If you enjoy reading novels by J. B. Priestley then you might also like the following authors:
George Orwell wrote stories that dig into society and human behavior in a way that J. B. Priestley fans might enjoy. In “1984,” he paints a bleak picture of a future controlled by surveillance and propaganda.
In “Animal Farm,” a group of animals takes over a farm, only to recreate the very tyranny they rebelled against. He often focused on power and its effects, which might feel familiar to those who like Priestley’s interest in social themes.
Graham Greene wrote stories filled with moral questions and human flaws. If you enjoy the way J. B. Priestley explores characters and their decisions, you might find Greene’s work appealing.
“The Power and the Glory” looks at guilt and redemption through the life of a whiskey priest in Mexico. “The Heart of the Matter” dives into duty and sacrifice, set against the backdrop of colonial West Africa.
His works often focus on the choices people make under pressure, drawing readers deeply into the lives of his characters.
John Galsworthy wrote stories that explore family dynamics and societal changes. If you enjoy J. B. Priestley, you might like Galsworthy’s way of portraying human relationships and the tensions of the times.
“The Forsyte Saga” is his most famous work, following the lives of a wealthy family as they deal with love and loss. Another great one is “The Country House,” which looks at the challenges of tradition and change in rural life.
His novels have a thoughtful, reflective tone that might remind you of Priestley’s interest in shifting social landscapes.
H.G. Wells, like J.B. Priestley, had a sharp interest in exploring society and the human condition. His novel “The Time Machine” offers a thought-provoking look at class divisions by taking readers into the distant future.
In “The War of the Worlds,” he examines human behavior under the pressure of an alien invasion. Wells had a way of mixing imaginative stories with big ideas, which might appeal to fans of Priestley’s works.
Arnold Bennett has a knack for capturing the quirks and challenges of everyday life, much like J. B. Priestley. His novel “The Old Wives’ Tale” traces the lives of two sisters over decades, offering a deep look at their choices and struggles.
Another standout is “Clayhanger,” which explores ambition and family conflict with moments that feel both personal and universal. If you enjoy a sharp eye on human nature paired with rich storytelling, Bennett is worth exploring.
R.C. Sherriff wrote stories that focus on people and their struggles, which might appeal to fans of J.B. Priestley. His novel “The Fortnight in September” captures the quiet beauty of everyday life as a family takes their annual seaside holiday.
Another work, “Greengates,” explores the challenges of retirement and starting fresh, following a couple as they search for meaning and a new home. Both books reflect his talent for portraying ordinary lives in a way that feels relatable and warm.
Terence Rattigan was a British playwright known for his deep understanding of human emotion and relationships. One of his well-known works is “The Browning Version.”
It tells the story of Andrew Crocker-Harris, a schoolteacher nearing retirement, who faces personal regret and disappointment. His wife mistreats him, and his students mock him, but a small act of kindness from one boy changes something within him.
The story is thoughtful and emotional, exploring themes of resilience and redemption. Rattigan’s writing often focuses on quiet struggles, making the reader really care about his characters.
E.M. Forster’s work often explores human relationships and social change, which might appeal if you’re drawn to J. B. Priestley’s themes.
His novel “Howards End” looks at class and connection in Edwardian England, while “A Passage to India” dives into the tensions between British colonizers and Indian society. Another one, “Room with a View,” offers a mix of romance and questions about personal freedom.
His stories balance storytelling with questions about society without feeling dated.
D.H. Lawrence, like J.B. Priestley, had a way of exploring the complexities of human relationships and social change. His novel “Sons and Lovers” looks deeply into family dynamics and personal growth, while “The Rainbow” touches on themes of love and freedom across generations.
For those who appreciate Priestley’s interest in societal shifts, Lawrence offers a rich perspective on the emotional lives of individuals within those changes.
Somerset Maugham writes with a straightforward style that focuses on people and the choices they face. If you enjoy J. B. Priestley’s interest in human behavior and moral dilemmas, you’ll probably like Maugham too.
His novel “Of Human Bondage” looks at a young man’s struggles with love and purpose. “The Moon and Sixpence” tells the story of a man who leaves everything behind to follow his passion for art.
Maugham’s work often explores what drives people to act and what they sacrifice along the way.
Julian Barnes writes with a style that blends wit and thoughtfulness, which might appeal to fans of J. B. Priestley’s work.
His novel “The Sense of an Ending” explores memory and the ways we shape our own narratives, while “Flaubert’s Parrot” offers a unique mix of storytelling and reflection on literary history.
These books, with their layered exploration of human experience, carry a sense of introspection that echoes what Priestley brought to his own stories.
Patrick Hamilton had a knack for capturing the darker side of human nature and the struggles of everyday life. If you enjoy J. B. Priestley’s focus on people and their flaws, you might like Hamilton’s “The Slaves of Solitude” or “Hangover Square.”
“The Slaves of Solitude” paints a vivid picture of wartime England, while “Hangover Square” is a moody story of obsession and despair. His work often blends sharp dialogue with a haunting tone.
Alan Sillitoe wrote stories that focus on the lives of ordinary people, often facing challenges in working-class communities.
If you enjoy J. B. Priestley’s interest in social issues, you might like “Saturday Night and Sunday Morning,” which follows a factory worker navigating love and rebellion.
Another of his works, “The Loneliness of the Long-Distance Runner,” tells the story of a reform school boy who finds freedom through running. Sillitoe’s characters feel real and grounded, and his stories have a directness that makes them easy to connect with.
Noel Coward had a sharp wit and a knack for shining a light on human behavior. His work often weaves humor with a touch of the bittersweet, which could appeal to fans of J. B. Priestley’s style.
In “Pomp and Circumstance,” he captures the quirks of life on a fictional island during wartime. “Play Parade” brings together several of his plays, which carry his unique voice and razor-sharp observations.
His writing offers a smart, entertaining perspective on human nature that might feel familiar if you enjoy Priestley’s work.
Iris Murdoch has a knack for exploring human relationships and moral dilemmas in a way that feels grounded and thoughtful. If you enjoy J. B. Priestley, you might appreciate how her stories balance philosophical depth with character-driven plots.
“The Sea, The Sea” reflects on obsession and regret, while “The Bell” unfolds beautifully around a small religious community, filled with tension and hidden truths. These works offer insights into people and the choices they make, all with a sharp understanding of human nature.