If you enjoy reading books by Nathaniel Hawthorne then you might also like the following authors:
Herman Melville was an American author best known for his deep, sea-faring stories filled with vivid characters. One of his most famous works is “Moby-Dick”. In this novel, a sailor named Ishmael joins a whaling ship led by the obsessed Captain Ahab.
Ahab is determined to hunt and kill the gigantic white whale that once maimed him. The book explores life on the ship, the harshness of the ocean, and Ahab’s dangerous pursuit of revenge.
The descriptions of the whale hunts and the crew’s personalities make the story unforgettable. It’s an adventure with themes of obsession and humanity’s struggle against nature.
Edgar Allan Poe, known for his macabre and gothic style, shares with Hawthorne a fascination with dark themes and psychological depth. Their exploration of the human psyche and moral ambiguity can captivate readers who enjoy Hawthorne’s tales.
Henry James is admired for his detailed character studies and complex narratives. Like Hawthorne, James often explores themes of morality and societal norms, offering Hawthorne fans another layer of psychological and moral intrigue.
Willa Cather captures the American spirit and landscape in her novels, similar to Hawthorne’s portrayal of Puritan New England. Her themes often revolve around identity and morality, echoing the ideas that Hawthorne explored in his works.
George Eliot, the pen name of Mary Ann Evans, possesses a keen insight into human nature and social intricacies. Her narratives, like Hawthorne’s, often reflect on ethical dilemmas and moral choices, making her a compelling author for his readers.
Thomas Hardy’s novels are rich with themes of fate and societal pressures, much like Hawthorne’s works. Hardy’s detailed depictions of rural life and tragedy may appeal to those interested in Hawthorne’s exploration of individual versus society.
Washington Irving’s combination of folklore, humor, and gothic elements aligns with Hawthorne’s style. Known for “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”, Irving’s storytelling will resonate with readers fond of Hawthorne’s blend of historical context and supernatural components.
Charlotte Brontë was an English author known for her vivid characters and emotional depth. Her novel “Jane Eyre” tells the story of an orphaned girl, Jane, who grows up facing cruelty and neglect.
As she becomes a young woman, she takes a job as a governess at Thornfield Hall, a mysterious estate owned by Mr. Rochester. Jane’s strength and independence, paired with the secrets buried in Thornfield, create a story full of twists and passion.
Fans of Nathaniel Hawthorne’s exploration of human flaws and moral struggles may enjoy the rich storytelling in Brontë's work.
Mary Shelley, famed for “Frankenstein”, presents a similar gothic and philosophical narrative style. Her exploration of creation and responsibility echoes Hawthorne’s themes of sin and redemption, providing a stimulating adventure for Hawthorne enthusiasts.
Nathaniel Philbrick offers a modern take on historical storytelling with books like “In the Heart of the Sea”. Though not from Hawthorne’s era, Philbrick’s historical depth and narrative style can engage readers seeking Hawthorne-like stories in a different context.
Mark Twain captures the essence of American life and human nature with humor and satire. While his style is lighter than Hawthorne’s, Twain’s keen observations on society and morality can still intrigue those who appreciate Hawthorne’s thematic depth.
Known for his “Leatherstocking Tales”, James Fenimore Cooper vividly portrays early American life and frontier adventures. His stories of moral challenges and wilderness settings contrast with, yet complement, Hawthorne’s more settled colonial perspectives.
Louisa May Alcott, author of “Little Women”, shares Hawthorne’s interest in morality and societal roles. Her portrayal of family life and personal growth provides a compassionate exploration of themes that may appeal to Hawthorne’s readers.
Harriet Beecher Stowe, with her novel “Uncle Tom’s Cabin”, presents powerful moral and societal critiques. Her exploration of conscience and human rights reflects themes close to Hawthorne’s heart, albeit in a more activist framework.
Ralph Waldo Emerson, a contemporary of Hawthorne, is known for his essays but also shares thematic beliefs about individualism and morality. Emerson’s philosophical musings can be enlightening for those interested in the intellectual backdrop of Hawthorne’s literary world.