If you enjoy reading books by Susan Howatch then you might also like the following authors:
Readers who enjoy Susan Howatch might appreciate Richard Adams, an author known for stories that blend dynamic characters with meaningful themes. His novel “Watership Down” follows a group of rabbits who flee their threatened home in search of safety and freedom.
Adams gives each character a distinctive personality, from brave Hazel to insightful Fiver, injecting the tale with memorable dialogue and interactions.
Despite its animal cast, the challenges faced by the rabbits, including leadership struggles and difficult ethical choices, mirror human issues vividly. This imaginative yet grounded storytelling will resonate with any reader drawn to books with depth and emotional insight.
Readers who enjoy Susan Howatch’s novels may find Iris Murdoch equally satisfying. Murdoch’s stories explore deep ethical dilemmas and complex relationships, and her novel “The Sea, The Sea” illustrates this wonderfully.
It follows Charles Arrowby, a retired theater director who settles by the seaside to write his memoirs. The supposed tranquility of his new life quickly unravels when he encounters his childhood sweetheart. Charles becomes obsessed with reclaiming the love he believes he lost.
Murdoch brilliantly examines human nature, obsession, and the thin line between fantasy and reality. Her characters feel genuine and flawed, and their journeys remain memorable long after the final chapter.
A.S. Byatt is an English novelist known for weaving intricate plots around rich characters, history, and themes of personal struggle—qualities fans of Susan Howatch often appreciate. Her novel “Possession” explores the complex connections between past and present.
Two young scholars uncover mysterious letters that suggest a hidden romance between two Victorian-era poets.
The discovery sets them off on a fascinating literary detective journey filled with secrets, romance, and suspense, beautifully capturing both the charm and constraints of Victorian England and the competitive world of academic research.
Readers who enjoyed Howatch’s blend of historical intrigue and character-driven drama might find Byatt’s “Possession” similarly rewarding.
Readers familiar with Susan Howatch’s novels about complex family histories will appreciate Kazuo Ishiguro’s thoughtful explorations of memory and personal connections. Ishiguro writes stories that are subtle, insightful, and emotional in unexpected ways.
His novel “The Remains of the Day” introduces Stevens, an English butler devoted completely to his professional duty. After serving Lord Darlington for decades, Stevens takes a brief journey across the countryside.
The journey makes Stevens reconsider stories from the past and reflect on choices he made. This book gently questions themes of obligation, loyalty, and missed opportunities, creating a portrait of a life defined by moments quietly slipping by.
Hilary Mantel was a British author known for historical fiction rich with psychological depth and complex characters. If you enjoy Susan Howatch’s style of family dynamics and intricate character studies, Mantel’s novel “Wolf Hall” might interest you.
The book explores the turbulent life of Thomas Cromwell, advisor to Henry VIII, as he navigates court intrigue, shifting alliances, and personal ambitions in Tudor England.
Mantel captures Cromwell’s perspective vividly, showcasing his sharp intelligence and ruthless practicality while giving readers a fresh view of iconic historical figures like Anne Boleyn and Thomas More.
Her storytelling feels immediate and personal, drawing you right into the dangerous atmosphere of royalty and power struggles that shape England’s history.
Readers who enjoy Susan Howatch may also appreciate Anita Shreve, an author known for her emotional depth and realistic characters. Shreve often examines complex relationships and moral choices with sensitivity.
Her novel “The Pilot’s Wife” tells the story of Kathryn Lyons, whose life falls apart when she learns her pilot husband Jack has died in a mysterious plane crash.
As Kathryn searches for answers, she confronts unexpected revelations about her marriage and the man she thought she knew. Shreve explores trust, grief, and hidden truths in a satisfying narrative that fans of Howatch’s character-driven stories might find appealing.
Penelope Lively is a British author known for her insightful stories about family dynamics, personal histories, and the impact of past events on the present.
If you’ve enjoyed Susan Howatch’s skilled handling of complex character relationships and psychological depth, you might appreciate Lively’s novel “Moon Tiger.” The story revolves around Claudia Hampton, a strong-willed historian nearing the end of her life.
She decides to write a “history of the world,” but it turns out to be a deeply personal journey through her own experiences, loves, and regrets. Set partly during World War II, Claudia recalls a haunting romance in Cairo that shapes her understanding of love, loss, and memory.
“Moon Tiger” artfully blends historical context with intimate personal reflection, exploring the lingering influence of past connections on our sense of self.
Readers who enjoy Susan Howatch’s blend of introspective storytelling and rich characterization might also appreciate Julian Barnes. Barnes is a British author known for his thoughtful and insightful novels.
