If you enjoy reading books by Maggie O'Farrell then you might also like the following authors:
Anne Enright is an Irish author known for writing about family dynamics and the complexities of relationships. Her novel “The Gathering” focuses on the Hegarty family as they come together after the death of one of the siblings, Liam.
The story is told through Veronica, who tries to make sense of her brother’s struggles and confronts long-buried family secrets. The book explores memory, grief, and how the past can shape lives in unexpected ways.
Tana French writes atmospheric mysteries that dig deep into human relationships and emotions. One of her standout novels is “The Likeness,” which follows Detective Cassie Maddox as she investigates the murder of a woman who looks exactly like her. The bizarre twist?
The victim was using an alias from one of Cassie’s past undercover cases. Cassie takes on the dead woman’s identity to uncover what happened, stepping into her life and becoming part of a tight-knit group of housemates with secrets to hide.
It’s a story where trust and identity are constantly in question, keeping you hooked as the layers of the mystery unfold.
Colm Tóibín writes stories that often focus on family and personal struggles. His novel “Brooklyn” follows Eilis Lacey, a young Irish woman who moves to New York in the 1950s to find work and a new life.
The book captures her homesickness, her quiet courage, and her complicated choices when faced with love and loyalty. Tóibín’s writing is personal and thoughtful, perfect for readers who enjoy emotional, character-driven stories.
Elizabeth Strout is an author known for creating characters that feel incredibly real. Her book, “Olive Kitteridge,” is a collection of interconnected stories set in a small coastal town in Maine.
At its heart is Olive, a retired schoolteacher who is strong-willed, blunt, and deeply human. Through the lives of the townspeople and Olive’s complex relationships, Strout explores love, loss, and forgiveness in ways that feel honest and moving.
One memorable story shows Olive grappling with her son’s frustrations about her harsh demeanor, highlighting the tension and tenderness in their bond. It’s the kind of book that makes you think about all the quiet, everyday moments that shape people’s lives.
Emma Donoghue is an Irish-Canadian author known for her sharp storytelling and rich characters. Her novel “Room” tells the story of Jack, a five-year-old boy who has spent his entire life in a small, locked room with his Ma.
The book explores their relationship and Jack’s perspective as their world begins to change in unexpected ways. It’s gripping without being overwhelming, pulling you into their confined world and making you care deeply about their journey.
Fans of Maggie O’Farrell’s emotional depth might enjoy Donoghue’s ability to craft intimate, character-driven stories.
Sally Rooney writes about relationships in a way that feels honest and deeply personal. Her book, “Normal People,” follows Marianne and Connell, two young people from a small Irish town.
They come from different social backgrounds but form a connection that shapes their lives over several years. The story moves through their time in school and university, showing how their bond shifts as they deal with love, class, and identity.
Rooney captures the push and pull between them, making their story feel real and intimate. If you enjoy books that explore human connections, this one is worth checking out.
Sebastian Barry is an Irish author who writes beautifully about family, love, and loss, often against the backdrop of Ireland’s history.
In his novel “Days Without End,” he tells the story of Thomas McNulty, an Irish immigrant in 19th-century America, who finds companionship and love with John Cole as they serve together in the US Army.
The book explores themes of identity and survival while painting a vivid picture of the hardships of that time. Barry’s storytelling feels deeply emotional and personal, with characters that stay with you well after you finish reading.
Jodi Picoult is an author known for exploring deep relationships and moral questions in her stories. One of her novels, “My Sister’s Keeper,” tells the story of a young girl named Anna, who was conceived to be a donor for her older sister, Kate, who has leukemia.
The story focuses on Anna as she decides to sue her parents for medical emancipation, putting their family under immense strain. It’s an emotional look at family bonds, choices, and what it means to love someone.
Penelope Lively is an author known for exploring memory and how the past shapes the present. Her novel “Moon Tiger” follows Claudia Hampton, a sharp and independent woman reflecting on her life from her hospital bed.
Through her memories, the story weaves together her relationships, travels, and experiences during World War II. Claudia’s fleeting romance with Tom Southern, a soldier she meets in Egypt, stands out as a poignant and central thread in the story.
Lively’s writing gently reveals how personal histories connect with larger events.
Sarah Winman is an author who writes beautiful, heartfelt stories layered with emotion and connection. One of her books, “Still Life,” is set against the backdrop of Tuscany and London after World War II.
It follows the lives of a young British soldier named Ulysses Temper and an older art historian named Evelyn Skinner, who meet in Italy during the war. Their chance encounter sparks a bond that unfolds across decades, revealing how art, love, and friendships shape their lives.
The narrative weaves together moments of joy, tragedy, and hope, and it’s filled with rich characters who feel like old friends.
Kate Morton writes stories that often weave together family secrets, the past, and the present. In her book “The Forgotten Garden,” a girl is found abandoned on a ship bound for Australia in 1913.
She grows up, unaware of her mysterious origins, until secrets about her past begin to surface decades later. The book takes readers through multiple timelines to uncover the truth, offering a glimpse into hidden histories and the lasting effects they have on future generations.
Morton’s writing has a way of drawing you into lives shaped by betrayal and resilience.
Jessie Burton is an author known for crafting richly detailed stories with strong characters and atmospheric settings.
Her novel, “The Miniaturist,” is set in 17th-century Amsterdam and follows Nella, an 18-year-old bride who moves into her new husband’s home, only to find herself drawn to a mysterious cabinet that replicates their house.
A miniaturist begins sending objects that seem to predict secrets and events in their lives. The story weaves Nella’s growing awareness of the world and the layered mysteries that surround her. Fans of historical fiction will appreciate the intricate world Burton brings to life.
Gabriel García Márquez was a Colombian author known for crafting stories that blend reality with a sense of wonder. One of his most famous books, “One Hundred Years of Solitude,” tells the multi-generational story of the Buendía family in the fictional town of Macondo.
The book weaves together moments of love, loss, and extraordinary events that feel rooted in everyday life. The characters’ lives are shaped by their past, and Márquez creates a world where cyclical patterns of history and destiny play a key role.
Liane Moriarty is an Australian author known for creating stories that explore family, friendship, and secrets with unexpected twists. One of her novels, “Big Little Lies,” weaves together the lives of three women whose children attend the same school.
At first glance, their lives seem perfect, but beneath the surface, tensions and rivalries grow. The story unfolds with a tragic event at a school fundraiser, leaving readers piecing together the events that led up to it.
It’s a mix of drama, mystery, and humor, with characters you can’t help but feel connected to.
Rachel Cusk is an author known for her sharp and thoughtful storytelling. Her novel “Outline” is a conversation-driven story about a woman named Faye, a writer who travels to Greece to teach a course.
Through a series of encounters with people she meets, their personal stories slowly reveal parts of Faye’s own life. The book feels deeply personal, as if you’re eavesdropping on intimate conversations, where small details carry a lot of weight.