If you enjoy reading novels by Oscar Wilde then you might also like the following authors:
George Bernard Shaw is a playwright from Ireland known for sharp wit and clever dialogue. People who enjoy Oscar Wilde may find his comedy “Pygmalion” interesting.
It is a story about a professor named Henry Higgins who bets he can transform a common flower girl named Eliza Doolittle into a refined lady. As the play moves forward, Eliza’s transformation reveals much about social classes and human relationships.
Shaw’s humor resembles Wilde’s—it’s dry, sharp, and makes serious points lightly.
Evelyn Waugh was an English writer known for his sharp, satirical approach to society. Readers who enjoy Oscar Wilde’s witty humor will appreciate Waugh’s novel “Decline and Fall.”
This book tells the story of Paul Pennyfeather, a young teacher who ends up caught in absurd situations after unfairly losing his place at university.
Through Pennyfeather’s misadventures, Waugh humorously portrays the society of his time, using clever dialogues and ironic twists that fans of Wilde can easily enjoy.
P.G. Wodehouse has a knack for crafting delightful tales filled with humor and wit. If you enjoy the sharp quips of Oscar Wilde, Wodehouse’s style might be up your alley.
One of his famous books, “Jeeves and Wooster,” follows the adventures of a charmingly clueless young gentleman named Bertie Wooster and his astute valet, Jeeves. Bertie often finds himself entangled in absurd situations, relying on Jeeves to bail him out.
The relationship between the two is endearing, with Jeeves’s clever solutions unfailingly saving the day. With quirky characters and amusing scenarios, “Jeeves and Wooster” provides plenty of laughter and amusement, capturing the delightful chaos of the upper-class society.
Virginia Woolf is an author who plays with the flow of thoughts and the inner lives of her characters. If you’re curious about her work, you might want to explore “Mrs. Dalloway.” The novel takes place over a single day in London.
It follows Clarissa Dalloway, a woman preparing for a party. Through her, readers get a peek into the minds of those she meets. Woolf crafts a beautiful mix of thoughts and memories, offering a glimpse of life in post-World War I England.
It’s a book where every small detail carries weight, and the beauty lies in everyday moments.
Henry James was a master of psychological depth, and his works often explore complex characters and social dynamics. If you enjoy Oscar Wilde, you might appreciate James’s keen observations and wit. One of his notable books is “The Turn of the Screw.”
In this chilling tale, a young governess faces unsettling events at a remote estate. She becomes convinced that the children in her care are under the influence of malevolent spirits.
The story raises questions about reality and imagination, keeping readers questioning what’s real and what’s imagined. James doesn’t offer easy answers, but his storytelling leaves a lasting impression.
F. Scott Fitzgerald is known for capturing the essence of the Jazz Age with his elegant prose. In his book “The Great Gatsby,” readers meet Jay Gatsby, a mysterious millionaire with a lavish lifestyle.
The story unfolds against the backdrop of 1920s New York, focusing on the elusive nature of the American Dream. A key moment involves Gatsby’s extravagant parties. These events bring together an array of characters, offering insight into themes of wealth and desire.
The social commentary woven throughout the narrative might appeal to those who enjoy the wit and style of Oscar Wilde. The characters reveal a world full of ambition and illusion, offering a glimpse into a bygone era that continues to intrigue.
Truman Capote is a name you might find interesting if you enjoy Oscar Wilde. He’s known for his sharp wit and colorful storytelling. One of his standout works is “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.”
This novella centers on the quirky and captivating Holly Golightly, a young woman living in New York City. Holly charms those around her with her free spirit and love for the finer things in life. The story explores her adventures and relationships in a city that never sleeps.
While Holly’s lifestyle seems glamorous, there’s more beneath the surface, as Capote reveals layers of complexity in her character. If you enjoy clever dialogue and intriguing characters, Capote is worth a look.
Dorothy Parker, known for her sharp wit and biting humor, often delivered her observations on love and life with a sardonic twist.
In her collection “The Portable Dorothy Parker,” readers will find a selection of her short stories, poetry, and essays that reflect her keen insights into human nature.
