If you enjoy reading books by Naomi Alderman then you might also like the following authors:
Margaret Atwood is an author with a talent for exploring themes of power and societal change, which might catch the interest of Naomi Alderman fans.
In her novel “The Handmaid’s Tale,” she imagines a dystopian world where women lose their freedoms under a harsh, theocratic regime. The story follows Offred, a woman forced into a life of servitude, as she navigates this oppressive system.
The book paints a stark picture of control and survival, offering a thought-provoking look at resistance in a world turned upside down.
Madeline Miller is an author who brings myths to life by reimagining ancient tales with a modern touch. In her book “Circe,” she focuses on the sorceress from Homer’s “The Odyssey” and gives her a richly detailed story.
Circe is shunned by the gods and finds herself exiled to an island, where she hones her powerful magic and interacts with legendary figures like Daedalus and Odysseus.
The story weaves her struggle for independence and self-discovery with her encounters with gods, heroes, and mortals. Readers who appreciate strong, complex characters and mythological roots might find Miller’s storytelling engaging.
Octavia E. Butler was a powerful voice in science fiction and speculative fiction, known for blending complex characters with thought-provoking ideas. One of her standout books is “Parable of the Sower.”
Set in a dystopian America that’s falling apart due to climate change, economic collapse, and societal breakdown, the story follows Lauren Olamina, a teenager with a unique ability to feel the pain of others.
As she escapes her crumbling neighborhood, she begins shaping a new belief system called Earthseed. The novel is gripping because of its raw, unsettling look at humanity and resilience. It’s a unique and unforgettable journey.
Ursula K. Le Guin is a masterful storyteller known for her imaginative worlds and thought-provoking stories. One of her books, “The Dispossessed,” explores a divided universe with two contrasting societies—a barren anarchist planet and a wealthy capitalist one.
The story follows Shevek, a physicist who seeks to bridge the gap between these worlds, uncovering conflicts and ideals on both sides.
The way the societies reflect on freedom, power, and human connection makes the book unforgettable for readers who enjoy complex themes and vivid characters, much like Naomi Alderman’s works.
Emily St. John Mandel writes stories that often explore how people connect in unexpected ways. Her book “Station Eleven” is set in the aftermath of a global flu pandemic and follows survivors as they navigate a world reshaped by loss.
It weaves between moments before the collapse and the lives of a small traveling theater group. Along the way, it touches on art, memory, and what it means to rebuild.
Readers who enjoy Naomi Alderman’s combination of human stories and big ideas might find Mandel’s work fascinating.
Jeanette Winterson is known for stories that explore identity, love, and the boundaries of reality. Her book “The Passion” is a blend of history and imagination, set during the Napoleonic Wars.
It follows Henri, a young soldier who cooks for Napoleon, and Villanelle, a woman with webbed feet who works at a Venetian casino. Their lives cross in surprising ways as they navigate love, war, and the mysteries of Venice.
The story feels vivid and surreal, with moments that stick in your mind long after reading. If you enjoy books that layer emotions with the unexpected, this could be one to try.
Samantha Shannon writes imaginative and thought-provoking stories that push boundaries. One of her well-loved works, “The Priory of the Orange Tree,” is a standalone fantasy novel set in a richly detailed world filled with dragons, politics, and ancient secrets.
It tells the story of a queen fighting to protect her land from a looming threat, while a mage and a dragon rider uncover truths that could change everything.
The world-building is deep, and every character feels fully alive, making it a great pick if you enjoy stories with layered conflicts and strong themes.
Kazuo Ishiguro is an author known for writing stories that explore human emotions and memories. One of his books, “Never Let Me Go,” follows Kathy, Tommy, and Ruth, three friends who grow up at an English boarding school called Hailsham.
At first, their lives seem normal, but we slowly learn that the students are far from ordinary. The book focuses on their relationships and the heartbreaking truths they uncover about their purpose in life.
Ishiguro’s storytelling captures the struggles of people trying to make sense of their place in the world.
Claire North writes stories that are clever and thought-provoking, with unique ideas at their core. One of her standout books, “The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August,” follows Harry, a man who lives his life over and over.
Each time he dies, he is reborn with the memories of his previous lives intact. The story really picks up when another person like him warns of a coming disaster, and Harry realizes someone is using their repeated lives to change the world in dangerous ways.
It’s an interesting mix of time loops and mystery that pulls you in with its fresh concept.
Téa Obreht is an author known for weaving myth and history into her stories. Her novel “The Tiger’s Wife” centers on Natalia, a young doctor navigating a war-torn Balkan country.
As she travels to deliver medicine and uncover secrets about her grandfather’s death, she encounters tales of a mysterious tiger and a “deathless man.” These stories intertwine with her personal journey, creating a layered narrative rooted in folklore and family bonds.
Obreht’s work offers rich storytelling that mixes reality with a sense of the fantastical.
Susanna Clarke writes stories that mix rich settings with elements of mystery and magic. Her novel, “Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell,” is set in a version of 19th-century England where magic exists but has mostly faded from use.
The story follows two magicians, Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell, whose approaches to magic clash and lead to unexpected consequences.
The world is detailed, with a sense of history built into its events, from magical creatures haunting the moors to the revival of old, forgotten spells. It’s a great pick if you enjoy novels that explore power and secrets within layered worlds.
Sally Rooney writes about modern relationships with sharp dialogue and an intimate style. Her book “Normal People” follows Connell and Marianne, two Irish teenagers from different social backgrounds, as their lives and relationship intertwine over several years.
Connell is popular but quiet, while Marianne is outspoken and lonely. Their connection shifts as they move through different stages of life, exploring power dynamics and how love can be both comforting and complicated.
Rooney captures the small moments that make relationships feel real and impactful.
Louise Erdrich is a novelist who explores themes of family, culture, and identity, often within the context of Native American life. In her book “The Round House,” she tells the story of a teenage boy named Joe, whose mother is attacked under mysterious circumstances.
As Joe tries to uncover the truth, the book looks at the bonds of his family and the complexities of justice on a Native reservation. The story is emotional and layered, with moments that stay with you long after you’ve finished.
Ali Smith is an author known for creating stories that feel both sharp and heartfelt. Her novel “How to be both” is a fascinating look at art, history, and how stories connect across time.
The book weaves together two perspectives: a 15th-century Renaissance artist and a modern-day teenager dealing with grief. Their lives intertwine in unexpected ways, showing how emotions and creativity can resonate across centuries.
Smith has a way of making her characters feel alive in a relatable and thought-provoking way.
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is a writer known for crafting stories that explore personal and societal struggles with heart and depth. In her novel “Half of a Yellow Sun,” she paints a vivid picture of life in Nigeria during the Biafran War.
The story follows characters whose lives are upended by the conflict, including a young houseboy, a university professor, and her idealistic lover. Through their eyes, the harsh realities of war and its impact on love and loyalty come to life.
Adichie’s writing has a way of pulling you into the lives of her characters, making them feel real and unforgettable.