring her unraveling mental state.
The story captures the way restrictive norms could harm individuals, leaving a vivid impression of the isolation and helplessness faced by the main character.
Ann Radcliffe was a writer known for her Gothic novels that combined dramatic settings and mysterious stories. Her book “The Mysteries of Udolpho” follows Emily St. Aubert, a young woman who faces strange events after being taken to a remote castle by her sinister uncle.
The castle holds dark secrets, and Emily’s courage is tested as she uncovers them. Radcliffe’s work often creates a haunting atmosphere, and her characters explore hidden dangers and unexpected twists.
Louisa May Alcott, an American author, is best known for her novel “Little Women.” The book follows the lives of the four March sisters—Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy—as they grow up during the Civil War.
Each sister has her own personality, from Jo’s strong-willed nature to Amy’s artistic ambitions. The story explores their relationships with one another and the challenges they face, including love, loss, and the longing for independence.
Alcott weaves the ups and downs of family life into this heartfelt tale, making it a memorable read.
Elizabeth Gaskell was a 19th-century British author who wrote novels that often explored class, society, and relationships with a vivid sense of place and character.
One of her most famous works, “North and South,” follows Margaret Hale, a young woman who moves to an industrial town in the north of England after her family faces a sudden change in fortune.
There, clashing values between her southern upbringing and the harsh realities of mill life challenge her perspective on workers, mill owners, and even love itself. Readers who enjoy rich social settings and characters facing tough moral questions may find her work engaging.
Margaret Deland was an American author known for her rich characters and insightful storytelling. One of her well-known books, “John Ward, Preacher,” explores the clash between religious conviction and personal relationships.
The story follows Helen Jeffrey, a free-spirited woman who marries John Ward, a strict Calvinist minister. Their marriage is tested when Helen struggles to accept his rigid beliefs about salvation and damnation.
The tension between their love and their opposing worldviews creates a story that feels personal and thought-provoking. It’s a look into faith, love, and the sacrifices they demand.
Frances Hodgson Burnett is an author known for creating stories full of heart and transformation. One of her well-loved books, “The Secret Garden,” follows Mary Lennox, a lonely girl sent to live with her uncle in a gloomy mansion after losing her parents.
Exploring the grounds, she discovers a locked, neglected garden. As she works to bring it back to life, the garden begins to change not only her but also those around her, offering a glimpse of hope and healing.
Burnett’s writing creates vivid characters and settings that pull you into her world.