If you enjoy reading novels by Tom Franklin then you might also like the following authors:
William Gay wrote with a voice that feels raw and honest. If you like Tom Franklin, you’d probably enjoy his work. Check out “The Long Home,” which captures life in a gritty, Southern setting, or “Twilight,” a darker tale with layers of tension.
His stories often explore flawed characters and small-town struggles in a way that stays with you.
Ron Rash writes stories that often capture the struggles and beauty of life in the Appalachian region. His novel “Serena” tells a dark tale of ambition and power set in a North Carolina logging camp.
“The Cove” explores themes of isolation and love in a small, secluded community during World War I. Rash’s storytelling combines vivid settings with deeply human conflicts.
Daniel Woodrell writes stories set in small towns, filled with sharp edges and hard lives. His book “Winter’s Bone” tells a haunting tale of survival and family loyalty.
“The Maid’s Version” dives into the aftermath of a deadly explosion, with secrets unraveling across generations. Fans of Tom Franklin’s gritty, atmospheric work will find something to love in Woodrell’s dark and vivid worlds.
Larry Brown wrote stories that feel raw and real. His novel “Joe” tells a tough and emotional tale about people struggling in the South. “Dirty Work” focuses on two Vietnam veterans whose lives are broken in different ways.
These books show his honest way of writing about flawed people and hard lives.
Donald Ray Pollock has a knack for creating raw, dark stories that stick with you. If you like Tom Franklin’s way of capturing gritty lives, you might enjoy Pollock’s “The Devil All the Time” and “Knockemstiff.”
Both dive headfirst into the struggles of rural communities, showing a world that’s rough but real. His characters have lives full of trouble, and his writing hits you straight on.
Cormac McCarthy is known for his raw and unflinching storytelling. His novel “The Road” follows a father and son struggling to survive in a bleak, post-apocalyptic world.
In “Blood Meridian,” he explores the violence and chaos of the American West through the journey of a young runaway. His writing often captures the dark side of humanity and the harshness of life.
Chris Offutt writes stories packed with grit and raw emotion, often exploring life in rural Kentucky. If you like Tom Franklin, you might connect with the way Offutt dives into tough, human experiences.
His novel “The Killing Hills” follows a former soldier investigating a murder in his small hometown. In “Country Dark,” he writes about a bootlegger trying to protect his family while wrestling with the law and his own choices.
Offutt’s work feels rooted and personal, drawing you into the world he knows so well.
James Lee Burke is known for his vivid storytelling and strong sense of atmosphere. His novel “The Neon Rain” introduces Detective Dave Robicheaux, a character who appears across many of his books.
Another standout is “Heaven’s Prisoners,” which continues Robicheaux’s journey while exploring themes of justice and redemption. Burke’s writing often captures the gritty feel of the Deep South.
Michael Farris Smith writes stories that feel raw and full of grit, the kind that stick with you. If you’re into Tom Franklin, you’ll probably like books like “Desperation Road” or “The Fighter.”
He’s great at capturing flawed characters trying to find their way in tough circumstances. His writing pulls you into the world he creates, where every choice matters.
Tayari Jones is known for her heartfelt storytelling. Her novel “An American Marriage” explores the impact of wrongful incarceration on a couple’s relationship. Another book, “Silver Sparrow,” tells the story of two sisters brought together by their father’s secret double life.
Both books are layered with family and emotional conflicts, drawing readers into the characters’ lives.
Flannery O’Connor wrote stories set in the Southern United States, where things often take a dark and unexpected turn. If you enjoy Tom Franklin’s way of exploring flawed and complex characters, you might like her novels too.
“Wise Blood” is about a war veteran who starts his own strange church, while “The Violent Bear It Away” follows a boy trying to escape his family’s intense religious beliefs. Her work highlights the messy, raw side of human nature.
Robert Goolrick wrote novels with stories that pull you in. His book, “A Reliable Wife,” became very popular for its dark and emotional tale. Another one, “Heading Out to Wonderful,” tells a story filled with passion and secrets.
His writing often explores human desires and the consequences they bring.
Jesmyn Ward tells powerful stories set in the South, often exploring the lives of those facing hardship. If you enjoy Tom Franklin’s work, you might want to read “Salvage the Bones.” It’s about a family dealing with life and survival as a hurricane approaches.
Another one to check out is “Sing, Unburied, Sing,” which weaves family struggles with the weight of history. Her writing feels raw and honest, rooting you deeply in the world she creates.
Rick Bragg is known for his heartfelt storytelling and beautifully crafted narratives. His book, “All Over but the Shoutin',” explores his upbringing in the South and his bond with his mother. In “Ava’s Man,” he tells the story of his grandfather with warmth and humor.
Another work, “The Prince of Frogtown,” looks into his father’s life while reflecting on his own role as a stepfather. His books capture personal and family histories with depth and emotion.
Joe R. Lansdale tells stories with a raw, Southern flavor that’s hard to ignore. His books have a gritty sense of place and characters who feel alive. If you like Tom Franklin, you might enjoy “The Bottoms,” a suspenseful tale set in East Texas.
Another great pick is “Sunset and Sawdust,” where Lansdale combines murder, survival, and life in the Texas countryside. His writing has a way of drawing you into a world full of danger and human flaws.