If you enjoy reading novels by Sally Rooney then you might also like the following authors:
Tayari Jones is an author who writes stories about family, love, and loss. She has a way of drawing readers in with relatable characters and realistic situations. In “An American Marriage,” Jones tells the story of a newlywed couple, Celestial and Roy.
Their marriage is suddenly interrupted when Roy is arrested and sentenced to twelve years in prison for a crime he did not commit. The book explores the impact of this injustice on their relationship and their individual lives.
The story unfolds through letters they write to each other, revealing their struggles and changes. Celestial finds solace in her art, while Roy must navigate the challenges of prison life. Their bond is tested, and readers are drawn into their emotional journey.
This intense narrative might appeal to those who enjoy Sally Rooney’s focus on complex relationships.
Rachel Cusk is a British-Canadian writer who focuses on themes of family, identity, and the complexities of human relationships. Her book “Outline” is the first in a trilogy that follows Faye, a writer who travels to Athens to teach a summer writing course.
The story is told through a series of conversations Faye has with the people she meets, revealing their personal stories and her own experiences. One notable encounter involves a man on the plane next to her, who shares his views on marriage and family life.
This narrative style offers a unique perspective and creates a sense of intimacy with the characters.
Ottessa Moshfegh is an author who writes stories that often focus on characters who are a bit offbeat. Her book “My Year of Rest and Relaxation” is about a young woman who decides to hibernate for a year with the help of a psychiatrist who easily prescribes medication.
The woman believes that this long sleep will help her reset her life. Throughout the story, the woman experiences strange dreams and has unusual encounters with her friend Reva. Despite her attempts to stay isolated, she finds herself drawn into unexpected situations.
Curtis Sittenfeld is a popular author who writes about complex relationships and personal growth. Her book “Eligible” is a modern take on Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice.”
The story is set in Cincinnati and follows the Bennett sisters as they navigate love, family, and career challenges. One notable detail is that the story includes a reality TV show, adding a fun twist to the classic tale.
Readers who enjoy Sally Rooney’s focus on relationships and personal dynamics will likely find Sittenfeld’s work engaging.
Elena Ferrante is an Italian author known for her deep exploration of relationships, family, and personal growth. Her book “My Brilliant Friend” is the first in a series set in a working-class neighborhood in Naples.
It follows two childhood friends, Elena and Lila, as they navigate the challenges of growing up in post-war Italy. The story captures their intense but complicated bond and the ways their lives diverge through education, ambition, and the weight of their surroundings.
The vivid world of their friendship feels raw and intimate, pulling you into their struggles and triumphs.
Meg Wolitzer is an author who writes about complex relationships and societal pressures, much in the same vein as Sally Rooney. One of her standout books is “The Interestings”.
This novel follows a group of friends who meet at an arts camp as teenagers and maintain their friendships into adulthood. The story explores how their talents, ambitions, and life circumstances change over time.
One particularly interesting aspect is the dynamic between Jules, an aspiring actress, and Ethan, a talented cartoonist, as their paths diverge and intersect in unexpected ways.
Zadie Smith is a British author who writes about contemporary life and issues of race, identity, and family. Her debut novel, “White Teeth,” is set in North London and follows two wartime friends, Archie Jones and Samad Iqbal, and their families.
The story explores the lives of these families over decades, capturing their struggles and triumphs. Archie, a British man, marries a Jamaican woman, Clara, who is much younger. Samad, a Bangladeshi man, has twin sons who take very different paths in life.
The story weaves together their experiences, touching on themes of immigration, cultural identity, and the complexities of family dynamics.
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is a Nigerian author who has written several notable books. Her novel “Half of a Yellow Sun” is a powerful story set during the Biafran War in Nigeria.
The book follows the lives of five characters as they navigate the political turmoil and personal dramas of the time. One of the characters, Olanna, is a woman from a wealthy family who leaves her comfortable life to be with her lover, Odenigbo, a university professor.
The story weaves together their experiences with those of other characters, including Ugwu, a young houseboy, and Richard, a British expat. The narrative captures the human side of conflict, showing how war affects everyday people.
Adichie’s writing is vivid and emotionally charged, making the characters and their struggles come to life.
Ali Smith is a Scottish author who writes in a unique and experimental style. Her book “How to be both” is a story split into two parts. One part is about a teenager named George, who lives in modern-day Cambridge.
George’s mother recently passed away, and George is dealing with this loss. The other part is about an Italian Renaissance artist traveling to England. The two stories connect in surprising ways, making the book a fascinating read.
Smith’s writing is emotionally charged and often playful, which might appeal to readers who enjoy Sally Rooney’s engaging narratives.
Jenny Offill is an author who writes in a relatable and honest way. Her book “Dept. of Speculation” is a story about a woman who is married and has a child. The woman thinks about her life, her marriage, and the meaning of it all.
She is a librarian and writes a lot of interesting facts about space and other things on slips of paper. The story is told in short, quick paragraphs that are easy to read. The woman’s thoughts and experiences are very real and human, making the story engaging and thoughtful.
Rebecca Makkai is an author who writes stories that often explore themes of love, loss, and the power of human connection. Her book “The Great Believers” is a deeply moving tale set in 1980s Chicago during the AIDS crisis.
The story follows Yale Tishman, a development director for an art gallery, as he navigates the devastating impact of the epidemic on his community. The narrative also jumps to 2015, where we meet Fiona, a woman who cared for Yale’s friend Nico during his final days.
Fiona is now searching for her estranged daughter in Paris, a journey that brings her back to the memories of the past. The emotional weight of the story is balanced with moments of warmth and wit, making it a powerful read.
Emma Cline is an author who has made waves with her debut novel “The Girls.” This book is set in the late 1960s and follows Evie Boyd, a lonely teenager who becomes involved with a cult-like group.
The story explores themes of adolescence, identity, and the influence of charismatic figures. Evie’s journey is marked by her fascination with the group’s leader and her struggle to find her place in the world.
The narrative is interwoven with Evie’s reflections as an adult, adding a layer of complexity to the story. Readers who enjoy Sally Rooney’s character-driven narratives and exploration of relationships will find similar elements in Cline’s work.
Lauren Groff is an author who writes about complex relationships and the ways people connect. Her book “Fates and Furies” is a story about a marriage told from two perspectives.
The first part focuses on the husband, Lotto, and his journey from aspiring actor to successful playwright. The second part shifts to the wife, Mathilde, revealing secrets and surprises that change how we see their relationship.
The story keeps readers on their toes, with unexpected twists that make it hard to put down. If you enjoy Sally Rooney’s exploration of modern love and communication, you might find Groff’s deep dive into marital dynamics equally captivating.
Kate Atkinson is a British author who writes stories that blend wit, mystery, and emotional depth. One of her notable works is “Life After Life.” This book follows Ursula Todd, who is born on a snowy night in 1910 but dies shortly after.
However, she is born again, repeatedly, each time living her life differently. The story is filled with unexpected turns and vivid characters, making it a fascinating read.
Elizabeth Strout is an author who has won the Pulitzer Prize. She writes about human emotions and relationships in a straightforward way. In “Olive Kitteridge,” she tells the story of a retired schoolteacher, Olive, who lives in a small town in Maine.
Olive is a complex person, sometimes harsh but also capable of empathy. The book is structured as a collection of connected stories, each offering a snapshot of Olive’s life and her interactions with the people around her.
One memorable moment is when Olive visits her former student, Kevin, who is struggling with his life. Their conversation is honest and raw, showing the depth of Strout’s understanding of human nature.
This book might appeal to readers who enjoy Sally Rooney’s exploration of relationships and personal growth.