One of the standout stories is “The Standard of Living,” where two young women fantasize about what they would buy with a million dollars. The story is both humorous and poignant, capturing Parker’s unique ability to mix light-hearted moments with stark reality.
Fans of Oscar Wilde might appreciate how Parker picks apart social pretensions, much like Wilde’s satirical style.
Aldous Huxley was an English writer known for his insightful and often satirical work. One of his most famous novels, “Brave New World,” presents a futuristic society that seems perfect on the surface.
However, beneath the veneer of control and stability, people live without freedom or genuine emotions. Set in a world where science and technology shape lives, the story delves into themes of individuality and the price of comfort.
Characters like Bernard Marx and Lenina Crowne navigate their predefined roles. They encounter surprising truths about their existence. Fans of Oscar Wilde’s exploration of social norms may find Huxley’s exploration of human nature thought-provoking.
Edith Wharton, an American author, is known for her sharp portrayals of high society in the early 20th century. Her novel “The Age of Innocence” gives readers a glimpse into the Gilded Age, focusing on Newland Archer, a young lawyer in New York.
Newland is engaged to the charming May Welland, but things get complicated when May’s cousin, the intriguing Countess Ellen Olenska, returns from Europe under scandalous circumstances.
The story captures the challenges and restrictions of societal expectations with Wharton’s keen eye for detail and wit. Readers who enjoy Oscar Wilde’s exploration of social mores in his works may find Wharton’s approach equally engaging.
James Joyce is an author known for transforming the landscape of literature with his unique style. One of his most talked-about works is “Ulysses.” This novel follows a day in the life of Leopold Bloom, an ordinary man in Dublin.
The book takes readers through the streets and alleys of the city and dives into Leopold’s thoughts and interactions. It doesn’t just tell a story; it opens up a window into the mind of its characters.
Joyce uses language in a way that’s both playful and challenging, and every page offers a new perspective on what it means to be human. This might appeal to someone who appreciates Oscar Wilde’s wit and exploration of life’s deeper themes.
Marcel Proust, a French novelist, is best known for his masterpiece “In Search of Lost Time.” This work dives into the nature of memory and time. The story starts with the narrator recalling his childhood.
Quite a memorable scene involves a madeleine dipped in tea, sparking a flood of memories. Throughout the novel, Proust explores societal norms, love, and art as the narrator grows and reflects on his life.
If you enjoy the elegant and witty observations found in Oscar Wilde’s works, Proust’s exploration of life’s deeper meanings might captivate you.
Arthur Conan Doyle, the creator of the iconic detective Sherlock Holmes, offers stories filled with mystery and adventure. Known for his attention to detail and love for plot twists, Doyle crafts tales that keep readers on their toes.
One standout is “The Hound of the Baskervilles”. Set in the eerie moorlands, Holmes and Watson face the legend of a ghostly hound that terrorizes the Baskerville family.
The novel combines elements of suspense, folklore, and a chilling atmosphere, making it a treat for those who enjoy unraveling mysteries.
The way Doyle brings Victorian England to life through his settings and characters can captivate anyone who appreciates the wit and style found in works by Oscar Wilde.
H.G. Wells, known for his imaginative and forward-thinking style, invites readers into worlds that push the boundaries of reality. One of his most fascinating books, “The Invisible Man,” tells the story of a scientist named Griffin who discovers the secret to becoming invisible.
As his invisibility experiment descends into chaos, Griffin struggles with his newfound powers, leading to a gripping tale of a man on the edge.
This book captures themes of science gone awry and the darker side of human nature, providing a thought-provoking read for those who appreciate the wit and social commentary found in Oscar Wilde’s works.
Lewis Carroll was a master of imagination and whimsy, often crafting tales where logic plays second fiddle to fantasy. One of his most famous works is “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.”
The story follows a young girl named Alice who stumbles into a fantastical world after falling down a rabbit hole. In this wonderland, Alice encounters peculiar characters like the perpetually late White Rabbit, the enigmatic Cheshire Cat, and the eccentric Mad Hatter.
The setting is filled with nonsensical yet charming logic that turns the everyday world on its head. Fans of Oscar Wilde, known for his wit and playful use of language, might find Carroll’s whimsical storytelling and wordplay enticing.