Sarah Dunant writes historical novels set in places like Renaissance Italy. She often focuses on women within that time. Her stories explore themes like power, art, religion, and the constraints of society.
If you love historical fiction with strong female characters and stories that really transport you to another era, you may be interested in authors with a similar approach. Below are some writers that readers of Sarah Dunant might also enjoy.
Tracy Chevalier is a writer who vividly captures historical settings and crafts absorbing narratives bringing past eras to life.
If you appreciate Sarah Dunant’s ability to draw you into historical moments through strong characters and rich atmospheres, Chevalier can offer a similar experience.
Her novel “Girl with a Pearl Earring” explores the mysterious origins of Johannes Vermeer’s most famous painting. Set in 17th-century Delft, the story centers around Griet, a young maid who becomes drawn into Vermeer’s private household world.
Through her eyes, you experience a subtle tension and intense emotions beneath daily routines, exploring vision, art, and the unspoken bonds forming between artist and model.
Chevalier seamlessly blends historical detail with personal drama, making readers feel deeply involved in the characters’ lives.
If you enjoy Sarah Dunant’s vivid portrayals of historical periods and strong female characters, Philippa Gregory might appeal to your reading taste.
Gregory’s novel “The Other Boleyn Girl” explores the rivalry and relationship between Anne Boleyn and her lesser-known sister, Mary.
Set in the dangerous and glamorous court of Henry VIII, the story shows how two sisters navigate ambition, power, and passion in pursuit of royal favor.
Gregory’s style brings history to life through compelling dialogue and richly drawn characters, capturing each sister’s unique voice and struggle.
For readers drawn to intimate historical dramas and complex relationships, Gregory offers a fascinating new journey into Tudor England.
Readers who have enjoyed Sarah Dunant’s historical novels might also appreciate Hilary Mantel’s vivid storytelling and thoughtful exploration of historical figures. In her novel “Wolf Hall,” Mantel recreates the rise of Thomas Cromwell, adviser to King Henry VIII.
The narrative brings to life Cromwell’s humble beginnings and sharp ascent through royal politics. His rivalry with Sir Thomas More and his role in the king’s marriage crisis with Anne Boleyn give readers an intimate look at a complex time in English history.
Mantel’s sharp dialogue and attention to detail turn the distant past into something immediate and deeply human.
If you enjoy historical fiction by Sarah Dunant, Margaret George offers richly detailed stories that make history feel alive. Her novel “The Memoirs of Cleopatra” immerses readers in ancient Egypt’s opulence and political drama.
Told in Cleopatra’s own voice, this book explores her ambitions, her intense relationships with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony, and her unwavering drive to protect Egypt at any cost.
George’s vivid descriptions and careful historical research capture Cleopatra’s complexity and humanity and bring that fascinating era right into your hands.
Cecelia Holland is an author known for her vivid historical fiction featuring strong characters and authentic settings. Readers who enjoy Sarah Dunant’s immersive portrayals of Renaissance Italy will connect with Holland’s novel, “The Secret Eleanor.”
Set in medieval France, this book explores the life of Eleanor of Aquitaine, one of history’s most captivating queens. The story focuses on Eleanor’s daring escape from her unhappy marriage to King Louis VII and her passionate quest for independence and power.
Holland’s writing transports readers effortlessly back through time, offering an intriguing view into Eleanor’s complex and courageous character.
Readers who enjoy Sarah Dunant’s vivid historical novels may find themselves equally drawn to Jean Plaidy’s carefully crafted stories about royal figures in European history. Plaidy has a special gift for weaving engaging stories based on real historical events.
Her novel “The Lady in the Tower” follows the dramatic rise and fall of Anne Boleyn, Henry VIII’s spirited second wife. Plaidy takes readers close to Anne’s passionate relationships, personal struggles, and the tense politics of Tudor England.
The portrayal of Anne is complex—Plaidy captures her ambition, wit, vulnerability, and courage, offering a sympathetic yet historically grounded portrait.
The story builds steadily toward Anne’s tragic fate, delivering a memorable depiction of love, betrayal, and power at the heart of the royal court.
Readers who enjoy Sarah Dunant’s vivid historical settings and strong character portrayals may find Elizabeth Chadwick equally captivating. Chadwick skillfully portrays medieval England with rich, authentic detail.
A great place to start is her novel “The Greatest Knight,” which centers on the true story of William Marshal. Marshal rises from his modest beginnings as a landless younger son to become one of the most influential knights in medieval Europe.
The story reveals Marshal’s loyalty, bravery, and complicated relationships within the royal court, particularly during the turbulent reigns of Henry II and his sons. Chadwick combines historical accuracy with deep emotional storytelling to create a truly memorable experience.
