If you enjoy reading books by Mary McCarthy then you might also like the following authors:
Lillian Hellman was an American playwright and author known for her sharp, bold storytelling. One of her standout works is “The Little Foxes.” The story is set in the South, focusing on the greedy, manipulative Hubbard family as they scheme to increase their wealth at any cost.
At the center is Regina, whose ambition and cunning make her a fascinating and ruthless character. Hellman’s writing paints a vivid picture of power and betrayal, pulling readers into the high-stakes drama of greed and family conflict.
Fans of Mary McCarthy’s rich character studies may find Hellman’s work equally engrossing.
Elizabeth Hardwick was an essayist and novelist known for her sharp intellect and precise writing. Her novel “Sleepless Nights” stands out as a unique blend of fiction and memoir, where the narrator reflects on her life, loves, and friendships.
The book moves through memories of different cities, offering glimpses into relationships and moments that feel deeply personal yet universal.
There’s a candid honesty to her observations, whether she’s describing the loneliness of New York or recalling the people who’ve shaped her journey. Fans of Mary McCarthy might find Hardwick’s focus on human connections and her keen eye for detail particularly engaging.
Joan Didion writes with clarity and a sharp eye for the world around her. Her book, “Slouching Towards Bethlehem,” is a collection of essays centered on California in the 1960s. It captures life during a time of change and uncertainty.
One essay follows her visit to Haight-Ashbury, where she observes the lives of young people caught in the counterculture. Didion has a way of showing the fragility beneath what seems ordinary, making her work unforgettable.
Dawn Powell was an American writer known for her sharp wit and clever observations about society. In her novel “The Locusts Have No King,” she tells the story of Frederick Olliver, a writer trying to make his mark in 1940s New York.
He is in a turbulent relationship with Lyle, a reckless and unpredictable publisher, as they navigate their ambitions and the city’s bohemian scene. The book dives into the messy worlds of love, career, and betrayal, painting a vivid picture of post-war Manhattan.
Powell’s humor and keen eye for human flaws make her work stand out.
Susan Sontag was a writer and critic known for her sharp insights on culture and society. One of her most notable books, “On Photography,” looks at how photography shapes the way we see the world. It explores the impact of images on memory and perception.
For example, she examines how photos can simplify complex moments or replace personal memories with a version frozen in time. If you enjoy Mary McCarthy’s thought-provoking style, Sontag’s ideas might catch your attention too.
Edith Wharton was an American author known for her sharp observations of upper-class life in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Her novel “The Age of Innocence” follows Newland Archer, a young man in New York society, as he prepares to marry the proper May Welland.
His life takes a turn when May’s cousin, Ellen Olenska, returns to the city after leaving her husband. Ellen’s independence and defiance of societal norms shake Newland’s sense of duty and complicate his choices.
Through the story, Wharton explores the quiet pressures of tradition and the unspoken rules that guide relationships in a world that values appearances above all else.
Margaret Drabble is a British author known for her keen observations of human relationships and societal changes. Her novel “The Millstone” explores the life of Rosamund, a single woman navigating an unexpected pregnancy in 1960s London.
The story focuses on her experiences with independence and the challenges of going against societal expectations. Drabble writes with a sharp, insightful tone that captures the nuances of her characters’ lives.
Fans of Mary McCarthy might appreciate how she portrays women grappling with personal freedom and social norms.
Iris Murdoch was a British author known for exploring complex human relationships and moral dilemmas. One of her novels, “The Sea, The Sea,” tells the story of Charles Arrowby, a retired theater director, who moves to a secluded house by the ocean.
He plans to live quietly but becomes obsessed with rekindling a past romance with his first love, Hartley. As he interferes with her life, long-buried secrets and tensions rise.
The book captures his obsession and self-deception, drawing readers into his world of memory and desire. It’s a story full of flawed, fascinating characters.
Jean Rhys wrote stories full of characters who often felt lost or out of place. Her novel “Wide Sargasso Sea” opens a window into the life of Antoinette, a young woman in the Caribbean who ends up trapped in a destructive marriage.
The book reimagines the backstory of the “madwoman in the attic” from Charlotte Brontë's “Jane Eyre,” showing Antoinette’s world unravel as cultures collide and betrayals pile up.
Rhys has a way of creating vivid settings and capturing the emotions of people who feel they don’t quite belong.
Barbara Pym writes with sharp wit and an eye for the small details of ordinary lives. Her novel “Excellent Women” follows Mildred Lathbury, a self-effacing yet observant single woman in post-war England.
She gets caught up in the chaotic lives of her new neighbors—a glamorous anthropologist and her rakish husband. As Mildred navigates their troubles, alongside the expectations of her own quiet life, there’s a charm in the way the story unfolds.
Pym’s humor leans into the absurdities of social manners while offering glimpses of deeper loneliness and connections. Readers who enjoy Mary McCarthy’s exploration of human behavior might find Pym equally engaging.
Sylvia Plath was a poet and novelist known for her unflinching look at personal struggles and inner conflict. Her novel, “The Bell Jar,” tells the story of Esther Greenwood, a young woman attempting to navigate life while facing the weight of mental illness.
The book moves through her experiences as a talented intern in New York, her return to her suburban home, and her battles with depression.
Plath’s writing captures the suffocating isolation Esther feels, while also painting a vivid picture of societal expectations and the longing for freedom.
Alice Munro is a Canadian author known for writing powerful short stories. Her book “Runaway” is a collection that focuses on the lives of women dealing with relationships, choices, and the weight of their pasts.
In one story, a woman longs to escape her controlling husband but struggles with fear and dependency. Another story follows a daughter who uncovers surprising truths about her mother.
Munro’s characters feel real, and their lives are messy, full of emotions and decisions that stay with you long after reading.
Anaïs Nin was a writer known for her deeply emotional and intimate exploration of human relationships. Her book “Delta of Venus” is a collection of sensual short stories, each focusing on the complexities of desire and connection.
One story follows a sculptor who becomes infatuated with a mysterious woman he encounters by chance. Nin’s writing captures her characters’ inner lives with raw honesty, creating moments that feel startlingly personal.
Fans of Mary McCarthy’s attention to emotional detail may find her work captivating.
Muriel Spark was a Scottish author known for her sharp wit and keen observation of human behavior. One of her most famous books, *“The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie,”* introduces readers to an eccentric schoolteacher in 1930s Edinburgh.
Miss Brodie takes a group of impressionable girls under her wing, shaping their lives with her unorthodox methods and strong opinions. The story explores the lasting influence a charismatic person can have, particularly when that influence turns darker.
Spark’s writing is clever and often full of surprises, making her a fascinating choice for readers who enjoy Mary McCarthy’s works.
Virginia Woolf wrote with a deep focus on characters’ inner thoughts and emotions, often blending them with vivid descriptions of everyday life. In “Mrs. Dalloway,” she introduces Clarissa Dalloway, a society woman in London preparing to host a party.
The story takes place over the course of one day, showing the contrast between her public image and her private reflections. As the day unfolds, the book shifts between different characters, creating an intimate look at their feelings and memories.