Paula McLain is an author who writes historical novels. She often focuses on the stories of women from the past. Her books explore their inner worlds and relationships. These stories unfold against vividly realized historical backdrops.
If you are drawn to books with a similar approach, here are some authors that might appeal to you.
Readers who enjoy historical fiction by Paula McLain should explore novels by Kristin Hannah. Hannah is skilled at creating female-driven stories set against detailed historical backdrops. Her novel “The Nightingale” is particularly memorable.
Set in Nazi-occupied France, this book follows two sisters, Vianne and Isabelle, who respond differently to the stresses and dangers of war. Vianne is cautious and reserved, focused mostly on protecting her daughter in her husband’s absence.
Her younger sister, Isabelle, is rebellious, strong-willed and risks her life to join the resistance. Hannah portrays vividly the sacrifices women make and their strength during the worst times.
Her storytelling combines emotional depth with authentic historical detail to make each book unforgettable.
Readers who enjoy Paula McLain might appreciate Sue Monk Kidd, an author who beautifully blends historical events with personal storytelling. Her novel “The Invention of Wings” is set in early 19th-century Charleston and follows the intertwined lives of two women.
Sarah Grimké, a southern girl from a prominent family, struggles against the limitations placed upon her by society. Handful, the slave Sarah unwillingly receives for her eleventh birthday, dreams fiercely of freedom.
Through alternating perspectives, Kidd portrays their individual journeys toward courage and independence, against the backdrop of a turbulent period in American history.
Readers who appreciate Paula McLain’s thoughtful novels about intriguing characters navigating complex emotional landscapes may enjoy Kate Atkinson’s writing. Atkinson creates vivid characters and captivating stories that blend history, personal drama, and profound insights.
Her novel “Life After Life” explores the story of Ursula Todd, born in England in 1910. Each time Ursula faces death throughout key moments of her life, she returns, given another chance to live her life differently.
Set against the backdrop of the two World Wars, Atkinson’s story explores how even small events shape a person’s entire destiny, making readers ponder how chance and choice define our lives.
Readers who appreciate Paula McLain’s vivid storytelling and historical depth may also enjoy Geraldine Brooks. Brooks is a master at bringing history to life through realistic characters and memorable settings.
Her novel “Year of Wonders” explores the resilience and courage of a remote English village during the plague outbreak of 1666. The book follows Anna Frith, a young widow confronted by tragedy, superstition, and paranoia.
Anna’s story is filled with heartbreak and hope, bravery amid despair, and deeply felt sacrifices. Brooks examines how an isolated community reacts to extraordinary hardship, revealing both compassion and darkness along the way.
Lisa See is a writer known for vivid historical fiction set in China, often centered around complex friendships and family ties. If you enjoyed Paula McLain’s richly detailed novels, you’ll likely find Lisa See’s writing equally appealing.
In “Snow Flower and the Secret Fan,” See takes readers into 19th-century China through the eyes of Lily and Snow Flower. These two friends secretly exchange messages on a silk fan written in a private women’s language called nu shu.
The story explores women’s lives and struggles in a society bound by strict traditions. See carefully weaves history into a powerful tale of friendship, misunderstandings, and the enduring bonds between women.
Readers who enjoyed Paula McLain’s historical and emotional narratives might appreciate Elizabeth Gilbert. Her novel “The Signature of All Things” spans the vibrant life of Alma Whittaker, a brilliant botanist born in the 1800s.
Alma’s fascination with mosses leads her to explore science, longing, and ambition in an era when women’s intellect often went unnoticed. Gilbert vividly captures Alma’s deep curiosity about the natural world and her complicated family dynamics.
The journey through different continents and decades makes Alma’s story uniquely absorbing, especially for readers drawn to historical fiction with compelling female leads.
Readers who enjoy Paula McLain might also appreciate Nancy Horan, an author known for historical novels based on real people’s lives and relationships.
In her novel “Loving Frank,” Horan explores the controversial relationship between architect Frank Lloyd Wright and Mamah Borthwick Cheney.
Set in the early 20th century, the story captures their passionate and scandalous affair, the difficult choices they face, and the personal costs of their unconventional lives.
With authentic historical details and emotional depth, Horan creates an absorbing portrait of love, ambition, and consequence.
Readers who enjoy Paula McLain’s historical fiction may appreciate Therese Anne Fowler. Fowler weaves evocative stories centered around intriguing historical figures, often showcasing lesser-known aspects of their lives.
Her novel “Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald” takes readers into the life and mind of Zelda Fitzgerald, the lively yet overlooked wife of novelist F. Scott Fitzgerald.
