If you enjoy reading books by Ursula Hegi then you might also like the following authors:
Alice Hoffman writes stories that mix everyday life with a touch of magic or the unusual. In her novel “Practical Magic,” she tells the story of two sisters from a family of witches who are trying to escape the curse that causes heartbreak for anyone they love.
The book moves through family struggles, small-town secrets, and the bond between sisters, creating a world where magic feels natural. Her writing has a way of making the extraordinary feel close to home.
Barbara Kingsolver is an author known for weaving human stories with nature and the environment. Her book “The Poisonwood Bible” follows an evangelical missionary family who moves to the Congo in 1959.
The story is told through the voices of the four daughters and their mother, showing how each one is affected by their father’s rigid and often harmful decisions.
The Congo itself becomes a vivid setting where the family confronts cultural differences and personal struggles that shape their lives in unexpected ways. It’s a book about family, resilience, and how people adapt to change.
Toni Morrison wrote stories that explore deep connections between people, families, and history. One of her most powerful books, “Beloved,” tells the story of Sethe, a woman who escapes slavery but is haunted by her past.
The novel focuses on the life she builds after freedom and the mysterious presence of a young girl who shakes her world. Morrison’s writing uncovers the strength and pain in her characters, making every page unforgettable.
Annie Proulx is a writer known for crafting stories set in rugged landscapes with characters who lead tough, often lonely lives.
Her book, “The Shipping News,” follows Quoyle, a struggling newspaper worker who moves with his two daughters to a remote Newfoundland town after his wife dies. There, he begins to rebuild his life while uncovering his family’s troubled past.
The harsh weather and isolation shape the world of the story, and the locals who interact with Quoyle bring both challenges and a sense of unexpected community.
Anne Tyler is an author known for writing about ordinary lives in a way that feels deeply personal. In her novel “Breathing Lessons,” she follows Ira and Maggie, a married couple on a road trip to a funeral.
Along the way, their conversations uncover years of frustrations, memories, and the quiet ways they’ve both shaped and hurt each other. Tyler captures the complexities of relationships without making them feel overly dramatic.
Fans of Ursula Hegi might enjoy how Tyler explores family and human connections with care and honesty.
Isabel Allende is a writer known for creating stories filled with rich characters and vivid settings.
One of her most beloved books, “The House of the Spirits,” follows the Trueba family across generations, weaving together personal struggles, political turmoil, and a touch of the supernatural.
At the heart of the story is Clara, whose connection to the spiritual world shapes much of the family’s fate. Filled with moments of love, betrayal, and resilience, the novel paints a picture of people trying to hold on to hope as their world shifts around them.
Elizabeth Strout writes stories that look closely at ordinary people and their lives, often set in small towns. One of her books, “Olive Kitteridge,” follows a retired schoolteacher in Maine.
Olive isn’t always easy to like, but her sharpness and the way she intersects with others in her community make her fascinating. Each chapter feels like its own story while connecting to Olive in some way. It’s about love, aging, and how people cope with their struggles.
Wally Lamb is an author who writes deeply emotional and character-driven stories. His book “I Know This Much Is True” is a powerful tale about family, identity, and the bond between twin brothers.
Dominick Birdsey, the narrator, struggles to care for his identical twin, Thomas, who has schizophrenia. The story goes into their shared childhood and the choices that shaped their lives.
It weaves in themes of forgiveness, resilience, and how the past can haunt a family across generations. Lamb creates a world where the characters feel so real, it’s like you’ve lived alongside them.
Sue Monk Kidd is an author who writes stories that explore complex relationships and personal growth. Her book “The Secret Life of Bees” is set in 1964 South Carolina. It follows a young girl named Lily, who runs away from home with her caregiver, Rosaleen.
They find refuge with three sisters who keep bees and teach Lily about love, forgiveness, and strength. The story blends strong characters, emotional depth, and a vivid sense of place.
If you enjoy Ursula Hegi’s ability to create moving characters, Sue Monk Kidd might be a good fit for you.
Jhumpa Lahiri is an author who writes beautifully about family, identity, and the ties that bind people together. In her novel “The Namesake,” she tells the story of Gogol Ganguli, a man born to Bengali parents in America.
The book follows his life as he struggles with his unusual name, his cultural heritage, and his attempts to fit into the world around him. The story explores moments like Gogol’s discomfort with traditions his parents hold dear and his search for a sense of self.
Lahiri captures emotions and relationships in a way that feels real and deeply personal.
Louise Erdrich is a writer known for her stories about Native American life, often mixing history and personal struggles. Her novel “The Round House” follows a teenage boy named Joe, who seeks answers after a devastating event affects his family and community.
Set on a North Dakota reservation, the book explores justice, anger, and the bonds that shape families. Erdrich combines vibrant characters with vivid storytelling, giving readers a sense of place and tradition.
Fans of authors like Ursula Hegi might appreciate the depth and humanity in Erdrich’s work.
Amy Bloom is an author who writes with depth and sincerity, drawing readers into emotionally rich stories. In her book “Away,” she tells the journey of Lillian Leyb, a young woman who flees Russia after her family is murdered in a pogrom.
Arriving in New York during the 1920s, Lillian builds a new life while holding onto hope that her daughter might still be alive. The story follows her across the country, as she faces harsh realities and unwavering determination to reunite with her child.
It’s a moving tale of resilience and the lengths a mother will go to for love.
Alice Munro is a Canadian author known for her short stories, which often explore everyday lives with a focus on relationships and quiet moments that reveal deeper truths. In her collection “Runaway,” she writes about women at pivotal points in their lives.
One story follows a young woman trapped in a controlling marriage, where an unexpected chance to leave presents both freedom and risk. Munro’s writing captures small, vivid details that make her characters feel real and their struggles immediate.
Marilynne Robinson writes with a style that focuses on deep emotional resonance and the quiet beauty of everyday life. Her book “Gilead” is written as a letter from an elderly pastor, John Ames, to his young son.
Ames reflects on his life in a small Iowa town, sharing stories about his relationships with his father, his grandfather, and a family friend who carries a troubled past.
The book captures themes of forgiveness, faith, and the love between generations, all through the lens of a man nearing the end of his life. The thoughtful pace and rich personal history might remind readers of Ursula Hegi’s focus on family and community in her books.
Margaret Atwood is a Canadian author known for her thought-provoking stories and sharp storytelling. One of her most well-known books, “The Handmaid’s Tale,” is set in a dystopian world where women are stripped of their rights and forced into strict societal roles.
The story follows Offred, a woman trying to survive under an oppressive regime. As she navigates her controlled existence, you uncover secrets about her past and the world she lives in. The book creates a haunting atmosphere that will stay with you long after you finish it.