If you enjoy reading novels by Sarah Waters then you might also like the following authors:
Emma Donoghue is an Irish-Canadian author known for her engaging historical fiction and vivid storytelling. One of her books, “Slammerkin,” explores the life of Mary Saunders, a young girl in 18th-century England.
Mary’s desire for a better life leads her into dangerous circumstances. She dreams of escaping poverty and finds herself drawn to the bright fabrics of high society, but her ambitions come at a cost.
The story paints a raw picture of class and survival, following Mary as she navigates a world that offers her few choices.
Jeanette Winterson is a British writer known for her imaginative storytelling and thought-provoking themes. Her novel, “Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit,” follows the life of Jeanette, a young girl raised in a strict religious household in England.
As she grows up, she begins to question the beliefs her adoptive mother has imposed on her, especially after discovering her own sexuality. The story explores faith, identity, and breaking free from constraints, all with a mix of humor and emotional depth.
Winterson’s unique voice and bold approach make her work unforgettable.
If you’re a fan of Sarah Waters, give Emma Donoghue’s “Frog Music” a try. Set in 1870s San Francisco, the story follows Blanche, a burlesque dancer, whose life takes a dramatic turn after meeting Jenny, a robust cross-dresser with a bold attitude.
When Jenny is killed, Blanche dives into the mystery of her friend’s murder while facing her own secrets. The novel captures a gritty, vibrant world full of flawed, memorable characters, much like the immersive atmosphere in “Tipping the Velvet.”
Colm Tóibín is an Irish author known for exploring the lives of characters navigating personal conflicts. His novel “Brooklyn” follows Eilis Lacey, a young woman who leaves 1950s Ireland for a new life in America.
She faces the challenges of homesickness, a romance that offers a sense of possibility, and a life-changing decision that pulls her back to her hometown.
The story paints a vivid picture of love, identity, and the pull of home, all written with a tender care for the emotional weight of its characters.
Fans of Sarah Waters may enjoy the way Tóibín vividly captures the nuances of personal relationships and the struggles that quietly shape people’s lives.
Pat Barker is known for writing historical fiction that explores human emotions and relationships in intense times. One of her notable works, “Regeneration,” is set during World War I and focuses on soldiers recovering from the trauma of war at a psychiatric hospital.
The story follows the interactions between real historical figures, like psychiatrist Dr. Rivers, and fictional characters, such as the poet Siegfried Sassoon.
The novel captures the struggles of men coping with their experiences on the frontlines and how those moments affect their identity, friendships, and sense of duty. Barker’s writing brings both history and the private lives of these characters vividly to life.
Daphne du Maurier wrote stories that mix mystery, romance, and a sense of unease. One of her most famous books is “Rebecca.” It follows a young, unnamed narrator who marries a wealthy widower, Maxim de Winter.
She moves to his grand estate, Manderley, but the house feels haunted by the memory of Rebecca, Maxim’s first wife. Secrets about Rebecca’s life begin to surface, and the narrator finds herself drawn into a twisted web of lies and buried truths.
The story keeps readers wondering who Rebecca really was and what happened to her. It’s full of atmosphere, tension, and unforgettable characters.
E.M. Forster is an author who wrote stories about people struggling with love, society, and personal choices. One of his most famous novels, “A Room with a View,” follows Lucy Honeychurch, a young woman traveling through Italy.
She meets George Emerson, a man who challenges her views on life and love. Back in England, Lucy faces pressure to follow societal expectations while questioning her own desires.
The book is both romantic and thought-provoking, with scenes that highlight the tension between freedom and convention. Forster creates characters that feel real, and his snapshots of Edwardian society make the story engaging.
Alan Hollinghurst writes novels that explore personal lives and social changes with rich detail. One of his books, “The Line of Beauty,” is set in 1980s England during the Thatcher era.