Readers who enjoy Sarah Dunant’s vivid blend of historical detail, strong characters, and emotional depth will find a similar appeal in Susanna Kearsley. Her novel “The Winter Sea” seamlessly weaves together past and present.
The story follows novelist Carrie McClelland as she travels to Scotland to research her latest book set during the Jacobite rebellion of 1708.
While there, Carrie uncovers a personal connection to the historical events, experiencing visions of past lives, intense romance, and political intrigue. Kearsley brings history vibrantly to life through rich storytelling and authentic settings.
Readers can immerse themselves in two interconnected timelines full of mystery, romance, and forgotten secrets waiting to be uncovered.
Diana Gabaldon is an author whose novels blend history, romance, and adventure seamlessly. If you enjoy Sarah Dunant’s vivid portrayal of historical settings, Gabaldon’s “Outlander” might be worth checking out.
This novel introduces Claire Randall—a nurse from World War II who suddenly finds herself transported to 18th-century Scotland. Torn between two different lives and two different loves, Claire tries to navigate her new reality.
Gabaldon brings Scotland’s turbulent past to life through memorable characters and detailed historical events, capturing both romance and conflict in equal measure.
Readers who enjoy the vivid historical settings and complex characters of Sarah Dunant’s novels may also appreciate Kate Mosse. Mosse’s book “Labyrinth” creatively weaves together two parallel narratives set centuries apart.
In present-day France, Alice Tanner, an archaeologist, accidentally discovers a hidden cave containing mysterious symbols and human remains. Eight hundred years earlier, during the brutal Crusades against the Cathars, a young woman named Alais guards an ancient secret.
Mosse skillfully connects past and present through intrigue, historical suspense, and strong, memorable characters. If you enjoy stories that blend history, mystery, and a touch of mysticism, “Labyrinth” offers plenty to keep you interested.
Geraldine Brooks is an author who brings historical fiction vividly to life, similar in spirit to Sarah Dunant. Her novel “Year of Wonders” portrays a small English village during the catastrophic plague outbreak of 1666.
The story follows Anna Frith, a housemaid whose quiet existence is shattered when the plague arrives. Forced to confront loss and tragedy, Anna discovers resilience, courage, and unexpected strength within herself and her community.
Brooks carefully combines authentic historical detail with vivid characters, giving readers a genuine feel for life during a harrowing time.
Readers who enjoyed the immersive historical settings of Sarah Dunant’s novels may find “Year of Wonders” equally captivating and emotionally rich.
If you enjoy Sarah Dunant’s vivid historical novels set in Renaissance Italy, then Alison Weir may capture your interest with her engaging stories from Tudor England.
Weir writes both history and historical fiction, and her novel “The Lady Elizabeth” brings Elizabeth I to life in a personal, relatable way.
The book follows Elizabeth’s formative years, showing how her complicated relationship with her family—especially her father Henry VIII and half-sister Mary—shaped her into a strong and intelligent young woman.
Through powerful dialogue and detailed scenes, Weir portrays the political tensions and personal struggles Elizabeth faced long before she became queen.
Karen Harper is an author whose historical novels will appeal to fans of Sarah Dunant’s richly detailed storytelling and vivid characters. Her book “The Last Boleyn” takes readers into the dramatic life of Mary Boleyn, sister to the infamous Anne Boleyn.
The novel explores Mary’s struggle to find her own voice and identity within the shadow of her powerful family.
Filled with royal intrigues, dangerous court politics, and romance, it provides a fresh and intimate look at Tudor England through the perspective of a woman often overlooked by history.
Harper’s clear voice and captivating historical accuracy make this book a standout for anyone who enjoys vivid portrayals of the past.
Readers who enjoy Sarah Dunant’s vivid historical novels will find plenty to love in Anya Seton’s stories. Seton crafts detailed and authentic tales that transport the reader directly into the historical periods she portrays.
Her novel “Katherine” is especially beloved among historical fiction fans.
This absorbing saga follows Katherine Swynford, an actual figure from medieval England, who begins as an obscure girl in the fourteenth century and eventually becomes one of the most influential women in English history.
Full of romance, drama, and intricate glimpses into royal politics, “Katherine” offers an intimate portrayal of a real woman’s life and loves against the vibrant backdrop of the Plantagenet court.
Books by Sharon Kay Penman brilliantly capture historical moments filled with drama and passion. If you enjoy Sarah Dunant’s vivid storytelling in historical fiction, Penman’s novel “The Sunne in Splendour” could be a great discovery.
This book follows the life of Richard III, the much-debated king of England, as he rises through war and political tension to take the throne.
Penman paints a sympathetic yet complex portrait of Richard, presenting him as a man caught between loyalty, ambition, love, and brutality.
Her captivating depiction of court intrigue and richly drawn characters brings history to life, making past events and figures feel as real and immediate as modern drama.