If you enjoy reading novels by Joshua Cohen then you might also like the following authors:
Ben Lerner crafts stories that blur the boundaries between fiction, poetry, and personal reflection. His novel “Leaving the Atocha Station” follows a young poet abroad grappling with questions of authenticity and art.
Another work, “10:04”, explores time, memory, and creative ambition in the context of a fraught political and environmental landscape.
Readers who appreciate Joshua Cohen’s sharp intellect and layered narratives may find a similar depth and thought-provoking quality in Lerner’s work.
David Foster Wallace crafted dense and thought-provoking works that explore the depths of human experience. His novel “Infinite Jest” unfolds a sprawling narrative of addiction, entertainment, and societal pressure, challenging traditional storytelling structures.
In “The Pale King,” Wallace examines the monotony and significance of everyday life, offering profound insights on boredom and focus. Both novels showcase his unique approach to blending humor, intellect, and emotional depth.
Michael Chabon crafts stories that blend rich storytelling with complex characters and imaginative plots. His novel “The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay” explores friendship, ambition, and art through the world of comic book creators during the Golden Age of comics.
“The Yiddish Policemen’s Union” presents an alternate history detective tale, brimming with sharp wit and emotional depth. Readers who enjoy Joshua Cohen’s sharp intellect and inventive narratives may find a similar sense of literary ingenuity and depth in Chabon’s work.
George Saunders crafts stories that explore humanity with sharp wit and deep empathy. In “Lincoln in the Bardo,” he offers a poignant tale set in the aftermath of Abraham Lincoln’s son’s death, blending historical elements with a touch of the surreal.
Another striking work, “Tenth of December,” presents a collection of thought-provoking stories that examine moral struggles and personal connections.
Jonathan Franzen has created works like “The Corrections,” a family saga full of sharp social commentary, and “Freedom,” which explores personal and cultural tensions in modern America.
Another of his novels, “Crossroads,” dives into the lives of a Midwestern family in the 1970s, unpacking moral dilemmas and personal choices.
Fans of Joshua Cohen may appreciate Franzen for his skill in crafting multi-layered characters and addressing the complexities of contemporary life with a mix of intellect and warmth.
Nicole Krauss crafts stories that explore memory and human connection. In “The History of Love,” she weaves multiple narratives into a poignant tale of love and loss.
“Great House” examines the impact of the past on present lives through the movement of a single desk across continents and generations. Her works resonate deeply, offering profound reflections on life and identity.
Zadie Smith crafts vivid narratives that explore identity, culture, and human relationships. Her works like “White Teeth” and “On Beauty” intertwine complex characters with sharp social commentary.
Fans of Joshua Cohen may appreciate her ability to weave multifaceted stories that reflect the messiness of modern life with depth and wit.
Rachel Kushner creates vivid and deeply thought-provoking stories. Her novel “The Flamethrowers” explores art, politics, and rebellion through the life of a young woman in 1970s New York.
In “The Mars Room,” she examines the harsh realities of incarceration, offering a powerful narrative about survival and injustice. Her work combines sharp insight with unforgettable characters.
Don DeLillo has created works that explore the complexities of modern life with sharp insight and an acute sense of the human condition.
In “White Noise,” he examines consumer culture and the fear of mortality, while “Underworld” offers a sweeping narrative that connects personal and collective histories.
For readers drawn to the intellectual depth and sharp social commentary of Joshua Cohen, DeLillo’s focus on language and societal structures creates a similar kind of thought-provoking experience.
Teju Cole is known for his unique style and thought-provoking narratives. In “Open City,” he offers a quiet exploration of identity and memory as a Nigerian immigrant wanders the streets of New York.
“Every Day Is for the Thief” reflects on the complexities of contemporary Lagos through the eyes of a returnee. His works often provide a fresh perspective on place, self, and the passage of time.
Saul Bellow created works that explore the complexities of human character and the search for meaning in a chaotic world.
In novels such as “Herzog” and “The Adventures of Augie March,” he combines sharp intellect with wit to paint vivid portraits of both individuals and their environments.
Someone who enjoys Joshua Cohen might find Bellow’s writing appealing for its deep engagement with ideas, richly drawn protagonists, and sharp observations about modern life.
Thomas Pynchon crafts complex, layered narratives that challenge and intrigue readers. His novel “Gravity’s Rainbow” dives into themes of science, politics, and human behavior during World War II.
Another work, “The Crying of Lot 49”, examines conspiracy and communication through the lens of a mysterious postal system. Pynchon’s style unfolds with unexpected connections and rich storytelling.
Denis Johnson wrote works that explore human fragility and redemption with striking precision. His novel “Jesus’ Son” captures the raw lives of drifters and addicts through interconnected stories, while “Tree of Smoke” grapples with war, loyalty, and moral uncertainty.
Both authors dive deeply into layered, challenging narratives, so a reader drawn to Joshua Cohen’s sharp, multifaceted storytelling might find a similar appeal in the emotional depth and complexity of Johnson’s work.
Aleksandar Hemon creates works that explore identity, exile, and the human condition. In “The Lazarus Project,” he ties past and present through a story of immigration and history.
“Nowhere Man” offers a fragmented yet profound look at displacement and searching for meaning in unfamiliar surroundings. Hemon’s narratives push readers to reflect on the connections between memory and place.
Karl Ove Knausgård is best known for his six-volume series “My Struggle,” a deeply personal exploration of identity, family, and personal history.
Another powerful work, “Autumn,” offers reflections on everyday objects and moments, presented with sharp observation and emotional depth. His writing often balances the mundane and the profound, offering a raw, unfiltered look at life.
Readers who appreciate Joshua Cohen’s ability to dissect the complexity of human experience with precision and honesty might find a similar resonance in Knausgård’s work.