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List of 15 authors like Umberto Eco

Umberto Eco is famous for his intellectual and complex novels. Authors who write similar novels often combine historical research and erudite references in their work. Here are 15 authors who might be enjoyed by fans of Umberto Eco:

  1. 1
    Jorge Luis Borges - His intricate short stories are known for literary puzzles and references, much like Eco’s works.
  2. 2
    Italo Calvino - Calvino’s works often include metafiction and complex narratives.
  3. 3
    Arturo Pérez-Reverte - Writes historical fiction with a good deal of intrigue and intellectual puzzles.
  4. 4
    Iain Pears - Author of “An Instance of the Fingerpost,” which is a historical mystery with a similar intellectual depth.
  5. 5
    Lev Grossman - Known for “The Magicians” series, he writes with a blend of intellectualism and fantasy that might appeal to Eco’s readers.
  6. 6
    Neal Stephenson - Writes complex, historically-informed fiction with contemporary significance.
  7. 7
    Dan Brown - Writes thrillers that, like Eco’s, are often centered around historical and religious conspiracies, though with less literary complexity.
  8. 8
    Donna Tartt - Her work “The Secret History” is a richly layered narrative filled with intellectual references.
  9. 9
    Carlos Ruiz Zafón - Known for his “Cemetery of Forgotten Books” series, which combines history, mystery, and literature.
  10. 10
    A.S. Byatt - “Possession” is a novel that, like Eco’s work, melds literary scholarship with fiction.
  11. 11
    Vladimir Nabokov - His novels often involve complex narratives and literary puzzles.
  12. 12
    Michael Chabon - “The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay” includes a mix of historical context and literary depth.
  13. 13
    David Mitchell - Writes complex narratives that blend different genres and styles.
  14. 14
    Ellie Griffiths - While generally writing crime fiction, her “Ruth Galloway” series contains a mix of history and mystery that might appeal to Eco fans.
  15. 15
    Matthew Pearl - Author of “The Dante Club,” a work of historical fiction with literary intrigue similar to Eco’s methodology.

When seeking out authors with works like those of Umberto Eco, it is essential to look for those who engage in depth with their subjects, create intricate plots, and offer a level of intellectual richness in their storytelling. While each author’s style is unique, the listed writers deliver some similar experience through their commitment to thematic complexity and erudite prose.