If you enjoy reading books by Robert Ruark then you might also like the following authors:
Ernest Hemingway is known for his straightforward writing and stories about strength, survival, and human struggles. His book, “The Old Man and the Sea,” tells the story of Santiago, an aging fisherman who battles a giant marlin out in the Gulf Stream.
The fight between the man and the fish is intense and full of quiet determination. Hemingway’s simple yet powerful style keeps everything focused on the raw experience of the fisherman, his patience, and the toll of the sea.
If you enjoy Robert Ruark’s stories about resilience and characters who face nature head-on, Hemingway’s work might pull you in.
Jack O’Connor was a skilled outdoorsman and writer who knew how to tell a good story about life in the wilderness. His book, “The Rifle Book,” is perfect for anyone curious about hunting, rifles, and the traditions tied to them.
He doesn’t shy away from the details, explaining the mechanics of different rifles and personal experiences testing them in the field. In one section, he describes a trip hunting mountain sheep, sharing moments filled with tension and respect for the land and animals.
It’s written with heart and plenty of firsthand knowledge that makes you feel like you’re out there with him.
Wilbur Smith is known for his action-packed historical novels, often set in Africa. His book “When the Lion Feeds” follows Sean Courtney, a young man growing up in South Africa during the gold rush.
The story shows Sean’s rise from a rancher’s son to a man who faces love, betrayal, and dangerous ambition in the unforgiving African wilderness.
Smith’s vivid storytelling brings the land and its challenges to life, making it easy to see why fans of Robert Ruark would enjoy his work.
Peter Hathaway Capstick was a writer who captured the wild and dangerous world of African hunting in his books. If you enjoy Robert Ruark, his work might be a good fit for you.
One of his most well-known books is “Death in the Long Grass,” which recounts his adventures as a professional hunter. Capstick doesn’t hold back when describing encounters with man-eating lions, aggressive buffaloes, and massive elephants.
In one section, he tells the story of a crocodile snatching villagers at a riverbank, showing the constant risks faced by people living near these animals. His writing paints a vivid picture of the African bush, filled with danger and excitement.
Rudyard Kipling was an author known for his vivid stories that often explore life in British-ruled India and beyond. One of his well-loved works is “The Jungle Book,” a collection of tales featuring a boy named Mowgli who is raised by wolves in the Indian jungle.
The stories are filled with animals who speak and live by their own set of laws. Characters like Baloo the bear and Bagheera the panther guide Mowgli as he navigates the challenges of living between two worlds—human and animal.
The book captures the tension and wonder of that journey.
C.J. Box is an author known for his gripping outdoor mysteries set in the American West. One of his standout books is “Open Season,” which introduces Joe Pickett, a Wyoming game warden.
In the story, Joe finds a local hunting guide dead outside his home, with a cooler full of mysterious animal remains nearby. As he starts to investigate, he uncovers secrets about land deals and poaching that put his family in danger.
The vivid wilderness setting and tension-filled plot make it hard to put down. Fans of Robert Ruark’s outdoor themes and complex characters may find Box’s work engaging.
Tony Park is an author who writes stories set in Africa, blending action, adventure, and strong characters. One of his novels, “African Dawn,” follows three families over decades as they navigate land struggles, wildlife conservation, and personal betrayals.
The story moves between gripping scenes of poaching confrontations and moments that highlight the tension surrounding Zimbabwe’s political landscape.
Park’s books often capture the harsh beauty of the African wilderness, making them a great match for readers who appreciate Robert Ruark’s vivid storytelling.
James A. Michener was an author known for his epic, richly detailed novels that explore the histories and cultures of different places. One of his books, “Hawaii,” tells the story of the islands over centuries.
It starts with the formation of the islands from volcanic eruptions and follows the lives of Polynesian explorers, missionaries, and immigrants who build lives there. The book offers a sweeping view of traditions, struggles, and the blend of cultures that shape Hawaii.
It’s the kind of storytelling that draws you into the lives of characters tied to a fascinating place.
John D. MacDonald wrote stories that mix action, drama, and strong characters. He’s best known for his Travis McGee series, where a clever “salvage consultant” takes on dangerous jobs to help people.
In “The Deep Blue Good-By,” Travis tries to recover stolen treasure for a woman who has been wronged. The story takes readers through sun-soaked Florida settings and dark twists, while keeping the focus on human nature and motives.
Louis L’Amour is a great storyteller known for his Western novels that bring frontier life alive. In “Hondo,” the story follows Hondo Lane, a tough and resourceful scout traveling through Apache territory.
He meets a woman named Angie and her son living on a remote ranch, and their lives intersect in unexpected ways as they face danger and tough choices. The setting is stark and unforgiving, and the characters’ struggles feel real and raw.
It’s filled with action, loyalty, and survival against a backdrop of the untamed West. If you enjoy adventures with rugged characters, this book might be for you.
J.A. Hunter was a professional hunter and writer who recounted his experiences in Africa during the early 20th century. His book, “Hunter,” gives readers a vivid look at his life in the African wilderness.
He shares stories of his adventures with dangerous animals, including memorable encounters with lions and elephants, while also reflecting on the land and its people.
If you enjoy Robert Ruark’s rich descriptions of Africa and its wildlife, Hunter’s straightforward storytelling offers a similar sense of connection to the untamed world.
Roald Dahl is often thought of as a master of children’s stories, but his writing for adults offers sharp wit and bold storytelling.
His memoir “Boy: Tales of Childhood” gives a window into his early life, filled with mischief, adventure, and brushes with strict British schoolmasters.
There’s a memorable story about him adding goat droppings to a neighbor’s candy jar as a prank, which is both hilarious and shocking. Dahl’s ability to take the ordinary and make it extraordinary mirrors Robert Ruark’s knack for pulling powerful tales from real life.
Ivan Turgenev was a Russian author known for capturing the complexities of human relationships and societal change. His novel “Fathers and Sons” explores the tensions between generations and ideologies.
The story follows Arkady and his friend Bazarov, who return home after university. Bazarov, a brash nihilist, challenges the beliefs of the older generation, including Arkady’s father.
The clashes between these characters create moments that feel real and full of depth, offering a fascinating look at family dynamics and shifting values.
Douglas Rogers is a narrative nonfiction writer who grew up in Zimbabwe. In his book “The Last Resort,” he shares the story of his parents, who own a small backpackers’ lodge in rural Zimbabwe during the country’s economic and political collapse.
The story tracks how his parents manage to survive in a land seized by chaos, facing land invasions, a failing economy, and the dangers of a country in turmoil.
It’s both heartbreaking and filled with unexpected humor, showing the resilience of people who refuse to give up, no matter how dire things become.
Rogers paints vivid scenes of life in Zimbabwe at a time when everything seemed to be falling apart, offering a glimpse into a world that feels raw and real.
Frederick Forsyth is known for writing sharp and tightly constructed thrillers, often set in the world of espionage and international intrigue. One of his most famous books is “The Day of the Jackal”.
It follows a professional assassin hired to kill the French president, Charles de Gaulle. The story moves methodically as the assassin plans every detail of the operation while law enforcement races to stop him.
The chase creates a tense atmosphere that keeps the reader hooked from start to finish.