If you enjoy reading books by Gustave Flaubert then you might also like the following authors:
Honoré de Balzac wrote stories that dive deep into human behavior and social ambition. His work often captures the struggles and dreams of ordinary people.
In “Eugénie Grandet,” he explores greed, family ties, and personal sacrifice through the life of a young woman caught in her father’s controlling grip. “Père Goriot” follows an aging man who gives up everything for his daughters, only to face heartbreaking rejection.
Another fascinating novel, “Lost Illusions,” tells the story of a young man from the provinces who discovers the cutthroat world of Parisian society. Readers who enjoy Gustave Flaubert’s focus on character and detail might find Balzac’s works equally absorbing.
Émile Zola wrote stories that explore human struggle and society. In “Germinal,” he focuses on coal miners fighting for better conditions. “Thérèse Raquin” is about a woman trapped in a dull marriage who gets tangled in a tragic affair.
Another work, “Nana,” looks at the life of a courtesan and the impact she has on those around her.
Guy de Maupassant, a student of Gustave Flaubert, writes with clarity and a focus on human nature. His novel “Bel-Ami” follows the rise of an ambitious man in Paris, exploring themes like power and morality.
In “Pierre and Jean,” he examines family tensions and jealousy when an inheritance causes suspicion between two brothers. His stories often capture the struggles and flaws of everyday people in a direct and meaningful way.
Stendhal wrote works that explore ambition, love, and society. In “The Red and the Black,” he tells the story of Julien Sorel, a young man trying to rise above his humble origins but facing challenges in both politics and romance.
Another well-known novel, “The Charterhouse of Parma,” follows Fabrizio del Dongo, a nobleman navigating war, passion, and personal growth in Napoleonic Italy. These books reveal characters caught between their desires and the world around them.
Marcel Proust is famous for writing “In Search of Lost Time,” a multi-volume work that explores memory, love, and the passage of life. In “Swann’s Way,” the narrator reflects on childhood, family, and a man’s obsessive love.
Another volume, “Within a Budding Grove,” focuses on youthful relationships and the discovery of art and beauty. His work often lingers on small moments, offering deep insights, which might remind you of Flaubert’s style.
Ivan Turgenev wrote novels that explore human emotions and social changes. In “Fathers and Sons,” he looks at generational conflicts and evolving ideologies in Russia. “A House of Gentlefolk” tells the story of love, missed opportunities, and personal reflection.
His work often focuses on relationships and the changes people face in their lives.
George Eliot wrote with depth and realism that fans of Gustave Flaubert might appreciate. In “Middlemarch,” she explores the lives of people in a small English town, revealing their ambitions, relationships, and struggles.
“The Mill on the Floss” follows the story of Maggie Tulliver as she navigates family conflicts and societal pressures. Eliot’s characters feel real, full of flaws and emotions, drawing readers into their worlds.
Thomas Hardy wrote stories that often explore life in rural England and the struggles of everyday people. In “Tess of the d’Urbervilles,” he tells the story of a young woman navigating love, betrayal, and loss.
“Far from the Madding Crowd” follows a strong-willed woman and the challenges she faces with three very different men. Hardy’s novels often focus on fate, love, and the impact of society on individuals.
Henry James had a knack for exploring the subtleties of human relationships and social dynamics. If you enjoy the psychological depth in Flaubert’s work, you might find “The Portrait of a Lady” fascinating. It follows Isabel Archer, a young woman navigating freedom and betrayal.
Another one to check out is “The Ambassadors,” where a middle-aged man rethinks his life while on a mission in Europe. James focuses on inner conflicts and moral choices, creating stories that feel timeless yet deeply personal.
Leo Tolstoy wrote books that explore deep human emotions and struggles. “War and Peace” looks at Russian society during the Napoleonic Wars through the lives of several families. “Anna Karenina” tells the story of a woman’s intense love affair and its tragic consequences.
His works often focus on personal conflicts and moral questions.
Victor Hugo was a French writer known for powerful storytelling and his interest in social issues.
One of his most famous works, “Les Misérables,” is set in 19th-century France and follows the life of Jean Valjean, a man trying to rebuild his life after serving time in prison for stealing bread. The story explores themes like poverty, justice, and redemption.
It also features memorable characters like Fantine, a mother forced into desperation, and Javert, a relentless inspector who believes in strict enforcement of the law. The book creates a vivid portrait of the struggle between human compassion and harsh societal rules.
Charles Dickens wrote stories that show life’s struggles and the challenges people face. In “Oliver Twist,” he tells the story of an orphan trying to survive in a harsh world. “Great Expectations” follows Pip, a boy dealing with love, ambition, and disappointment as he grows up.
His books often focus on characters who overcome hardships in different ways.
Fyodor Dostoevsky wrote stories that dive into deep emotions and moral struggles. In “Crime and Punishment,” a young man wrestles with guilt after committing murder. “The Idiot” follows a kind-hearted prince who struggles to fit into a world full of greed and ego.
If you enjoy the psychological depth and focus on human flaws in Flaubert’s work, Dostoevsky might appeal to you.
Alphonse Daudet wrote stories that often capture rural life and human emotions. His novel “Letters from My Windmill” is a collection of tales set in Provence, highlighting traditions and everyday life.
“Tartarin of Tarascon” is a humorous story about a man from a small town who dreams of adventure but struggles with his exaggerated imagination. These works show his talent for storytelling with a touch of humor and heart.
Colette wrote with a sharp eye for human emotions and relationships. If you enjoy Flaubert, you might like her focus on personal struggles and societal constraints.
In “Chéri,” she tells the story of a young man and his affair with an older woman, exploring their complicated bond. “The Vagabond” follows a woman rebuilding her life after a failed marriage, as she finds independence through performing and faces new romantic choices.
Her work often centers on inner conflict and the tension between freedom and desire.