If you enjoy reading books by Lew Wallace then you might also like the following authors:
Henryk Sienkiewicz was a Polish author known for writing sweeping historical novels. His book “Quo Vadis” is set in ancient Rome during Nero’s reign. It follows the story of a Roman officer, Marcus Vinicius, who falls in love with a Christian woman named Lygia.
Their love story unfolds as Christianity begins to spread and clash with the brutal Roman empire. The book paints vivid scenes of Rome’s grandeur and cruelty, including the persecution of Christians, which plays a key role in the story.
Charles Dickens is known for his vivid characters and detailed portrayals of life in 19th-century England. His novel, “A Tale of Two Cities,” is set during the French Revolution.
The story follows Charles Darnay, a man with a complicated past, and Sydney Carton, a lawyer who feels his life lacks purpose. Their lives become intertwined with Lucie Manette, a kind-hearted woman who brings hope amid chaos.
The book shows both the brutality of revolution and the strength of love and sacrifice.
Walter Scott was a Scottish author known for his historical novels, focusing on adventure and drama set against vivid backdrops of the past. His book “Ivanhoe” is set in medieval England, where knights, tournaments, and political tensions come to life.
It follows a disinherited knight, Wilfred of Ivanhoe, as he navigates battles, romance, and loyalty. The story weaves in well-known figures like Robin Hood and offers action and intrigue in a world of chivalry and power struggles.
It’s a classic tale that captures the spirit of historical storytelling.
Nathaniel Hawthorne was an American author known for weaving stories filled with deep moral questions and strong symbolism. One of his most famous books, “The Scarlet Letter,” is set in a Puritan community in 17th-century Massachusetts.
It tells the story of Hester Prynne, a woman forced to wear a scarlet “A” on her chest after committing adultery.
The book explores themes of shame, guilt, and redemption while following Hester as she raises her daughter, Pearl, under the watchful and judgmental eyes of her neighbors.
Hawthorne’s writing often examines the darker side of human nature, making his works rich with meaning and emotion.
Victor Hugo was a French writer who created stories that explore big ideas, often through the lives of unforgettable characters.
His book “Les Misérables” follows Jean Valjean, a man imprisoned for stealing bread, as he tries to build a new life while being hunted by the relentless Inspector Javert.
Along the way, you meet people like Fantine, whose struggles for her daughter tug at your heart, and Gavroche, a brave street boy caught in the chaos of rebellion. Hugo’s detailed world and the way he shows human struggles make his work hard to put down.
Harriet Beecher Stowe was an American author whose work left a strong mark on literature. Her most famous novel, “Uncle Tom’s Cabin”, paints a vivid picture of the brutal realities of slavery in the United States.
The story follows Uncle Tom, a kind and deeply religious man, as he endures the cruelty of enslavers while holding on to his faith. The book isn’t dry or distant.
It creates characters you care about and moments that stay with you, like the friendship between Tom and a young girl named Eva. This novel’s emotional impact made it a powerful force for the abolitionist movement.
Edward Bulwer-Lytton was a 19th-century British author who wrote stories filled with drama and grand themes. One of his well-known works, “The Last Days of Pompeii,” is set in ancient Rome and centers on the lives of several characters as the eruption of Mount Vesuvius looms.
The novel paints a vivid picture of daily life in Pompeii, from the bustling streets to the lavish villas, while weaving in romance, betrayal, and danger. The mix of historical backdrop and strong character moments makes it a memorable read.
James Fenimore Cooper was an American writer known for his adventure-filled novels set in early America. One of his best-known works is “The Last of the Mohicans.”
The story takes place during the French and Indian War and follows the journey of Hawkeye, a skilled woodsman, and his close companions, Chingachgook and Uncas, who are the last members of the Mohican tribe.
The characters face dangers as they escort two English sisters through the wilderness, encountering battles, betrayals, and intense challenges. The novel paints a vivid picture of colonial America and its struggles, blending action and heartfelt moments in a dramatic setting.
Alexandre Dumas was a French author who wrote vivid and adventurous stories often set against dramatic historical backdrops. One of his most famous works, “The Count of Monte Cristo,” follows Edmond Dantès, a man betrayed by those he trusted.
Wrongfully imprisoned, he finds a way to escape and uncovers a hidden treasure. With newfound wealth, he sets out to seek justice and make things right. The story is filled with betrayal, revenge, and unexpected twists that keep you turning the pages.
Dumas had a way of creating characters with strong motivations that really stick with you.
Elizabeth Gaskell was a 19th-century English writer who often explored social issues and class divisions in her stories.
One of her most famous books, “North and South,” follows Margaret Hale, a young woman who moves from a quiet rural town to an industrial city in the north of England.
As she adjusts to the harsh realities of factory life and labor strikes, she crosses paths with John Thornton, a mill owner whose stern demeanor hides a deeply conflicted character.
The book weaves themes of love, hardship, and the clash between different ways of life, all set against the backdrop of Victorian England. Gaskell paints a vivid picture of the struggles and triumphs of ordinary people.
George Eliot was the pen name of Mary Ann Evans, an author known for rich storytelling and deep character development. One of her most celebrated works is “Silas Marner.”
The book tells the story of a weaver whose lonely life takes an unexpected turn when a golden-haired child enters his world. Themes of community, redemption, and human connection make it memorable.
If you enjoy stories with personal transformation and emotionally immersive settings, you might find “Silas Marner” intriguing.
Thomas Hardy was a 19th-century English author known for his deep exploration of human struggles and the beauty of rural life. His novel “Far from the Madding Crowd” follows Bathsheba Everdene, a strong and independent woman who inherits a farm.
The story includes her interactions with three very different men: Gabriel Oak, a loyal shepherd, William Boldwood, a wealthy and reserved bachelor, and Sergeant Troy, who is dashing but unreliable.
The novel captures the challenges Bathsheba faces in love and life, all set against the backdrop of the English countryside. Hardy’s writing often reflects themes of fate and resilience, which might feel familiar to fans of Lew Wallace’s rich storytelling.
Anthony Trollope was an English author famous for his detailed characters and vivid portrayals of Victorian society. His book “Barchester Towers” is part of the Barsetshire series, set in a quiet cathedral town.
The story follows the conflict between the old traditions of the church and the reformers who want change.
Characters like the ambitious Mrs. Proudie and the gentle Mr. Arabin bring humor and drama to the story, keeping readers intrigued by their personal and political struggles. The blend of social politics and personal rivalries gives it a timeless appeal.
Robert Louis Stevenson was a Scottish author known for crafting adventurous and imaginative tales. One of his most famous works, “Treasure Island,” is a story about young Jim Hawkins, who discovers a pirate’s treasure map and sets out on a perilous voyage.
The book is filled with dangerous characters, including the cunning Long John Silver, and captures the excitement of searching for hidden treasure on a mysterious island.
It’s a story that pulls you in with its mix of danger, loyalty, and betrayal, making it a timeless read for anyone who enjoys high-stakes adventure.
Alfred Lord Tennyson was a poet with a gift for vivid imagery and a deep sense of storytelling. His work often draws on themes of heroism, faith, and human struggle. In “Idylls of the King,” he reimagines the tales of King Arthur and his knights.
The poem explores loyalty, betrayal, and the rise and fall of Camelot. Moments like Lancelot’s tormented love for Guinevere or the tragic fate of Sir Gawain stick out, showing the cost of human weakness and ambition.
If you enjoy epic stories with moral conflicts, Tennyson might catch your interest.