If you enjoy reading books by Shirley Hazzard then you might also like the following authors:
Elizabeth Bowen was an Irish novelist known for her sharp exploration of human relationships and emotional undercurrents. One of her standout works, “The Heat of the Day,” is set in London during World War II.
The story focuses on Stella, a woman caught in a tense love affair with a man named Robert, who is accused of being a spy. The war serves as a backdrop, creating an atmosphere of distrust and moral uncertainty.
Bowen’s ability to capture the small, unspoken moments between people brings depth to every page. It’s a book that lingers in the mind long after it’s finished.
Penelope Fitzgerald was an English author known for her sharp, thoughtful storytelling and precise use of detail. One of her standout novels is “The Bookshop.”
It’s set in a small English town in the 1950s, where a widow named Florence Green decides to open a bookshop in a building rumored to be haunted.
Florence’s effort to bring books into a stubborn community faces resistance from the townsfolk and the local elite, creating a quiet but tense battle.
The story captures the isolation of ambition in a place where change is unwelcome, offering moments of humor and sadness in the struggles of its unforgettable characters.
Anita Brookner was a British author known for her quiet, character-driven stories about introspection and unfulfilled desires. Her novel “Hotel du Lac” follows Edith Hope, a romance writer who retreats to a Swiss hotel after a personal scandal.
As she observes the other guests and reflects on her choices, secrets and regrets surface, showing the lonely and complex layers of their lives.
Brookner’s writing often captures the subtleties of human behavior and emotions, drawing readers into the inner worlds of her characters.
Henry James was a master at exploring relationships and the complexities of human behavior. His book “The Portrait of a Lady” tells the story of Isabel Archer, a young American woman who travels to Europe and inherits a fortune.
Isabel is full of independence and ambition, but her choices lead her into a difficult marriage with a manipulative man. The book captures how freedom, wealth, and trust can affect someone’s life and the paths they take.
James creates vivid personalities and weaves their lives together in ways that feel deeply real.
Elizabeth Taylor wrote quiet, beautifully crafted novels that focus on the complexities of ordinary lives. If you enjoy Shirley Hazzard’s work, you might like Taylor’s “Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont.”
The story follows Mrs. Palfrey, a widow who moves into a modest London hotel populated by eccentric residents. She strikes up an unlikely friendship with a young writer, which brings moments of joy and reflection to her later years.
The book captures loneliness and connection in a way that feels deeply human. Taylor’s attention to small moments makes her stories feel rich and emotional.
Jane Gardam is a British author known for her insightful and beautifully crafted stories.
Her novel, “Old Filth,” follows Edward Feathers, a retired barrister reflecting on his life—from his lonely childhood as a “Raj Orphan” in colonial Southeast Asia to his success in the legal world.
The book captures his personal struggles and emotional distance, as well as the secrets buried in his past. Gardam’s writing paints a vivid picture of both the man and the changing world around him, offering an intimate look at loss, love, and memory.
Barbara Pym writes with a quiet charm, focusing on the small but meaningful parts of everyday life. In her book “Excellent Women,” she tells the story of Mildred Lathbury, a single woman in post-war England who gets drawn into the lives of her neighbors.
Mildred observes their dramas with sharp wit, reflecting on her own role in a society that views her as unimportant. The book is full of sharp social insights and understated humor, making you feel deeply connected to its world.
Pym’s writing captures the quiet struggles and joys of her characters in ways that might feel familiar to fans of Shirley Hazzard’s work.
Edith Wharton was a sharp observer of social manners and relationships, often focusing on the rigid expectations of upper-class life. Her novel, “The Age of Innocence,” takes readers into the world of old New York during the 1870s.
The story follows Newland Archer, a young lawyer engaged to the proper and innocent May Welland. His life takes a turn when he meets May’s cousin, Ellen Olenska, a woman separated from her husband and looking to defy societal norms.
Wharton captures the quiet pressures and unspoken rules that shape their choices. Through these characters, she paints a vivid picture of love, duty, and the cost of independence in a tightly controlled society.
Margaret Drabble is a British author known for her insightful exploration of personal relationships and the social landscape of England. Her novel “The Millstone” tells the story of Rosamund, a young academic who unexpectedly becomes pregnant.
As she faces single motherhood in a conservative society, she navigates both personal growth and societal judgment with quiet determination.
The book captures the shifting norms of the 1960s through Rosamund’s experiences, offering a look at independence and resilience during a time of change.
Susan Minot is an author known for her beautifully crafted prose and intimate portrayal of relationships. In her novel “Evening,” she tells the story of Ann Grant, a woman reflecting on her life while lying on her deathbed.
As Ann revisits her past, the narrative reveals a love affair from decades ago that left a lasting impression on her. The book explores love, memory, and the impact of choices.
Minot’s writing creates a sense of connection to her characters, drawing readers into their lives with raw emotion and honesty.
Rosamond Lehmann was an English writer known for exploring intense human connections and the emotional landscapes of her characters. Her novel “The Weather in the Streets” follows Olivia, a young woman who reconnects with her childhood crush, Rollo.
Their relationship grows into a secret affair filled with longing and conflicted emotions. Through Olivia’s perspective, the book captures the fragility and intensity of love, portraying moments that feel both intimate and raw.
Lehmann writes with a sharp sense of observation, bringing the inner lives of her characters into vivid focus.
E. M. Forster is an English author known for his thoughtful stories about human connections and societal expectations. One of his best works, “A Room with a View,” follows Lucy Honeychurch, a young woman traveling in Italy.
Her conventional world is disrupted after meeting George Emerson, a free-spirited man who challenges her views on life and love.
The story moves between the vibrant Italian countryside and the rigid society of Edwardian England, showing the tension between personal freedom and societal norms. It’s a beautifully crafted tale about choosing passion over conformity.
Colm Tóibín is an Irish author known for writing about family, love, and loss in a steady, thoughtful style. His novel “Brooklyn” tells the story of Eilis Lacey, a young woman who leaves her small Irish town to build a new life in 1950s America.
She starts working in Brooklyn, where she faces homesickness, new relationships, and hard choices that force her to weigh duty against desire. Tóibín’s quiet, careful way of showing emotional struggles makes his work resonate deeply.
Kazuo Ishiguro is a writer known for exploring human relationships and emotions in quiet, intimate ways.
One of his most well-known novels, “The Remains of the Day,” follows Stevens, a devoted butler in post-war England, as he looks back on his years of service to a grand house and a demanding employer.
Through his memories, the story uncovers missed chances and the emotional cost of unwavering loyalty. The novel offers a deep look at pride, duty, and the choices that shape a life.
Mavis Gallant was a Canadian writer known for her sharply observed stories about human relationships and the nuances of everyday life.
In her collection “Paris Stories,” she explores the lives of expatriates in France, capturing their struggles to belong in unfamiliar surroundings.
One story follows a widowed Englishwoman trying to navigate her new life in Paris, caught between her quiet isolation and a longing for connection.
Gallant’s narratives often focus on personal dislocation and emotional truths, creating vivid portraits of her characters and their worlds.