His book “The Sense of an Ending” explores memory, regret, and the truth beneath personal histories. It follows the protagonist, Tony Webster, as he reflects on past friendships and relationships, uncovering unexpected truths years later.
The elegant prose and emotional depth of this short novel might resonate with those who value complex and thought-provoking narratives.
Books by Rose Tremain often explore human emotions and personal struggles with honesty and depth. If you enjoy Susan Howatch’s vivid storytelling and strong characters, Tremain’s “The Road Home” might be a book worth exploring.
It follows Lev, an immigrant who leaves his Eastern European village to seek a better life in London. Lev faces hope and hardship as he builds a new future, encountering unexpected friendships, difficult choices, and the challenge of finding meaning far from home.
The story skillfully balances realism and compassion, creating meaningful characters who feel genuine and relatable.
Barbara Kingsolver is an author known for her thoughtful novels that explore human relationships, family struggles, and moral dilemmas. If you enjoy Susan Howatch’s character-driven storytelling, you might appreciate Kingsolver’s “The Poisonwood Bible.”
The story follows the Price family, who move from the U.S. state of Georgia to the Belgian Congo in 1959 so the father, Nathan Price, can work as a missionary.
Kingsolver portrays each family member’s voice and experiences as they navigate life in a foreign land and confront their own beliefs and vulnerabilities.
The novel skillfully depicts how their journey changes each person forever and examines the cost of faith, responsibility, and cultural misunderstandings.
If you enjoy Susan Howatch’s novels that explore complex characters and strong historical themes, you might like Beryl Bainbridge. Bainbridge wrote sharp, insightful novels with memorable characters and vivid historical settings.
A great example is her book “The Birthday Boys,” which brings to life Robert Falcon Scott’s tragic expedition to the South Pole. Each chapter tells the story through a different explorer’s eyes, offering unique perspectives on bravery, ambition, and human frailty.
Bainbridge captures historical events with a personal touch, creating scenes that are tense, emotional, and deeply human.
Georgette Heyer is an author known for skillfully blending historical detail and vivid characters into engaging novels. If you love Susan Howatch’s talent for rich period settings and intriguing plots, you might enjoy Heyer’s “The Grand Sophy.”
The book follows the charming and unconventional Sophy Stanton-Lacy who shakes things up when she arrives to stay with her relatives.
With wit, charm, and delightful schemes, Sophy attempts to sort out their troubles and romances, creating plenty of comedic situations along the way.
Heyer convincingly brings early 19th-century English society to life, filling the novel with lively dialogues and memorable characters. If you enjoy stories with humor, romance, and authentic historical settings, “The Grand Sophy” could be a great pick.
Kate Atkinson is a British author known for novels that blend family secrets, complex characters and intriguing storylines.
Readers who appreciate Susan Howatch’s thoughtful portrayals of intertwining personal histories may enjoy Atkinson’s book “Behind the Scenes at the Museum.”
This novel introduces readers to Ruby Lennox, who narrates her life from the very start—literally from birth—as she gradually uncovers the secrets of several generations in her family.
Atkinson combines humor and emotion to explore the ways hidden past events influence family relationships and personal identity. She gracefully moves back and forth in time and keeps readers invested in Ruby’s unique perspective.
John Fowles is a British novelist known for thoughtful storytelling and complex characters that stay with readers long after closing the book.
If you’re a fan of Susan Howatch’s ability to combine psychological depth with a rich portrayal of characters, Fowles’ work may resonate strongly with you.
One standout example is “The French Lieutenant’s Woman,” a novel set in Victorian-era England that examines love, society, and personal freedom.
The book tells the story of Charles Smithson, a gentleman engaged to a wealthy woman, whose life changes dramatically when he meets Sarah Woodruff, a mysterious figure shunned by society.
Fowles expertly blends narrative styles and layers emotions, giving readers a thought-provoking exploration of choice, morality, and human relationships.
Tessa Hadley crafts novels that explore family relationships and personal choices with depth and psychological insight, themes readers of Susan Howatch will recognize and appreciate.
In her book “The Past,” four adult siblings gather in their grandparents’ old home for a final summer reunion. Old rivalries and long-held secrets surface amid the routines of family life.
Hadley shapes each character clearly, revealing hidden aspects of their histories as memories rise to the surface. Her sensitive portrayal of how past decisions echo through present relationships makes this novel quietly memorable.
If you value Susan Howatch’s skillful depiction of complicated family dynamics and personal revelations, “The Past” offers a similar thoughtful experience.