Lew Wallace was an American novelist known for historical fiction. His best-known novel, Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ, became a classic and later inspired the epic movie Ben-Hur.
If you enjoy reading books by Lew Wallace then you might also like the following authors:
Readers who enjoy Lew Wallace might appreciate Henryk Sienkiewicz, a Polish author famous for historical novels filled with adventure, drama, and vivid imagery. His book Quo Vadis transports readers to ancient Rome during Emperor Nero’s turbulent reign.
The story revolves around a Roman patrician named Marcus Vinicius and his passionate love for a captive Christian woman, Lygia. As their romance unfolds, Marcus finds himself caught between his loyalty to Rome and the growing faith of the persecuted Christians.
The novel paints a striking image of the chaotic and corrupt society of imperial Rome, while also developing richly complex characters struggling with redemption, loyalty, and belief.
For anyone who loved Ben-Hur for its powerful portrayal of personal beliefs and historical backdrop, Quo Vadis provides another stirring adventure set within the grandeur and brutality of ancient times.
Readers who enjoy Lew Wallace may also appreciate the novels of Lloyd C. Douglas. Douglas was an American author celebrated for stories that blend vivid historical settings with deep moral themes. His novel The Robe is a notable example.
It follows the journey of Marcellus Gallio, a Roman tribune assigned to oversee the crucifixion of Jesus. After winning Christ’s robe during a dice game at the foot of the cross, Marcellus begins a profound journey of discovery and redemption.
The story vividly portrays a man conflicted by duty and transformed by conviction. Douglas weaves history and spirituality together seamlessly through characters who are authentic and deeply compelling.
Taylor Caldwell was an author known for historical novels filled with rich detail and powerful storytelling. Readers who enjoy Lew Wallace’s Ben-Hur will likely appreciate Caldwell’s Dear and Glorious Physician.
This novel tells the story of Saint Luke, the biblical figure and author of the third Gospel. Caldwell portrays Luke as a talented physician who struggles with doubt, passion, and faith while navigating the complexities of the ancient world.
Her vivid descriptions of daily life, political intrigue, and deep spiritual conflicts offer a thoughtful and engaging exploration of the human condition in Roman times.
Books by Thomas B. Costain offer historical drama and well-developed characters that fans of Lew Wallace will surely appreciate. In his novel The Silver Chalice, Costain takes readers to the vivid and turbulent era of first-century Christianity.
The story focuses on a young silversmith named Basil, tasked to craft a protective holder for the sacred chalice that Jesus used at the Last Supper.
Through Basil’s eyes, readers witness a richly drawn world filled with political intrigue, religious tensions, and personal struggles. Costain brings history to life in a style that smoothly blends historical events and fictional narratives.
This novel immerses readers in a compelling journey full of adventure and emotion, making it a fine choice for anyone who enjoyed Ben-Hur.
Frank G. Slaughter was an American author known for rich, engaging historical fiction set in biblical and ancient times. Readers who appreciate Lew Wallace’s Ben-Hur may find Slaughter’s The Road to Bithynia appealing.
This novel tells the story of Luke the physician, an integral figure in the early Christian church, who journeys across the ancient Roman world.
Slaughter skillfully weaves fictional elements and well-researched historical facts around Luke’s struggles, adventures, and personal growth. The book brings to life historical events and makes relatable the experiences of early Christians in Rome.
Slaughter’s narrative invites readers into a vivid portrayal of the ancient era and provides thoughtful reflections on faith, identity, and resilience.
Sholem Asch was a Polish-Jewish novelist and playwright known for his vivid historical fiction. Readers who enjoyed Lew Wallace’s detailed storytelling in Ben-Hur might find The Nazarene by Asch equally captivating.
In this book, Asch gives a moving portrayal of the life and times of Jesus Christ through the eyes of ordinary people around him. Characters from various cultures and backgrounds intertwine with historical events in a powerful narrative.
The novel brings ancient settings to life with colorful descriptions, emotional depth and rich dialogue. Those drawn to Wallace’s powerful historical novels will find The Nazarene an insightful and rewarding read.
Books by Francine Rivers often explore powerful spiritual themes through vivid historical fiction. In her novel Redeeming Love, Rivers retells the biblical story of Hosea within the rugged backdrop of the California Gold Rush.
The book follows Angel, a woman sold into prostitution as a child, who struggles to understand unconditional love when she meets Michael Hosea, a man guided by deep faith.
Readers familiar with Lew Wallace’s classic Ben-Hur might appreciate the rich historical setting and strong moral themes Rivers weaves into the narrative.
Through Angel’s emotional journey toward redemption and self-acceptance, Redeeming Love offers readers an intense and heartfelt look at forgiveness, spiritual healing, and the transformative power of love.
