If you enjoy reading books by Ron Hansen then you might also like the following authors:
Kent Haruf wrote quiet, heartfelt stories about small-town life in the American West. His novel “Plainsong” is set in the fictional town of Holt, Colorado, where the lives of several characters intertwine.
A pregnant teenager seeks refuge with two elderly brothers on their ranch, a divorced teacher tries to rebuild his life, and a struggling woman raises her two sons alone. Haruf’s writing captures the rhythms of ordinary life in a way that feels deeply personal.
Marilynne Robinson writes novels that are quiet yet deeply emotional, focusing on the lives of ordinary people in small towns. One of her most loved books, “Gilead,” is set in 1950s Iowa and takes the form of a letter written by an aging preacher, John Ames, to his young son.
Ames reflects on his life, his family, and his struggles with faith, knowing his time is running out. The book is filled with moments where characters wrestle with forgiveness and find grace in surprising ways.
Robinson’s writing has a calm, reflective quality that draws you into her characters’ inner lives.
Tim O’Brien is an author known for writing about war and its emotional toll on those involved. His book, “The Things They Carried,” captures the life of soldiers during the Vietnam War through interconnected stories.
One of the chapters focuses on a young soldier haunted by guilt after a tragic accident. O’Brien paints a vivid picture of fear, loss, and the weight of memories. His writing stays grounded in human emotions, making his characters feel believable and deeply real.
Annie Dillard writes with a vivid focus on nature, life, and existence that pulls readers into the heart of her reflections. Her book “Pilgrim at Tinker Creek” is a rich journey through the seasons around Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains.
Dillard pays close attention to the small, unexpected moments in the natural world, weaving them into larger questions about the universe. She describes moments like watching a water bug grab prey from beneath the water’s surface or finding a snake skin stretched out in a tree.
Her writing draws you into these moments and makes you see the world differently. Readers who enjoy thoughtful, reflective storytelling might find her work intriguing.
Willa Cather was an American author whose works often explore themes of life on the frontier. Her novel “My Ántonia” is about a boy named Jim and a young immigrant girl, Ántonia, who grow up in the harsh Nebraska landscape.
The story captures the beauty of the land and the resilience of people living there. Jim and Ántonia’s bond reflects the triumphs and struggles of pioneering life. Cather’s writing paints vivid pictures of the plains and the people who call it home.
Cormac McCarthy is a writer known for his sparse prose and harsh settings. One of his books, “Blood Meridian,” follows a young man, known only as the Kid, who joins a violent band of Indian fighters in the mid-19th century American West.
The story is brutal and unflinching, exploring the chaos and cruelty of the frontier. The leader of the group, Judge Holden, is one of the most haunting characters, towering with his strange intellect and eerie presence.
McCarthy’s storytelling grabs hold of you, pulling you into a world of survival and moral uncertainty.
Larry Woiwode is an author known for writing stories that explore family, faith, and the landscapes of the American Midwest. His novel “Beyond the Bedroom Wall” is a multigenerational saga about the Neumiller family.
It captures the struggles, joys, and sorrows of their lives in North Dakota. The book doesn’t rush as it moves through the lives of its characters, showing small, intimate moments—like a father building something for his children—that carry deep emotional weight.
Readers who enjoy Ron Hansen’s focus on character and setting might find Woiwode’s work appealing.
Flannery O’Connor wrote stories that feel raw and full of humanity, often set in the American South. Her book “Wise Blood” follows Hazel Motes, a World War II veteran who returns home and becomes obsessed with founding his own church.
Hazel’s journey is dark, strange, and layered with characters that stand out—like a blind preacher and his conniving daughter. The mix of religion, guilt, and flawed people creates a story that’s both unsettling and hard to put down.
O’Connor’s way of capturing human weakness reminds me of the way Ron Hansen brings his characters to life, though her stories veer into a darker, more bizarre world.
William Styron was an American author known for crafting rich, emotional stories. One of his most famous works, “Sophie’s Choice,” follows a writer named Stingo, who becomes friends with Sophie, a Polish Holocaust survivor, and her volatile partner, Nathan.
The book explores the weight of haunting secrets and the complexities of human connection. Sophie’s experiences at Auschwitz, along with her difficult relationship with Nathan, make for deeply moving and unforgettable moments.
Styron’s writing captures the fragility and resilience of people shaped by great tragedy.
John Steinbeck was a masterful storyteller, known for capturing the struggles and hopes of everyday people. In his novel “Of Mice and Men,” he tells the story of George and Lennie, two drifters trying to make a life for themselves during the Great Depression.
George looks out for Lennie, who has a simple mind but a kind heart and an incredible strength that often gets them into trouble. Their dream of owning a small farm keeps them pushing forward, though life on the ranch where they work is full of tension, loneliness, and danger.
Steinbeck paints a vivid picture of friendship and hardship in a way that sticks with you.
Frederick Buechner is an author known for blending faith with storytelling in a way that feels very real. One of his novels, “Godric,” tells the life of a medieval saint, Godric of Finchale.
The story paints him as a flawed, relatable man who struggles with his past and seeks redemption. Through his journey, you see moments of doubt, humor, and raw humanity, all set against a vividly described medieval backdrop.
Buechner’s writing offers a sense of the sacred in ordinary life, which fans of Ron Hansen might enjoy.
Wallace Stegner was an American novelist and Pulitzer Prize winner known for his stories about the American West.
One of his most celebrated books, “Angle of Repose,” tells the story of Lyman Ward, a wheelchair-bound historian piecing together the life of his grandmother, Susan, through her old letters.
Susan, an artist and writer on the frontier, struggles to adapt to married life in a rough and changing landscape. Through these family stories, the novel looks at themes of sacrifice and resilience.
Thomas Lynch is a poet and essayist who also works as an undertaker, which gives his writing a unique perspective on life and death. In his book “The Undertaking: Life Studies from the Dismal Trade,” he shares stories from his life as a funeral director.
One essay talks about a family’s sorrow as they say goodbye to a loved one, while another reflects on how death rituals bring communities together. Lynch writes with a deep respect for both the living and the dead, making his work thought-provoking and memorable.
James Salter is known for his precise and elegant prose. One of his standout works is “All That Is.” The book follows the life of Philip Bowman, a World War II veteran who becomes a book editor in New York.
Through Philip’s relationships and experiences, the novel explores love, loss, and the passage of time. Salter’s storytelling brings characters to life in ways that feel deeply personal without being overly dramatic.
For readers who enjoy Ron Hansen’s ability to craft vivid narratives with emotional depth, Salter’s work might spark a similar connection.
Ivan Doig wrote stories that often focus on life in the American West, especially Montana. His book “The Whistling Season” follows a widowed father who hires a housekeeper to help with his three sons on their remote Montana farm.
What he doesn’t expect is the housekeeper’s lively personality and her brother’s surprising talents as a teacher in the one-room schoolhouse. The book captures the challenges and quirks of small-town life while celebrating family bonds and unexpected friendships.
Fans of Ron Hansen might enjoy Doig’s way of bringing history and character to life.