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List of 15 authors like John Updike

If you enjoy reading John Updike, you're likely to appreciate authors who explore similar themes such as middle-class life, morality, sexuality, and the changing American landscape, or authors who possess a certain literary quality to their prose. Here are 15 authors you might enjoy:

  1. 1
    Philip Roth - Like Updike, Roth explores deeply flawed characters and the American experience, often with a focus on identity and Jewish life.
  2. 2
    Richard Ford - Ford's Frank Bascombe series is often compared to Updike's Rabbit series due to its focus on the everyday life of its protagonist.
  3. 3
    John Cheever - Known for his short stories, Cheever's work often scrutinizes suburban life and the underbelly of the American dream in a style that Updike fans may appreciate.
  4. 4
    Saul Bellow - Bellow's exploration of the modern human condition, filled with philosophy and rich character study, overlaps with Updike's literary interests.
  5. 5
    Anne Tyler - Tyler's insightful exploration of family dynamics and the texture of domestic life would appeal to Updike's fans.
  6. 6
    Don DeLillo - While more postmodern in style, DeLillo's books often address the complexities of life in contemporary America.
  7. 7
    Joyce Carol Oates - Oates is a prolific author whose themes often intersect with those of Updike's, including the spiritual emptiness of the modern world.
  8. 8
    Raymond Carver - Carver's minimalist prose and focus on the gritty aspects of everyday life could resonate with Updike readers.
  9. 9
    John Irving - Irving's novels, filled with quirky characters and a blend of tragedy and comedy, might appeal to those who appreciate Updike's character-driven storytelling.
  10. 10
    Alice Munro - A master of contemporary short stories, Munro's detailed narratives focus on the human experience in a style that's both elegant and accessible.
  11. 11
    Wallace Stegner - Stegner's prose and themes about place and personal history have a resonance similar to Updike's work.
  12. 12
    Jonathan Franzen - Franzen explores themes of family, society, and morality with a depth and intensity that Updike fans may find compelling.
  13. 13
    Toni Morrison - Morrison's lyrical prose and profound explorations of American culture and identity can be appreciated by those who enjoy Updike's own detailed narrative style.
  14. 14
    Ian McEwan - McEwan's work often delves into the psychological, with complex characters and rich prose that might appeal to Updike's audience.
  15. 15
    Julian Barnes - Barnes is known for his elegant prose, intellectual themes, and insightful exploration of human nature, akin to Updike's approach.

Remember, each author has a unique voice and approach to storytelling, but those listed above share some qualities with Updike that may appeal to his readers. It is always a good idea to sample a few pages of a book by any of these authors to see if their style resonates with you personally.