If you are drawn to the books written by Howard Fast, you will probably want to read other authors with a similar approach. Fast was a writer who could really bring history to life.
He wrote about big events, like the American Revolution in *Citizen Tom Paine* or slavery in *Freedom Road*. He also created characters you cared about, people caught up in these huge historical moments.
If you enjoy stories that blend history with human drama, you might be interested in exploring more writers who work in a similar vein.
Readers who enjoy historical novels by Howard Fast will likely appreciate the work of John Jakes. Jakes is best known for bringing American history vividly to life through powerful family sagas.
One of his notable works is “North and South,” the first novel in a trilogy set around the Civil War era. It follows the friendship and rivalry between Orry Main from South Carolina and George Hazard from Pennsylvania.
Their bond is tested severely by family loyalties, romance, and deep ideological divisions, as America moves toward war. The story is filled with intense drama, detailed historical events, and memorable characters, drawing readers deeply into an important period of the past.
If you enjoy the historical storytelling of Howard Fast, you might be interested in Ken Follett. Follett has a talent for immersing readers into rich historical landscapes full of drama and vivid characters.
His novel “The Pillars of the Earth” is set in 12th-century England during a period of turmoil known as the Anarchy. It’s about the ambitious project to build an impressive cathedral in the fictional town of Kingsbridge.
The book follows a diverse cast of characters, including talented builder Tom, resourceful activist Ellen, and clever monk Philip, weaving their stories together beautifully.
Throughout the novel, these characters face political maneuverings, intense rivalry, and personal hardship—all set against the grand backdrop of medieval society.
Follett offers readers a detailed and fascinating journey into a time and place that feels both distant and surprisingly relatable.
Readers who enjoy Howard Fast’s historical fiction might also appreciate Leon Uris. Uris is known for powerful storytelling and well-researched historical novels. His book “Exodus” tells the story of Jewish refugees after World War II.
The novel follows Ari Ben Canaan, an Israeli freedom fighter who leads refugees on a dangerous journey aboard a ship named Exodus. Their struggle to reach Palestine and build a new homeland is vividly portrayed through the characters’ personal experiences and historical events.
The detailed narrative and emotional power of “Exodus” immerses readers in this critical period and highlights themes of courage, hope, and determination.
James Michener creates stories that blend history with dramatic storytelling, a style readers of Howard Fast may appreciate. His novel “Chesapeake” spans generations of families who settle along the shores of Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay.
Through their lives, Michener explores the struggles and triumphs that shaped American society from colonial times to modern day. The story covers many gripping historical moments like piracy, the Revolutionary War, slavery, and environmental challenges.
Michener portrays people of diverse backgrounds in a vivid way, pulling readers into their worlds. Those who enjoy Howard Fast’s historical depth and strong character development will find “Chesapeake” similarly rewarding.
Gore Vidal was an American author known for historical novels full of deep characters and sharp wit. Readers who enjoyed Howard Fast’s vivid depictions of significant historical moments might appreciate Vidal’s novel “Lincoln.”
This book offers an intimate look at President Abraham Lincoln during the volatile years of the Civil War. Vidal brings Lincoln to life with detail and subtlety, exploring not only the president’s iconic public image but also his private struggles and political conflicts.
With lively dialogue and meticulous research, Vidal paints a realistic portrait of the people who surrounded Lincoln, from ambitious politicians to loyal advisors.
If you’re interested in history told through personal drama and insightful character studies, “Lincoln” could be a satisfying discovery.
Readers who enjoy Howard Fast’s vivid storytelling and engaging historical narratives may be drawn to Irving Stone. Stone creates rich historical novels that capture the drama and passion behind real figures.
His novel “The Agony and the Ecstasy” explores the challenging life of Michelangelo Buonarroti. Through personal trials and artistic triumphs, Stone brings Renaissance Italy to life.
The narrative reveals the artist’s struggle against family expectations, political upheaval, and intense relationships, providing an intimate look at Michelangelo’s relentless pursuit of perfection.
Stone blends meticulous research with emotional depth, a style readers of Howard Fast might greatly appreciate.
Herman Wouk was an American author known for historical novels filled with authentic characters and meaningful stories. Readers who enjoy Howard Fast’s vivid storytelling would find plenty to enjoy in Wouk’s work.
His book “The Caine Mutiny” follows Willie Keith, a young naval officer assigned to a troubled World War II minesweeper under the unstable Captain Queeg.
After a startling incident at sea, Keith and his fellow officers must grapple with complex questions about loyalty, duty, and responsibility during wartime. Wouk captures tense courtroom drama, brings depth to naval life, and delivers intense character development.
If you’re drawn to Fast’s thought-provoking historical novels, “The Caine Mutiny” is worth your attention.
