If you enjoy reading novels by Philip Roth then you might also like the following authors:
Saul Bellow wrote stories that often explore people searching for meaning in their lives. In “The Adventures of Augie March,” Augie grows up in Chicago during the Great Depression, trying to figure out what kind of life he wants.
“Henderson the Rain King” follows a wealthy man who feels empty inside and travels to Africa, where he gets swept into the wild and unexpected. In “Herzog,” a professor named Herzog writes letters to people, trying to make sense of his crumbling personal life.
The characters in his books feel real, full of struggles and questions.
Bernard Malamud wrote stories that often explore human struggles and moral challenges. In “The Natural,” he tells the story of a baseball player’s rise and fall, touching on themes of ambition and failure.
“The Assistant” focuses on a small grocery store owner and a troubled young man who ends up working for him, exploring themes of guilt and redemption.
Another novel, “The Fixer,” follows the wrongful imprisonment of a Jewish man in Tsarist Russia, showing the injustices he faces.
Isaac Bashevis Singer wrote about characters caught between tradition and modern life. His novel “The Magician of Lublin” tells the story of a 19th-century performer, tempted by freedom and love, who faces the limits of his desires.
“Enemies, A Love Story” explores the life of a Holocaust survivor juggling relationships with three women as he struggles with guilt and identity. Singer’s work often digs into deep conflicts, showing flawed characters in complex situations.
Fans of Philip Roth might enjoy the way he portrays inner turmoil and questions of belonging.
John Updike wrote about everyday life, relationships, and human struggles. His “Rabbit” series follows Harry “Rabbit” Angstrom, a former high school basketball star, as he navigates adulthood and life’s disappointments.
In “The Witches of Eastwick,” he tells the story of three women in a small town who discover they have magical powers.
Norman Mailer wrote books that dig into the ideas of power, masculinity, and American identity. In “The Naked and the Dead,” he looks at the brutal realities of war through the lives of soldiers in World War II.
“The Executioner’s Song” tells the story of a man on death row, focusing on crime, punishment, and society. If you like Philip Roth’s interest in complex characters and their flawed humanity, Mailer’s work might speak to you.
Don DeLillo has written books that explore modern society and its complexities. In “White Noise,” he focuses on the impact of media and consumer culture on everyday life. “Libra” offers a fictional take on the events surrounding the assassination of John F. Kennedy.
“Cosmopolis” tells the story of a wealthy man navigating a single day in New York City, uncovering the emptiness of extreme wealth.
Richard Ford writes about people trying to find meaning in ordinary lives. His novel “The Sportswriter” follows a man coping with loss and drifting through his days while reflecting on his choices.
“Canada” tells the story of a boy whose life is uprooted after his parents commit a crime, leading him to an uncertain future.
Ford’s writing focuses on personal struggles and quiet moments of discovery, which might resonate with someone who enjoys Philip Roth’s focus on inner lives and relationships.
Jonathan Franzen writes stories about family and personal struggles. In “The Corrections,” he focuses on a family dealing with dysfunction and the challenges of aging parents. “Freedom” explores relationships, choices, and the consequences they bring.
His books often look at how people connect, fail, or try to make sense of their lives.
Thomas Pynchon writes stories that mix sharp humor with strange, complex plots. In “The Crying of Lot 49,” he spins a tale about a woman uncovering a mysterious mail conspiracy. “Gravity’s Rainbow” dives into the chaotic world of World War II and its aftermath.
If you enjoy how Philip Roth explores human behavior and society, Pynchon might intrigue you with his mix of satire and mystery.
J.M. Coetzee is known for his thoughtful and layered storytelling. In “Disgrace,” he explores the fallout of a professor’s scandal in post-apartheid South Africa. “Life & Times of Michael K” tells the journey of a man caught in a civil war, as he tries to find peace and purpose.
These books highlight deep personal and societal struggles.
Ian McEwan writes stories that often explore personal conflict and moral dilemmas. If you enjoy Philip Roth, you might like his novel “Atonement,” which examines guilt and its consequences after a young girl’s false accusation changes lives forever.
Another is “Amsterdam,” where two old friends make a pact that takes a dark turn as ambition and betrayal come into play. McEwan’s characters often face choices that reveal uncomfortable truths, creating thoughtful and intimate narratives.
Paul Auster writes books that explore identity, chance, and the unexpected paths life can take. In “The New York Trilogy,” he creates interconnected detective stories that mess with the idea of reality.
“Moon Palace” tells the story of a young man’s struggle to find his place in the world after losing everything. “The Book of Illusions” follows a professor who becomes obsessed with the life of a silent film actor.
Auster’s novels often mix mystery with personal and emotional journeys.
Jhumpa Lahiri writes stories that explore identity, family, and belonging. Her novel “The Namesake” follows a young man navigating his life between Indian traditions and American culture.
Another, “The Lowland,” tells the story of two brothers in India whose choices unravel their family in unexpected ways. If you enjoy how Philip Roth examines relationships and cultural ties, her work might speak to you.
Michael Chabon is known for his creativity and unique storytelling. His novel “The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay” follows the journey of two cousins who create a comic book empire.
“Wonder Boys” tells the story of a struggling writer dealing with a chaotic life while trying to finish his book. Both explore relationships, ambition, and identity in their own ways.
Lionel Shriver writes stories that poke at uncomfortable truths in human relationships. If you’re into Philip Roth’s explorations of flawed people and messy lives, you might enjoy her work. “We Need to Talk About Kevin” looks at a mother grappling with her son’s horrific crimes.
“The Post-Birthday World” dives into the idea of how one choice can change an entire life. Her books don’t shy away from tough questions or moral gray areas.