Readers who enjoy the historical depth and vivid storytelling of Lew Wallace may want to explore novels by Lynn Austin. Austin is known for bringing the past to life through relatable characters and emotional narratives grounded in carefully researched history.
In her novel Gods and Kings, Austin takes readers to ancient Judah by exploring the life of King Hezekiah.
It is a powerful portrayal of one man’s struggle against tradition, faithlessness, and political chaos as he confronts the immense challenge of restoring his kingdom’s devotion to God.
The novel offers a rich blend of drama, spirituality, and history, creating an experience readers will find immersive and inspiring.
Readers who enjoy Lew Wallace’s vivid storytelling and strong biblical narratives may also appreciate Mesu Andrews. Her novel Love Amid the Ashes portrays the story of Job, focusing not only on his suffering but also on his complex relationships and deep faith.
Andrews skillfully blends biblical history with intriguing fictional characters to bring a fresh perspective to a familiar story. The interactions between Job and Dinah, daughter of Jacob, explore themes of loyalty, redemption, and forgiveness.
Andrews captures the emotional struggles of the characters with genuine feeling and honesty, making ancient people and places come to life.
Tosca Lee is an author known for historical fiction and an immersive style that brings vivid scenes and characters to life. Readers who enjoy Lew Wallace’s detailed biblical era storytelling might appreciate Lee’s novel, Iscariot.
This book explores the character of Judas Iscariot and portrays him not simply as a villain but as a complex individual torn between loyalty and doubt. Lee takes readers deep into Judas’s life, his motivations, ambitions, and the events that shaped his fateful choices.
The story unfolds in a richly detailed setting filled with political tension and emotional drama, creating a deeper understanding of a familiar yet often misunderstood biblical figure.
If you enjoy Lew Wallace’s immersive historical fiction like Ben-Hur, try Connilyn Cossette. She skillfully builds vivid worlds and authentic characters in ancient settings.
In her novel Counted with the Stars, the Egyptian exodus story unfolds through the eyes of Kiya, an Egyptian slave forced into uncertain exile with the Israelites.
As she navigates desert hardships, shifting loyalties, and newfound faith, readers experience ancient history through a fresh, relatable perspective.
Cossette combines meticulous historical research with heartfelt storytelling to create memorable, genuine tales you’ll get lost in.
Bodie Thoene is an author known for historical novels rich with detail, drama, and faith-driven themes. If you enjoy Lew Wallace’s ability to weave history, religion, and vivid storytelling, Thoene’s work may resonate deeply with you.
Her novel Vienna Prelude draws readers into 1930s Europe with the story of Elisa Lindheim, a talented violinist caught in the turmoil leading to World War II.
Elisa’s personal journey intersects with historical events and moral dilemmas, richly capturing an era shadowed by impending crisis. Thoene’s characters reveal deep humanity as they face danger, love, and faith in a world rapidly unraveling.
Readers who appreciate Lew Wallace might also enjoy Brock Thoene, an author known for vivid historical storytelling. Thoene often collaborates closely with his wife, Bodie, to create deeply researched historical novels.
Their book, Vienna Prelude, takes readers back to 1936 Austria, following Elisa Lindheim, a talented violinist caught up in rising tensions and dangerous secrets as Nazi Germany expands its influence.
The story combines suspense, romance, and moral courage around Elisa’s struggle to protect those she loves amid turmoil. Fans of Wallace’s portrayal of history and compelling characters may find Vienna Prelude an engaging read.
Walter Scott was a Scottish novelist who excelled at bringing historical adventures to vivid life. Readers who enjoy Lew Wallace’s detailed storytelling in Ben-Hur may connect easily with Scott’s classic Ivanhoe.
Set in medieval England, this story portrays a proud Saxon knight named Ivanhoe. He returns home from the Crusades to find his land troubled by conflict and injustice.
The novel combines thrilling jousts, daring rescues, and a tense struggle between the Norman conquerors and oppressed Saxons. Scott weaves history and fiction together smoothly.
The author’s clear style, engaging plotlines, and heroic characters offer an exciting ride into the past. Ivanhoe gives readers not just action and romance but also an unforgettable view of honor, loyalty, and courage in a vanished age.
Howard Fast was an American author known for his captivating novels about historical conflicts and complex characters. Readers who appreciate Lew Wallace’s Ben-Hur might also enjoy Fast’s novel Spartacus .
Set in ancient Rome, Spartacus portrays the vivid story of a gladiator who initiates one of history’s greatest slave uprisings.
The struggles Spartacus endures, his passionate fight against oppression, and the vivid portrayal of Roman society make this novel memorable and exciting. Fast skillfully blends careful historical detail with emotional intensity.
This creates powerful storytelling that resonates long after the book ends.