Edward Rutherfurd writes rich historical novels that span generations, blending characters’ personal stories with pivotal events from history. His book “New York” tells the sweeping story of one city through the eyes of its inhabitants.
Starting with early Dutch settlers, Rutherfurd follows families who live through wars, social change, and massive economic growth. The characters include merchants, factory workers, and revolutionaries, all woven into the fabric of real historical events.
Similar to Howard Fast’s novels, the story is driven by characters shaped by dramatic events. If historical fiction is your favorite, Edward Rutherfurd could offer stories that keep you turning pages well into the night.
If you enjoy Howard Fast’s historical novels filled with strong characters and rich drama, you might also appreciate Taylor Caldwell. Caldwell is known for novels that bring history vividly to life through strong human emotions and personal struggles.
Her book “Captains and the Kings” captures the ambition and heartache of a family driven to succeed in America. It follows Joseph Francis Xavier Armagh, an immigrant determined to build an empire.
He grapples with political intrigue, rivalries, and the question of what truly matters in life. Caldwell brings readers right into the struggles of her characters, making history both personal and unforgettable.
Arthur Hailey was a British-Canadian novelist known for his detailed storytelling and realistic portrayals of various industries and professions.
Readers who enjoyed Howard Fast’s carefully researched historical fiction may also like Hailey’s ability to showcase human drama within complex institutions. One of his most popular books is “Hotel,” set in a luxurious yet struggling hotel in New Orleans.
Over five eventful days, Hailey takes readers behind the scenes into secret hotel politics, financial crises, and scandals affecting the lives of staff and guests alike.
Through intricate subplots and authentic characters, he paints a vivid picture of ambition, loyalty, and personal conflict. “Hotel” keeps readers immersed and reveals a hidden world beneath the upscale hospitality facade.
Readers who enjoy Howard Fast’s vivid portrayal of historical events will likely appreciate Barbara Tuchman. Tuchman was an American historian known for making history accessible and engaging.
Her book, “The Guns of August,” explores the tense and dramatic events of the first month of World War I. She brings to life the political leaders, generals, and ordinary soldiers whose choices shaped history.
With a careful eye for detail and a talent for storytelling, Tuchman captures the chaos, misunderstandings, and fateful decisions that led to widespread conflict.
This narrative offers readers who value insightful perspectives on human decisions and historical turning points another memorable reading experience.
Allan W. Eckert was an American author known for stories that vividly capture history through rich character portrayals and detailed settings. Readers who enjoyed Howard Fast’s historical dramas may also connect with Eckert’s style.
His book “The Frontiersmen” tells the dramatic story of pioneer life on America’s frontier in the late 18th century. In this deeply researched narrative, Eckert explores real figures like Simon Kenton and Tecumseh.
These strong personalities collide against a background of shifting allegiances and violent conflict. The story brings alive the intensity and danger of frontier survival, chronicling both heroism and hardship.
Fans of historical fiction woven with true events may find Eckert’s storytelling deeply satisfying.
Jeff Shaara is an author who brings historical events vividly to life through rich storytelling, similar to Howard Fast.
In his novel “Gods and Generals,” Shaara explores the early years of the Civil War from the perspectives of key figures like Robert E. Lee, Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson, and Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain. Shaara blends careful historical detail with engaging character portraits.
Readers who enjoy Fast’s insightful and character-driven treatment of American history will appreciate Shaara’s skill at capturing war’s human face and complexity.
Books by David McCullough offer detailed and vivid narratives that bring history to life. Readers who enjoy Howard Fast’s engaging portrayal of key historical figures and events might appreciate McCullough’s “1776”.
This book provides a close look at the difficult first year of the American Revolution. McCullough puts readers directly into the action, describing the challenges faced by George Washington and his troops with clarity and tension.
The story moves quickly from battles to political struggles, bringing each historical figure and moment vividly into focus. If you want a clear, immersive depiction of one of America’s watershed moments, “1776” creates a memorable sense of history unfolding.
Colleen McCullough was an Australian author known for vivid historical novels filled with strong characters and rich storytelling. Readers of Howard Fast would enjoy her epic narrative style and detailed exploration of historical periods.
Her novel, “The First Man in Rome,” is a great example of her ability to bring ancient history to life. The book follows the rise of powerful Roman generals Gaius Marius and Lucius Cornelius Sulla in the Roman Republic.
It blends stories of political ambition and personal rivalry in a period where Rome faces both internal conflicts and external threats. McCullough recreates Rome with authentic detail and intense drama, making historical figures feel deeply human and relatable.
Fans of character-driven, historically authentic novels would find “The First Man in Rome” deeply satisfying.