If you enjoy reading novels by O. Henry then you might also like the following authors:
Mark Twain had a talent for telling stories packed with humor and sharp observation. If you enjoy O. Henry’s wit, you might like Twain’s knack for blending humor with real-life struggles.
In “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” and “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,” he explores friendship, freedom, and small-town life with a sense of adventure. His writing often pokes fun at human nature in a way that feels both clever and relatable.
Guy de Maupassant is known for writing clever stories with unexpected endings, much like O. Henry’s style. He has a way of showing human nature in sharp, clear ways.
If you enjoyed O. Henry, you might like Maupassant’s “Bel-Ami,” which follows the rise of an ambitious man using charm and manipulation. “Pierre and Jean” explores sibling rivalry and family secrets through a tightly woven plot.
His works often play with irony and surprise, making them satisfying reads.
Edgar Allan Poe is known for creating stories that leave you thinking long after you’ve read them. If you enjoy O. Henry’s twists, you might appreciate Poe’s knack for unexpected endings and dark humor.
In “The Narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym of Nantucket,” he takes you on a mysterious sea voyage. “The Fall of the House of Usher” combines a crumbling mansion with eerie family secrets. For a mix of mystery and puzzles, check out “The Mystery of Marie Rogêt.”
W.W. Jacobs had a knack for weaving wit and irony into his stories. If you enjoy O. Henry’s clever twists, you might like “The Monkey’s Paw,” where a simple wish takes a dark turn.
Another worth checking out is “Dialstone Lane,” a humorous tale blending small-town life with quirky characters. His work has that blend of sharp turns and humor that keeps you hooked.
Saki, known for his sharp wit and dark humor, wrote stories filled with twists and unexpected endings. If you enjoy O. Henry’s clever style, you’d probably like Saki’s work too. His novels, such as “The Unbearable Bassington” and “When William Came,” mix satire with an edge.
Saki’s writing often explores social norms and human behavior in a way that’s both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Anton Chekhov had a knack for surprising endings and capturing life’s small, yet profound, moments. If you enjoy O. Henry, you might appreciate how Chekhov’s works often balance humor and sorrow.
Check out “The Shooting Party,” a story full of unexpected twists, or “Three Years,” a quiet but moving look at love and regret. His storytelling feels honest and keeps you guessing, never giving you more or less than what’s needed.
Katherine Mansfield had a gift for capturing everyday moments and the emotions within them. Her work often focuses on small, personal stories that leave a lasting impression. Fans of O. Henry might enjoy how her writing adds depth to ordinary lives.
Check out “The Garden Party,” where a simple gathering turns into something more reflective, or “In a German Pension,” a series of witty stories full of sharp observations. There’s a charm to how she brings her characters to life, leaving readers with something to think about.
Stephen Leacock wrote with a sharp sense of humor and a knack for clever storytelling. If you like O. Henry’s wit and surprises, you might enjoy his work. In “Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town,” he paints small-town life with absurd characters and funny twists.
Another gem is “Arcadian Adventures with the Idle Rich,” a satire that pokes fun at the wealthy and their ridiculous ways. His writing has a way of keeping things light while offering a smart look at human nature.
Ring Lardner had a knack for creating sharp, witty stories filled with humor and human flaws. His work has a dry, clever tone that fans of O. Henry might enjoy.
In “You Know Me Al,” he writes in the voice of a young baseball player through a series of letters, capturing character through slang and honesty. “The Big Town” explores the ups and downs of city life with vivid and relatable moments.
Lardner’s humor often comes with a dose of truth, keeping his stories fresh and engaging.
Ambrose Bierce has a sharp wit and a knack for dark twists, which might catch your interest if you enjoy O. Henry’s clever stories. His works often have a tense, eerie vibe. Take “The Devil’s Dictionary,” for example—it’s filled with biting humor and cynical wordplay.
Then there’s “Can Such Things Be?”, a collection of ghostly and supernatural tales that will keep you guessing. Bierce’s writing often surprises readers with its clever edge and unexpected turns.
If you enjoy O. Henry’s sharp observations and twists, you might find Edith Wharton’s work fascinating in its own way. “The House of Mirth” follows Lily Bart’s struggles with society’s expectations, offering a keen look at human behavior.
In “Ethan Frome,” Wharton explores a stark and dramatic story of love and duty. Her writing has a precision and insight that draws you into the characters’ lives while leaving room for surprises.
Jack London wrote stories full of adventure and tough choices, which might catch your interest if you enjoy O. Henry’s works. His novel “The Call of the Wild” follows a dog swept into the harsh world of the Klondike Gold Rush, exploring survival and transformation.
Another great read is “White Fang,” where the story flips to a wolf-dog’s perspective, showing its struggles and bond with humans. London’s storytelling has a way of pulling you into worlds that feel raw and real.
Bret Harte wrote stories that often capture unexpected twists and colorful characters, something fans of O. Henry might appreciate.
His works include “The Luck of Roaring Camp,” a tale set in a rough mining town, and “Gabriel Conroy,” which explores ambition and love in the American West. These stories share a knack for blending humor and human nature while keeping the reader curious about what happens next.
E.M. Forster wrote stories with a knack for clever twists and social insights, which might catch the interest of someone who enjoys O. Henry. His novel “A Room with a View” contrasts personal freedom with societal expectations, creating sharp moments of humor and tension.
In “Howards End,” Forster weaves relationships and class differences into a story full of unexpected connections. If you like characters facing choices with surprising outcomes, Forster’s work could be worth exploring.
Sherwood Anderson wrote stories that focus on ordinary people and the small, sometimes strange moments that shape them. If you enjoy O. Henry’s knack for capturing human nature, you might like Anderson’s work.
“Winesburg, Ohio” is a collection of interconnected stories about life in a small town, full of quiet struggles and dreams. Another one to check out is “Poor White,” which follows a man navigating personal change during industrial growth.
His way of exploring everyday lives feels personal and genuine.