John Jakes is a beloved historical fiction author, most famous for his epic American family sagas like The Bastard and North and South. His novels vividly portray significant moments in American history.
If you enjoy reading books by John Jakes then you might also like the following authors:
If you enjoy the rich historical dramas of John Jakes, you'll probably like James A. Michener. His novels are sweeping narratives that blend fictional characters with real events. The stories often span generations, capturing the essence and history of specific places.
One notable example is Chesapeake, which explores several centuries of American history through the lives of families living on Maryland's eastern shore.
Edward Rutherfurd is a great pick if you're drawn to sagas covering hundreds of years, similar to John Jakes' style. His novels focus on specific cities and regions, weaving together fictional family histories to reveal how events shape people—and places.
In Sarum, Rutherfurd tells the story of the English town of Salisbury, capturing the lives and struggles of its people from ancient Britain to modern times.
Readers who appreciate John Jakes' detailed storytelling will find Herman Wouk's novels equally rewarding. Wouk creates vivid characters against the backdrop of critical historical periods, often examining moral and ethical challenges.
The Winds of War is a notable example, chronicling the experiences of an American naval officer and his family during the turbulent years leading up to World War II.
Leon Uris might appeal to readers who like John Jakes’ skillful mix of drama, history, and cultural insights. His novels typically revolve around significant historical conflicts and cultural struggles.
In Exodus, Uris portrays the compelling story of Israel’s birth, capturing personal tragedies, triumphs, and complex characters set amid historical upheaval.
If you enjoy John Jakes for his immersive approach to historical storytelling, Ken Follett is another fantastic writer to explore. Follett's novels tell gripping stories set against carefully researched historical periods, offering both suspense and emotional depth.
A standout example is The Pillars of the Earth, which vividly portrays the struggles, ambitions, and passions surrounding the building of a medieval cathedral.
Colleen McCullough writes historical novels that transport readers to a different time and place. She portrays her characters with emotional depth and historical accuracy, focusing on compelling relationships set against grand historical backdrops.
Her book, The Thorn Birds, is a saga about love, ambition, and sacrifice spanning generations in Australia, making it a great pick if you enjoy John Jakes' family-driven historical dramas.
Bernard Cornwell is the author to read if you're drawn to vivid battle scenes and intense historical plotting. He creates rich, detailed worlds filled with intrigue, action, and adventure.
One of his best-known novels, The Last Kingdom, follows the life of the Saxon warrior Uhtred against the background of Viking invasions, perfect if you're fascinated by Jakes' vivid historical conflicts.
Jeff Shaara specializes in engrossing historical fiction set in periods of significant American conflict, such as the Revolutionary War, Civil War, and World Wars. His stories highlight both humanity and heroism, offering multiple viewpoints.
His Civil War novel, Gods and Generals, immerses readers in characters on both sides of the conflict, much like the historical detail readers appreciate in John Jakes' novels.
Michael Shaara's historical narratives vividly capture the humanity and intensity of war. His best-known novel is The Killer Angels, a powerful and emotional account of the Battle of Gettysburg.
It brings significant historical figures to life, and readers who admire the complex characters and authentic period detail of John Jakes will find Shaara equally rewarding.
Irving Stone creates fascinating literary portraits by telling the life stories of notable historical figures. He vividly captures their passions, struggles, and achievements. A great example is The Agony and the Ecstasy, a captivating biography of Michelangelo.
If you appreciate how John Jakes combines storytelling with immersive historical research, Stone's books will also resonate with you.
Taylor Caldwell is an ideal pick if you're drawn to historical novels like those by John Jakes. Caldwell often explores family dynasties and the struggles they face over years or generations. Her style is immersive, vivid, and rich in historical detail.
A great place to start is Captains and the Kings, a story of an ambitious Irish immigrant family and their rise to power in America, tackling themes of ambition, wealth, and politics.
Howard Fast writes gripping historical fiction with genuine characters and plots that reflect key moments in history. If you enjoy John Jakes' spirited view of American challenges and opportunities, you'll like Howard Fast.
Check out his novel The Immigrants, which follows a diverse set of characters chasing dreams and confronting hardships in early 20th-century San Francisco.
Gary Jennings offers vivid historical adventures featuring vivid characters and intricate storylines. His writing often explores different cultures and exciting events in history. One of his noteworthy novels is Aztec, set in the heart of the Aztec Empire.
It is colorful, engaging storytelling told through the eyes of a memorable protagonist, offering the kind of sweeping narrative power fans of John Jakes can appreciate.
William Martin crafts engrossing stories about family legacies and American history. His novels are well-paced, full of historical atmosphere, and skillfully connect present-day characters to moments of the past.
His book Back Bay might interest John Jakes fans, as it captures a similar multi-generational approach. The story revolves around a family treasure hunt reaching back to the American Revolution.
Larry McMurtry is known for his rich storytelling, memorable characters, and authentic dialogue. He often portrays the rugged American West, with vivid descriptions of frontier life and human relationships under tough circumstances.
You might want to try Lonesome Dove, a story about retired Texas Rangers driving cattle north, capturing themes of friendship, regret, and gritty determination readers of John Jakes will appreciate.