Paula McLain is known primarily for historical fiction. Her popular novel The Paris Wife explores the life of Ernest Hemingway's first spouse, providing readers an engaging perspective on historical figures.
If you enjoy reading books by Paula McLain then you might also like the following authors:
Therese Anne Fowler writes thoughtful historical fiction that explores fascinating women from past eras. Like Paula McLain, she focuses on real women whose stories may have been overlooked.
Her novel Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald shows the inner life and struggles of Zelda Fitzgerald. Fowler's writing is detailed and emotional, vividly bringing the Jazz Age to life.
Ariel Lawhon often writes stories based on historical events and figures. Fans of Paula McLain who appreciate novels about real people might enjoy Lawhon's book I Was Anastasia.
This novel explores the mystery surrounding Grand Duchess Anastasia Romanov, blending fact and fiction with suspense and careful attention to detail.
Kate Quinn is known for vivid historical fiction, often set during impactful events like wars or crises. Readers who enjoy Paula McLain's strong and complex female characters may like Quinn's novels.
Her book The Alice Network follows two women across decades, mixing adventure with themes of friendship, bravery, and personal growth in challenging times.
Marie Benedict focuses on untold stories of women who influenced history behind the scenes. Like Paula McLain, Benedict brings these real-life characters vividly onto the page.
Her novel The Only Woman in the Room tells the story of actress Hedy Lamarr, recognizing her overlooked scientific achievements during World War II with clear, engaging prose.
Fiona Davis is known for novels set in notable historical landmarks, with intriguing mysteries and strong women characters facing personal tests and transformations.
Fans of Paula McLain who appreciate thoughtful historical fiction might enjoy Davis's book The Lions of Fifth Avenue. The novel takes place at the New York Public Library, mixing history with mystery and balancing emotional depth with intriguing storylines.
Renee Rosen writes engaging historical fiction that brings women's stories vividly to life. Her novels often focus on ambitious women struggling to navigate difficult times, romance, and societal expectations.
In Park Avenue Summer, Rosen paints a vibrant picture of 1960s New York City while capturing the spirit and challenges faced by women stepping into careers dominated by men.
Stephanie Dray explores strong female characters who played important, though often overlooked, roles in shaping history.
In her novel America's First Daughter, she offers a rich and emotional portrayal of Thomas Jefferson’s daughter, Patsy Jefferson Randolph, illustrating how historical events shape personal relationships and individual paths.
Laura Kamoie brings historical figures and events to life with detailed and emotional storytelling.
Co-authoring My Dear Hamilton with Stephanie Dray, Kamoie gives us a moving and insightful narrative about Eliza Hamilton, highlighting her strength, resilience, and often unseen influence in America's unfolding story.
Melanie Benjamin invites readers into the hidden corners of historical personalities' lives, showing their private struggles away from the spotlight.
The Aviator's Wife portrays Anne Morrow Lindbergh, the wife of Charles Lindbergh, exploring themes of ambition, marriage, and personal identity with honesty and compassion.
Allison Pataki specializes in historical novels that vividly recreate powerful women navigating complicated circumstances and dramatic eras.
In The Accidental Empress, Pataki brings to life the little-known story of Empress Elisabeth of Austria, highlighting her resilience, youthful idealism, and struggle for autonomy and identity within the restrictions of royalty.
Beatriz Williams writes absorbing historical fiction filled with vivid characters, romance, and intriguing historical details. Her stories often feature strong women navigating difficult relationships, secrets, and complex family dynamics.
A great example is A Hundred Summers, which explores friendship, love, and betrayal amid the 1938 hurricane that devastated New England.
Chanel Cleeton brings Cuba's vibrant and turbulent past to life through emotional family sagas and compelling narratives. Her writing combines romance, history, and personal struggles in stories that feel authentic and emotionally charged.
In Next Year in Havana, she reveals Cuba's complicated history through the eyes of two women from different generations, highlighting identity, love, and the sense of belonging.
Kristin Hannah writes heartfelt historical and contemporary novels that focus deeply on family bonds, friendship, and resilience through hardship. Her books feature memorable female protagonists dealing with challenging situations like war, loss, and societal expectations.
The Nightingale is one of her standout novels, highlighting the bravery, sacrifice, and strength of two sisters resisting Nazi occupation during WWII in France.
Margaret George specializes in sweeping, meticulously researched historical novels that closely explore the lives of notable historical figures.
Readers get deeply personal perspectives on leaders, royalty, and iconic personalities, making the distant past feel real and immediate.
The Memoirs of Cleopatra is an exceptional example—a detailed, vivid portrait of the legendary Egyptian queen, told with depth, drama, and clarity.
Erika Robuck crafts insightful historical fiction centering women who influenced famous literary giants or pivotal moments in history. Her stories reveal hidden connections, exploring complex relationships, creativity, and struggles against societal pressures.
In Hemingway's Girl, she vividly portrays Ernest Hemingway through the eyes of a strong-willed young woman, capturing life in Depression-era Key West.