If you enjoy reading books by Patrick deWitt then you might also like the following authors:
Charles Portis writes humorous, quirky stories centered around memorable characters who embark on unusual adventures. His novels often mix humor and action with thoughtful observations about life.
If you enjoy Patrick deWitt's wit and unique perspectives, you'll probably like Portis's classic western, True Grit. It tells the story of a determined young girl pursuing justice, filled with humor and memorable dialogue.
George Saunders specializes in imaginative and satirical fiction, making clever observations about modern society and human nature. Like Patrick deWitt, Saunders blends dark humor with genuine emotion.
His novel Lincoln in the Bardo uniquely portrays historical events alongside surreal elements, exploring themes of grief, loss, and human connection through a witty yet compassionate lens.
Jonathan Safran Foer's work is characterized by playful language, sharp wit, and heartfelt storytelling. He often explores themes of love, loss, identity, and family ties. Similar to Patrick deWitt, Foer mixes humor and profound insight to examine deeply human stories.
A good place to start is his novel Everything Is Illuminated, a quirky and moving tale of a young man's journey through Ukraine in search of his family's past.
Denis Johnson's fiction is gritty, humorous, and insightful, examining people living on society’s fringes. His stories often reflect on human frailty, addiction, and redemption with dark humor and a compassionate perspective.
Fans of Patrick deWitt who appreciate flawed, memorable characters will enjoy Johnson’s Jesus’ Son. This collection of linked stories vividly captures the chaotic lives of the lost and forgotten.
Daniel Woodrell writes atmospheric stories often set in rural America, especially the Ozarks. His prose has a simple elegance that draws readers into the harsh realities his characters face.
Like Patrick deWitt, Woodrell portrays gritty situations and relationships with sharp insight and authenticity. Try reading Winter's Bone, a tense tale of courage focusing on family loyalty and survival in a stark setting.
Percival Everett writes smart, genre-bending fiction filled with sharp wit and dry humor that challenges expectations.
His novel Erasure cleverly critiques race, identity, and the literary scene through the story of a frustrated writer who invents a shockingly stereotypical novel—only to find himself caught up in its surprising success.
If you enjoy Patrick deWitt’s playful satire and thoughtfully comic style, Everett’s inventive storytelling could be a great fit.
Jonas Jonasson brings humor and warmth together in whimsical, absurd stories with unforgettable characters and improbable twists.
His novel The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared follows a quirky elderly man whose impulsive escape leads to a hilarious journey filled with remarkable encounters and historical adventures.
Readers who appreciate deWitt’s comedic touches and offbeat narrative style might find Jonasson’s delightfully absurd world equally enjoyable.
Thomas Pynchon Early Thomas Pynchon offers wild, energetic stories loaded with humor, mystery, and satire that skewer modern society’s absurdities.
In The Crying of Lot 49, he builds a playful labyrinth of conspiracy and paranoia as protagonist Oedipa Maas tries to unravel a complex mystery filled with secret postal systems, strange symbols, and eccentric characters.
Fans of Patrick deWitt’s quirky, thought-provoking style may find that early Pynchon’s spirited intellectual escapades offer a similarly enjoyable reading experience.
Pynchon Early Thomas Pynchon offers wild, energetic stories loaded with humor, mystery, and satire that skewer modern society’s absurdities.
In The Crying of Lot 49, he builds a playful labyrinth of conspiracy and paranoia as protagonist Oedipa Maas tries to unravel a complex mystery filled with secret postal systems, strange symbols, and eccentric characters.
Fans of Patrick deWitt’s quirky, thought-provoking style may find that early Pynchon’s spirited intellectual escapades offer a similarly enjoyable reading experience.
Donald Ray Pollock crafts gritty, stark narratives set in darkly rural communities, pointing a revealing spotlight at violence, despair, and small-town secrets.
In The Devil All the Time, Pollock weaves dark humor with haunting atmosphere in a collection of interlocked lives shaped by desperation, violence, and fate.
If you’re intrigued by Patrick deWitt’s darkly comedic tone and links between humor and despair, Pollock’s raw, unforgettable style may appeal to you.
Kevin Wilson writes with humor and warmth about unusual families and troubled characters who feel both relatable and strange. His novels blend quirky storytelling with deeper emotional truths.
A good example is Nothing to See Here, about two kids who literally catch fire when upset. If you like Patrick deWitt's dark humor and eccentric characters, Wilson will resonate with you.
Jess Walter's writing is witty, playful, and filled with sharp observations about human quirks and faults. His stories switch easily between comedy, drama, and bittersweet moments, creating a reading experience that's both entertaining and sincere.
You might enjoy Beautiful Ruins, a smart and funny novel that spans decades and continents, highlighting the absurdity and heartache of everyday human experiences.
Hernan Diaz explores complex themes of identity, deception, and history with imaginative and literary writing. His storytelling style patiently reveals characters' complicated inner worlds and motivations.
His novel Trust offers multiple perspectives on wealth, power, and truth, inviting readers into a carefully constructed puzzle box of storytelling. If Patrick deWitt draws you in with literary depth and originality, you'll enjoy Hernan Diaz.
Miriam Toews writes beautifully about characters navigating tough personal struggles and tight-knit, often quirky communities. Her stories mix humor and compassion with sharp insights on family bonds, mental health, and finding resilience during hard times.
Her novel All My Puny Sorrows explores the heartache and humor of sibling relationships through difficult moments with genuine honesty. Toews's dry humor and compassionate approach will appeal to Patrick deWitt readers who connect with flawed yet lovable characters.
Richard Brautigan is known for his offbeat and often surreal style. His stories are short, funny, and sometimes poignant, straddling comedy and melancholy with minimalistic writing.
His novel Trout Fishing in America blends absurd imagery with poetic language to create an enjoyable and oddly moving experience. If you appreciate Patrick deWitt's playful oddity and unique narrative voice, Brautigan is definitely worth checking out.