It focuses on Nick Guest, a young man who moves into the home of a wealthy family and becomes entangled in their privileged world. The story touches on themes of desire, class, and politics, offering glimpses into Nick’s relationships and the secrets that surround him.
The backdrop of cultural shifts and the AIDS crisis adds complexity, making it a vivid snapshot of that time. If you enjoy Sarah Waters’ ability to weave personal drama into historical settings, you might find Hollinghurst’s work engaging.
Hilary Mantel is known for her historical fiction with vivid detail and great characters. One of her standout works is “Wolf Hall.” It takes readers into the life of Thomas Cromwell, a political figure in Tudor England.
The story follows his rise from humble beginnings to becoming one of King Henry VIII’s closest advisors. The book captures the complex power struggles of the court, as well as Henry’s obsession with securing a male heir.
Mantel paints Cromwell as sharp and resourceful, showing his cunning decisions and the challenges he faces in a world full of betrayal and ambition.
Julia Armfield is a writer whose work often explores themes of intimacy, fear, and the strange edges of human experience.
Her novel, “Our Wives Under The Sea,” tells the story of Miri and her wife, Leah, whose relationship is forever changed after Leah returns from a disastrous deep-sea expedition. She comes back distant and altered, as if the ocean has left something behind in her.
The book captures the eerie tension between love and alienation, set against an unsettling backdrop of the sea’s mysteries. Fans of Sarah Waters might enjoy Armfield’s focus on deeply connected characters and the quiet, haunting way she captures human emotion.
Maggie O’Farrell writes with a strong sense of emotion and time. Her novel “Hamnet” paints a vivid picture of the life of William Shakespeare’s family in the 1500s, focusing on the story of his wife, Agnes, and their young son, Hamnet.
The story explores their relationships, their losses, and the everyday moments that make up their lives in a small town. It combines historical detail with a deep look at the private struggles of a family.
Fans of Sarah Waters might enjoy the way O’Farrell brings historical settings to life through rich, personal stories.
Sarah Perry writes novels with rich historical settings and dark, mysterious tones that can draw readers in. One of her notable books, “The Essex Serpent,” is set in Victorian England.
It follows Cora Seaborne, a widow who moves to a small Essex village where rumors of a mythical sea creature spark fear and fascination. In the story, Cora meets William Ransome, a local vicar, and their differing views on science, faith, and the unexplained put them at odds.
The novel blends personal struggles with an atmosphere of suspicion and discovery. Fans of Sarah Waters’ layered characters and period details might enjoy Perry’s work.
Malinda Lo writes stories that often blend complex emotions with stories of identity. Her book, “Last Night at the Telegraph Club,” is set in 1950s San Francisco and follows Lily Hu, a Chinese American teenager.
Lily discovers a nightclub called the Telegraph Club, where women gather together, and gradually comes to understand her feelings for Kathleen Miller, a girl in her math class.
The story ties Lily’s personal journey to broader themes of secrecy and societal tension in an era when both queerness and Chinese identity were heavily scrutinized.
Ali Smith is a Scottish writer known for her inventive storytelling and playful use of language. Her novel “How to Be Both” is a fascinating read. It weaves together the lives of two characters: a Renaissance artist and a modern teenager dealing with grief.
The book can be read in two different orders, as it was printed with two variations, which makes it a unique experience.
The artist’s story gives a glimpse into the world of a painter in the 15th century, while the teenager’s story explores memory, love, and the way art connects people across time.
Ruth Rendell is known for her dark, psychological crime stories that explore the deeper side of human nature. One of her standout books is “A Judgement in Stone.” It’s about a housekeeper named Eunice Parchman who works for the wealthy and seemingly perfect Coverdale family.
Beneath Eunice’s quiet demeanor lies a secret that slowly unravels, leading to shocking consequences. The novel dives into class differences and hidden lives in a way that’s both chilling and fascinating.
If you enjoy intricate characters with hidden depths, this book offers plenty to draw you in.