If you enjoy reading books by Lily Koppel then you might also like the following authors:
Kate Moore is known for bringing historical stories to life with vivid detail and focus on real people. Her book, “The Radium Girls,” tells the unforgettable story of young women working in factories during the early 1900s who painted watch dials with glowing radium paint.
These women were told the paint was harmless, but it slowly poisoned them. The book follows their fight for justice, putting faces and voices to a tragic chapter in history.
Dominic Smith is an author who writes stories that combine history and personal journeys. One of his books, “The Last Painting of Sara de Vos,” follows the lives of three characters connected by a rare 17th-century painting.
It moves between a woman who painted during the Dutch Golden Age, a man in 1950s New York who owns her work, and a woman in the 2000s who restored it earlier in her career. The book uncovers secrets about their lives and how the painting influenced them across centuries.
It’s a story full of art, love, and choices that linger over time.
Erik Larson is an author who writes fascinating works of narrative nonfiction. One of his books, “The Devil in the White City,” tells the story of the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair.
It blends the story of Daniel Burnham, the architect behind the event, with that of H.H. Holmes, a sinister figure who built a hotel near the fairgrounds filled with death traps.
The contrast between the grandeur of the fair and the darkness in Holmes’ activities creates a vivid picture of a changing America.
Margot Lee Shetterly is known for her ability to bring true stories to life in a way that feels personal and unforgettable. Her book, “Hidden Figures,” tells the story of four Black women who worked as mathematicians at NASA during the space race.
These women, including Katherine Johnson and Dorothy Vaughan, broke racial and gender barriers while solving problems that helped launch astronauts into space. The book captures their incredible contributions, the challenges they faced, and the impact they had on history.
Readers are drawn into their world, seeing how their brilliance and determination shaped the future of space exploration.
Melanie Benjamin writes historical fiction with an eye for personal stories set against important moments in history. Her book, “The Aviator’s Wife,” tells the story of Anne Morrow Lindbergh, the wife of Charles Lindbergh.
It explores her life, from her early days as a shy woman to her experiences navigating fame and her struggles in a complicated marriage. The book also brings to life aviation history, blended with emotional moments that make Anne’s journey unforgettable.
Tilar J. Mazzeo is an author who writes engaging works of narrative nonfiction, focusing on fascinating moments in history and the lives of remarkable individuals.
One of her books, “The Widow Clicquot,” tells the story of Barbe-Nicole Clicquot Ponsardin, the woman behind the Veuve Clicquot champagne empire. The book dives into the challenges she faced as a young widow in France during the Napoleonic Wars.
It explores how she transformed a struggling wine business into one of the most recognized champagne brands in the world, all while navigating societal norms of the time. This mix of history and personal story creates a vivid portrait of resilience and innovation.
Lauren Willig writes historical fiction with a mix of romance and wit. One of her books, “The Secret History of the Pink Carnation,” tells the tale of Eloise, a grad student researching a mysterious spy during the Napoleonic Wars.
As Eloise uncovers letters and hidden stories, she learns about Amy, a young woman living in 1803 who gets caught in a web of espionage.
The book weaves together Eloise’s modern-day discoveries and Amy’s adventurous past, blending history and intrigue in a way that keeps the pages turning.
Paula McLain is known for writing historical fiction that often explores the lives of fascinating women from history. One of her well-loved books, “The Paris Wife,” tells the story of Hadley Richardson, Ernest Hemingway’s first wife.
It takes you into their world during the 1920s, filled with the excitement of Paris and the struggles of being married to one of the century’s greatest writers.
You meet figures like Gertrude Stein and F. Scott Fitzgerald along the way, but the heart of the story is Hadley, her dreams, and her sacrifices. McLain paints a vivid picture of their relationship and the challenges they face together.
Ann Hood is an author who writes stories that often explore family, love, and loss. Her book “The Knitting Circle” follows Mary, a woman struggling to cope after the sudden death of her young daughter.
Encouraged by her mother, she joins a local knitting group where each member has their own struggles and secrets. Through the friendships she forms, Mary begins to heal. Hood’s writing is heartfelt and focuses on the power of human connection.
Lisa See is an author known for exploring family, history, and relationships in her novels. In “Snow Flower and the Secret Fan,” she tells the story of two girls in 19th-century China who form a bond through a secret written language used by women.
As their lives unfold, they face challenges like arranged marriages and family duty, all while holding on to their unique friendship. The novel gives a look into a world shaped by tradition and the sacrifices women make for loyalty and love.
Ariel Lawhon writes historical novels that weave together real events and fictional storytelling. One of her books, “The Wife, the Maid, and the Mistress,” is set in 1930s New York and centers on the mysterious disappearance of Judge Joseph Crater.
The story focuses on the three women connected to him—his wife, his mistress, and his maid—each with secrets of their own. The book dives into their lives and the shadowy world they navigate, filled with glamour and danger.
Stephanie Barron is known for her historical fiction that combines rich settings with clever storytelling. One of her notable works is “Jane and the Unpleasantness at Scargrave Manor.”
The story begins with Jane Austen receiving an urgent letter from her friend, the Countess of Scargrave, after her husband’s sudden death. What seems like a grieving widow’s plea turns into a twisty tale of murder, scandal, and hidden secrets.
As Jane pieces together the truth, she finds herself caught in a web of betrayal and danger. Fans of Lily Koppel might enjoy Barron’s way of bringing historical figures to life in a vivid and engaging way.
Allison Pataki writes historical fiction with a strong focus on personal stories set against significant historical events. Her book “The Accidental Empress” follows Sisi, a Bavarian duchess who unexpectedly becomes Empress of Austria.
The story explores her life in the Habsburg court, caught between love, duty, and the challenge of navigating the pressures of royal life. Fans of Lily Koppel’s focus on women in history may enjoy Pataki’s rich and character-driven narratives.
Marie Benedict writes historical fiction that shines a spotlight on remarkable women from the past. In her book “The Only Woman in the Room,” she tells the story of Hedy Lamarr. Hedy was not only a Hollywood actress but also a brilliant inventor during World War II.
The novel follows her life, starting with her escape from an oppressive marriage in Austria to her arrival in America. She uses her intelligence and courage to contribute to the war effort, specifically with ideas that would later influence modern communication technology.
It’s a fascinating look at a woman whose contributions were far ahead of her time.
Christina Baker Kline is an author known for her engaging historical fiction. One of her most popular books, “Orphan Train,” tells the story of two women from different times who form an unlikely bond.
The book moves between the life of Vivian, an orphan sent on a train to find a new home during the early 1900s, and Molly, a modern-day teenager in foster care.
The details of Vivian’s journey, filled with hardship and resilience, give readers a glimpse into a little-known part of American history. The connection between the characters feels authentic and heartfelt.