If you enjoy reading novels by Guy de Maupassant then you might also like the following authors:
Anton Chekhov wrote stories that focus on ordinary people and their lives, often showing the struggles and complexities of human nature.
In “The Steppe,” he tells a simple yet emotional tale of a boy’s journey through the Russian countryside, filled with vivid landscapes and quiet moments of reflection. “The Duel” dives into human pride and frailty, following two men locked in conflict in a coastal town.
His writing has a straightforward yet profound way of exploring emotions, similar to the way Guy de Maupassant examines human behavior with sharp insight.
Émile Zola wrote stories known for their focus on social issues and the struggles of everyday people. In “Germinal,” he portrays the hardships of coal miners and their fight for better conditions.
“Thérèse Raquin” explores guilt and betrayal through the lives of a woman and her lover after they commit a terrible crime. Another novel, “Nana,” looks at the life of a courtesan and the impact she has on those around her.
Gustave Flaubert is known for his sharp focus on human nature and society. His novel “Madame Bovary” follows the life of a woman trapped in a dull marriage who looks for excitement in romantic escapades, leading to her downfall.
In “Sentimental Education,” he explores the struggles of a young man chasing love and ambition during a time of political turmoil. These stories capture characters driven by desires that often conflict with reality, a theme fans of Guy de Maupassant might find familiar.
Leo Tolstoy is known for stories that explore human life and big questions about society. His novel “War and Peace” follows families during Napoleon’s invasion of Russia, blending personal struggles with historical events.
“Anna Karenina” tells the story of a woman caught in a doomed love affair and the emotional costs of her choices. These works show deep insights into human emotions and moral conflicts.
Stendhal wrote about human emotions and ambition with a sharp eye for society. If you enjoy Guy de Maupassant, you might find his work intriguing too.
“The Red and the Black” tells the story of Julien Sorel, a young man trying to rise in a rigid society through charm and calculated moves. “The Charterhouse of Parma” follows Fabrizio del Dongo, a nobleman navigating love, war, and personal growth in a chaotic Italy.
Both books explore the tension between personal desires and societal expectations.
Honoré de Balzac wrote stories that explore society and human nature. In “Father Goriot,” he tells the story of a poor man’s sacrifices for his greedy daughters. “Eugénie Grandet” focuses on a wealthy but miserly father whose control shapes his daughter’s life.
In “Cousin Bette,” he shows ambition, revenge, and the darker sides of family relationships. His works often look at ambition, love, and social struggles.
Ivan Turgenev wrote stories that focus on human relationships and emotions, with a delicate, insightful touch. If you enjoy Guy de Maupassant, you might like Turgenev’s “Fathers and Sons,” which explores the clashing ideas between generations.
Another great novel is “First Love,” a tale of youthful passion and heartbreak. His works often capture small, meaningful moments that stick with you.
Oscar Wilde wrote some remarkable stories. One of his most famous works, “The Picture of Dorian Gray,” tells the tale of a man whose portrait ages while he stays young. It explores vanity and consequences.
Another is “The Canterville Ghost,” which is about an American family moving into a haunted English manor. The story mixes humor with a touch of the supernatural. His writing is clever and full of wit.
Henrik Ibsen wrote stories that dig into human nature and social struggles. In “A Doll’s House,” he tells the story of a woman realizing the weight of her sacrifices in marriage and questioning her role in society.
“Ghosts” deals with family secrets and the consequences of choices made in the past. If you like Guy de Maupassant’s focus on character and society, Ibsen’s works might catch your interest.
Thomas Mann wrote novels that explore human emotions and social themes. “Buddenbrooks” tells the story of a wealthy merchant family and their decline over generations.
In “The Magic Mountain,” a young man visits a sanatorium and becomes caught up in conversations about life, death, and philosophy. Another of his famous works, “Death in Venice,” focuses on an artist’s obsession with beauty during a trip to Italy.
Henry James wrote stories that often explore human relationships and the clash between cultures. If you enjoy Guy de Maupassant, you might like his way of looking at human emotions and social dynamics.
In “The Portrait of a Lady,” a young woman faces choices about love, freedom, and the societal expectations around her. “Washington Square” tells the story of a father and daughter caught in a power struggle, with questions of wealth and loyalty at its heart.
James’s works dig into characters’ emotions without being overly sentimental, making them fascinating for those who enjoy sharp observations about people and their motives.
Joseph Conrad wrote stories that often explore human struggles and moral dilemmas. In “Heart of Darkness,” he tells the story of a journey into the African Congo, where the main character encounters the brutality of colonialism and the darkness within people.
“Lord Jim” follows a young sailor who makes a terrible mistake and spends his life trying to redeem himself. Another work, “Nostromo,” revolves around greed and power in a fictional South American country.
Conrad’s books focus on big themes through the eyes of flawed but relatable characters.
Theodore Dreiser wrote stories about ordinary people facing tough situations. If you enjoy Guy de Maupassant, you might like how Dreiser captures human struggles. In “Sister Carrie,” a small-town girl moves to the city, hoping for a better life, but things don’t come easily.
“An American Tragedy” follows a young man caught between love, ambition, and terrible choices, leading to devastating consequences. His writing looks at raw emotion and harsh realities, much like Maupassant’s work.
Kate Chopin wrote stories that often explored themes of freedom and self-discovery. In “The Awakening,” she tells the story of a woman searching for independence and personal identity in a restrictive society. “At Fault” deals with complicated relationships and moral choices.
Both books focus on people questioning their roles and choices in life.
Edith Wharton wrote stories that explore the complexities of human relationships and social expectations. If you enjoy Guy de Maupassant, her works might appeal to you.
“The Age of Innocence” looks at love and duty in high society, showing the struggle between personal happiness and societal pressure. “Ethan Frome” is a tragic tale of a man trapped in an unhappy marriage who longs for freedom.
Another one of her noteworthy books, “The House of Mirth,” follows a woman navigating the rigid social world of New York, torn between wealth and integrity.