If you enjoy reading novels by Sinclair Lewis then you might also like the following authors:
John Steinbeck often depicted the struggles of everyday Americans, much like Sinclair Lewis. His poignant stories and intricate character studies, like those in “The Grapes of Wrath” and “Of Mice and Men,” offer a deep dive into societal issues and human resilience.
Known for his book “Winesburg, Ohio,” Sherwood Anderson’s exploration of small-town life and the complexities of ordinary people’s emotions aligns well with Sinclair Lewis’s knack for portraying American life.
Upton Sinclair’s most famous work, “The Jungle,” exposes the harsh realities of the meatpacking industry in Chicago. Like Lewis, Sinclair had a talent for combining social critique with compelling narratives.
Edith Wharton wrote about the upper crust of American society but did so with a keen critical eye, similar to how Sinclair Lewis critiqued middle America. Her works, such as “The Age of Innocence,” offer keen insights into societal norms and individual struggles.
Known for his naturalistic novels like “Sister Carrie” and “An American Tragedy,” Theodore Dreiser focused on the dark and gritty side of American life, much like Sinclair Lewis did.
F. Scott Fitzgerald delved into the American experience during the Jazz Age. His exploration of the American dream in works like “The Great Gatsby” resonates with the thematic undertones found in Lewis’s novels.
Mark Twain’s seminal works, such as “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” and “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer,” provide a satirical and often critical look at American society, quite similar to Lewis’s approach.
While perhaps more focused on the introspective side of his characters, Ernest Hemingway’s concise prose and exploration of the human condition make his books a good match for fans of Sinclair Lewis.
Known for his deep dives into Southern life, William Faulkner’s rich storytelling and multifaceted characters bear similarities to the complex, layered narratives found in Lewis’s work.
Willa Cather’s novels, like “My Ántonia,” often feature pioneering characters and richly detailed settings that highlight the American spirit, themes that would appeal to readers of Sinclair Lewis.
Frank Norris explored social issues and human nature in the fast-evolving American landscape of the early 20th century. His works, such as “McTeague,” are rich with the kind of detailed social commentary Lewis fans might appreciate.
Renowned for his portrayal of racial and social issues, especially in “Native Son,” Richard Wright’s stark and powerful storytelling offers similarly incisive social critiques found in Sinclair Lewis’s novels.
Saul Bellow, with works like “The Adventures of Augie March,” delves into the complexities of modern life and the American psyche, making him an excellent read for those who enjoy the intricate societal observations in Lewis’s books.
John Dos Passos’s “USA Trilogy” paints a broad yet intimate picture of early 20th-century America, using a style and thematic approach that mirrors the critical eye of Sinclair Lewis.
James T. Farrell’s “Studs Lonigan” trilogy delves into the gritty realities of urban life and the American Dream, themes that are very much in line with the works of Sinclair Lewis.