Fowler paints a vivid picture of Zelda’s dreams, passions, and heartaches, shifting the perspective from F. Scott to Zelda herself.
The novel explores the glamour and excess of the Jazz Age, highlighting Zelda’s creativity and ambition alongside her struggles for recognition within her marriage and society.
It’s a sensitive portrayal of a woman longing for independence in an era that values conformity—perfect for those who love stories of strong historical women.
Books by Ann Patchett often explore emotional complexities through memorable, deeply human characters. Readers who appreciate Paula McLain’s blend of historical detail and personal drama might enjoy Patchett’s novel “The Dutch House.”
This story focuses on siblings Danny and Maeve Conroy, whose lives revolve around the lavish yet mysterious house where they grew up. After their father remarries and family dynamics shift dramatically, the house becomes a symbol of their lost childhood.
The novel spans decades as Danny and Maeve grapple with family bonds, resentment, forgiveness, and the places we can’t leave behind.
Patchett’s insightful narrative style and depth of character portrayal could resonate well with fans of Paula McLain’s historical and emotionally rich novels.
Books by Rhys Bowen often explore rich historical settings through intriguing characters and inviting plots. If you like Paula McLain’s vivid historical focus and deep character portrayals, Bowen’s novels may easily catch your interest.
In “The Tuscan Child,” Bowen takes us to two timelines. First, during World War II, British pilot Hugo Langley crashes into rural Italy, badly injured and forced to hide within a ruined monastery.
Decades later, his daughter Joanna returns to the village after his death, uncovering family secrets, buried histories, and clues to the woman who once saved her father’s life. Bowen smoothly weaves history and mystery into a gentle yet absorbing narrative.
Books by Beatriz Williams often transport readers to vivid historical settings filled with romance, intrigue, and richly developed characters. Her novel “The Secret Life of Violet Grant” weaves together two captivating storylines set fifty years apart.
In 1964, Vivian Schuyler receives a mysterious suitcase belonging to an aunt she never knew existed, Violet Grant. Curious about her aunt’s life, Vivian sets out to uncover the truth.
The novel then reveals Violet’s life in 1914, where she faces passion, scientific ambition, and scandalous secrets.
Readers who enjoyed Paula McLain’s “The Paris Wife” for its emotional depth and intriguing historical backdrop will find similar appeal in Williams’ blend of mystery and romance.
If you enjoy Paula McLain’s vivid historical fiction that brings the past to life through memorable characters, then Diana Gabaldon might capture your interest too. Her novel “Outlander” blends historical drama and passionate romance with a touch of fantasy.
In this story, Claire Randall, a nurse from 1945, visits Scotland and accidentally travels two centuries back in time. Thrown into a dangerous and unfamiliar world, Claire encounters Jamie Fraser, a charming yet fierce young Highlander.
Together, they navigate the upheavals of clan life, war, and political intrigue. Gabaldon’s storytelling is immersive, full of vibrant settings, emotional depth, and fascinating historical details that make the past feel immediate and real.
Readers who enjoy Paula McLain’s blend of history and strong character portrayals may appreciate the novels of Martha Hall Kelly. Her book “Lilac Girls” offers a powerful story based on true events from World War II.
Kelly follows the lives of three very different women—a New York socialite, a Polish teenager, and a young German doctor—whose paths unexpectedly cross during the horrors of war. Each woman’s journey reveals surprising truths and complicated moral choices.
Kelly’s vivid storytelling, memorable characters, and carefully crafted historical context create the type of emotional experience that readers of McLain’s novels often seek.
Readers who enjoy Paula McLain’s vivid storytelling and immersive historical worlds will likely appreciate the works of Jenni Fagan. In her novel “The Panopticon,” Fagan introduces readers to Anais Hendricks, a spirited teenager facing life in Scotland’s child welfare system.
Set in a peculiar, almost dystopian institution, Anais confronts unsettling truths about power and surveillance while seeking her place and freedom. Fagan weaves sharp dialogue, intriguing characters, and a powerful sense of place into the narrative.
Her ability to capture complex emotions and authentic voices creates a storytelling experience Paula McLain fans might genuinely connect with.
If you enjoy Paula McLain’s vivid portraits of fascinating historical figures, you might appreciate Margaret George, who brings iconic figures from history to life through rich, detailed storytelling.
Her novel “The Memoirs of Cleopatra” offers a compelling glimpse into one of history’s most legendary queens.
Told from Cleopatra’s viewpoint, the novel explores her political brilliance, complicated romances with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony, and the personal strength it takes to rule Egypt amid Roman intrigue and betrayal.
George carefully weaves historical research with lively characterization, creating a nuanced and intimate portrait of Cleopatra’s life and era.