If you enjoy reading novels by Henry James then you might also like the following authors:
Edith Wharton was a close friend of Henry James and she shared his keen insight into the social mores and inner lives of the upper class.
Her novel “The Age of Innocence,” which won the Pulitzer Prize, is a perfect starting point for those who appreciate James’s exploration of societal constraints and personal conflicts.
E.M. Forster, known for works like “A Room with a View” and “Howards End” also delved into the complexities of social class and human relationships. His elegant prose and intricate character development make him a worthy successor to James.
Howells was a contemporary of James. His novels, such as “The Rise of Silas Lapham,” offer a detailed look at American society and share James’s interest in social dynamics and moral dilemmas.
Virginia Woolf’s modernist approach offers a different but equally rich reading experience. Her novels like “Mrs Dalloway” focus on the psychological depth of her characters and provide a complex narrative structure that James aficionados might appreciate.
Jane Austen’s sharp wit and keen observations of social manners and human nature resonate with James’s writing. Her classic novels such as “Pride and Prejudice” provide a profound yet delightful exploration of personal and societal relations.
Known for his seminal work “Madame Bovary,” Flaubert’s meticulous prose and study of his characters’ inner lives are akin to the narrative style of Henry James. He is a master of subtlety and psychological depth.
Though Proust’s narrative technique in “In Search of Lost Time” is more expansive, his intricate examination of memory, identity, and society offers a profound parallel to James’s literary concerns. Readers will appreciate his intricate, reflective style.
George Eliot, the pen name of Mary Ann Evans, wrote novels like “Middlemarch” that delve deep into the psyches of her characters and the complexities of social and political life. Her intellectual incisiveness and moral seriousness are similar to James.
D.H. Lawrence’s exploration of human sexuality and emotional relationships in novels like “Sons and Lovers” provide a raw, intense narrative similar to the complex interpersonal dynamics found in James’s works.
Thomas Hardy’s novels, such as “Tess of the d’Urbervilles,” often explore the tragic aspects of life and societal constraints, themes that resonate with James’s focus on personal struggle and social expectations.
Although primarily known as a poet, T.S. Eliot’s contributions to literature, including the prose work “The Cocktail Party,” are filled with intricate character interactions and social critique that Henry James’s fans might find compelling.
Ford’s “The Good Soldier” is often compared to James’s works in its sophisticated narrative style and complex portrayal of moral ambiguity and human emotions. Ford’s intricate prose and storytelling are truly captivating.
Jean Rhys’s “Wide Sargasso Sea” provides a deep dive into the psychological states and social confines of its characters, reminiscent of James’s nuanced character studies. Rhys’s intricate narrative and emotional depth call to mind James’s style.
Saul Bellow’s character-driven novels, notably “Herzog,” explore the inner dilemmas and societal pressures facing his protagonists, much like James’s own work. Bellow’s intellectual depth and narrative flair are sure to resonate with James readers.
Elizabeth Bowen’s novels, such as “The Death of the Heart,” are noted for their atmospheric settings and psychological insight, akin to James’s exploration of human consciousness and social environment. Her elegant prose and complex characters make her a worthy recommendation.