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 was a novelist from the early 20th century who often wrote about the clash between wealth, dreams, and societal expectations. One of his best-known books, “The Great Gatsby,” takes place during the Roaring Twenties.
The story follows Jay Gatsby, a mysterious millionaire who throws extravagant parties and is fixated on rekindling a romance with Daisy Buchanan. The novel explores the emptiness beneath the glamour of high society and shows how chasing the past can lead to heartbreak.
The characters and settings are unforgettable, with vivid details like Gatsby’s glimmering mansion and the shadowy figure of the watchful Dr. T. J. Eckleburg. It’s a book that captures a world as vibrant as it is flawed.
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 was an American author known for exploring the inner lives of his characters, often set against the backdrop of 20th-century urban life. His book “The Adventures of Augie March” follows Augie, a young man growing up during the Great Depression.
The story takes readers through his unpredictable life, as he drifts between odd jobs, relationships, and encounters with colorful personalities. Augie’s charm and stubborn individuality make him stand out in the chaotic world around him.
Bellow brings the city and its people to life with humor and sharp observations, making it an unforgettable story.
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 was an American author who wrote about working-class life in a raw and honest way. His book “Studs Lonigan: A Trilogy” follows the life of a young Irish-American man named Studs Lonigan growing up in Chicago during the early 20th century.
The story shows his struggles with family expectations, friendships, and the pressures of his neighborhood. It paints a gritty picture of city life, showing the challenges and disillusionments of someone trying to carve out an identity in a tough environment.
The book doesn’t shy away from showing flaws and failures, which makes its characters feel real.