If you enjoy reading books by W. Somerset Maugham then you might also like the following authors:
If you enjoy the novels of W. Somerset Maugham, you may appreciate Aldous Huxley’s thoughtful approach to human nature and society. In his famous novel, “Brave New World,” Huxley describes a future society where happiness becomes the foremost priority.
People live highly controlled lives steeped in comfort, pleasure, and stability, all at the price of individuality and freedom.
The novel explores what happens when human desires and emotions are manufactured and regulated, confronting readers with tough questions about the price of a perfect society.
Huxley cleverly weaves together sharp observations, clever irony, and deep philosophical ideas, making “Brave New World” a fascinating read for anyone who enjoys thoughtful and clear-eyed fiction.
Evelyn Waugh was an English novelist who excelled in sharp wit, elegant language, and incisive observations of English society. If you enjoy W. Somerset Maugham’s thoughtful portraits of complicated characters, you might appreciate Waugh’s novel “Brideshead Revisited”.
This book revolves around Charles Ryder, a sensitive young man drawn into the glamorous yet troubled world of the aristocratic Marchmain family. Through the Marchmains, Waugh explores themes of nostalgia, religion, love, and family dysfunction.
The narrative journeys from the carefree days at Oxford in the 1920s to the sobering realities of World War II, showing how choices and circumstances shape lives forever.
Readers who enjoy W. Somerset Maugham may find Graham Greene similarly appealing for his insightful portrayals of human nature and moral dilemmas. Greene’s novel “The Quiet American” is set during the turbulent period of the French war in Vietnam in the 1950s.
The story revolves around Thomas Fowler, a British journalist who tries to distance himself from political involvement. His world changes when he meets Alden Pyle, an idealistic and naive American whose intentions become increasingly questionable.
Fowler soon finds himself drawn away from neutrality and into intrigue, personal conflict, and moral complexity. Greene skillfully portrays themes of idealism, responsibility, and betrayal, all set against a vivid backdrop of war-torn Saigon.
Henry James is an author you might appreciate if you enjoy W. Somerset Maugham’s sharp insight into human nature and interpersonal dynamics.
His novel, “The Portrait of a Lady,” centers around Isabel Archer, a vibrant and independent young American woman who travels to Europe, full of ideals and determined to see the world. Isabel soon faces complicated choices about love, freedom, and social expectations.
James carefully unfolds Isabel’s personal struggles and the challenges posed by society in a way that reveals deep truths about people’s motivations and inner lives.
His thoughtful approach and precise characterizations may appeal strongly to readers drawn to Maugham’s clear-eyed view of human behavior and moral dilemmas.
Joseph Conrad was a novelist who captured the depth of human nature through powerful storytelling and fascinating characters. If you’re a fan of W. Somerset Maugham’s exploration of human flaws and moral ambiguity, you might appreciate Conrad’s “Heart of Darkness.”
In this short but intense novel, Conrad tells the story of Marlow, a steamboat captain dispatched to the Belgian Congo in search of the mysterious Mr. Kurtz.
As Marlow journeys deeper into the African continent, he encounters devastating brutality and greed driven by colonial ambitions. Marlow soon realizes that darkness and corruption exist not only at the edge of civilization but also deep within our own hearts.
Conrad’s writing vividly shows readers how fragile our morality becomes when confronted by profound isolation and unchecked power.
Readers who appreciate W. Somerset Maugham’s subtle exploration of human emotions and social dynamics may also enjoy Virginia Woolf’s novels. Woolf is known for her modernist approach to storytelling and deep psychological insight into her characters.
Her novel “Mrs. Dalloway” takes place within a single day and follows Clarissa Dalloway as she prepares for an evening party. Through rich inner dialogue and reflections, the story explores themes such as memory, identity, and the passage of time.
Woolf captures everyday moments and transforms them into meaningful, vivid experiences that linger long after the page is turned.
If you enjoy the clear, straightforward storytelling of W. Somerset Maugham, Ernest Hemingway might be a perfect fit for your reading list. Hemingway’s style is direct and honest, with stories that focus on complex human emotions beneath a deceptively simple surface.
For example, his novel “The Sun Also Rises” takes you into the post-war lives of American and British expatriates in 1920s Paris and Spain.
The story follows Jake Barnes and his group of friends, drifting through cafes, bars, and bullfights as they grapple with lost hopes, complicated relationships, and the search for meaning.
Hemingway brings to life their friendships and rivalries through sharp dialogue and vivid settings, making it a memorable read filled with both excitement and regret.
F. Scott Fitzgerald is an American novelist known for capturing the glamor and disillusionment of the Jazz Age. Like W. Somerset Maugham, Fitzgerald often addresses themes of wealth, ambition, and personal struggles in his characters.
His novel “The Great Gatsby” centers around Jay Gatsby, a wealthy yet mysterious figure who throws extravagant parties in hopes of reclaiming the love of his past, Daisy Buchanan.
Through Gatsby’s story, Fitzgerald explores themes of longing, disillusionment, and the hidden emptiness behind luxury and high society.
Readers who appreciate Maugham’s skillful character studies and sharp social observations typically find Fitzgerald’s portrayal of 1920s America equally fascinating.
If you enjoy the nuanced explorations of human relationships and moral complexity found in W. Somerset Maugham’s novels, Ford Madox Ford is an author worth discovering.
Ford’s classic novel “The Good Soldier” examines two seemingly perfect married couples whose polite facade hides secrets, betrayals, and emotional turmoil.
Through the eyes of John Dowell, one of the deceived spouses, Ford reveals the truth about friendship, honesty, and the fragility of trust. The story gradually uncovers surprises and contradictions beneath the polished surfaces of early 20th-century society.
Ford’s subtle style and thoughtful insights make him a fine choice for readers who appreciate Maugham’s keen observation and detailed storytelling.
Readers who appreciate W. Somerset Maugham’s exploration of human desires and moral dilemmas may find D. H. Lawrence equally enjoyable. Lawrence writes boldly about complex human relationships and emotional conflicts.
His novel “Sons and Lovers” tells the story of Paul Morel, a young man torn between the controlling affection of his mother and his own passionate relationships.
Set against the backdrop of an English mining community, the book reveals intense family bonds and the difficulties of finding independence. Lawrence skillfully shows how love both nurtures and limits us, making “Sons and Lovers” a classic worth discovering.
D.H. Lawrence offers deep explorations of human desire, relationships, and society’s expectations. If you enjoyed W. Somerset Maugham’s insights into character psychology and moral dilemmas, Lawrence’s work should strike a chord.
Particularly compelling is his novel “Sons and Lovers,” which follows Paul Morel, a sensitive young man struggling between his intense bond with his mother and his yearning for independence and passion.
Set in a gritty coal-mining town in England, the novel captures the complexity of family ties, love, and personal identity in an evocative and emotionally direct style. Lawrence’s writing honestly portrays human relationships without judgment or restraint.
E. M. Forster was an English writer known for his thoughtful portrayals of human nature, relationships, and social customs. If you enjoy the subtle and insightful writing style of W. Somerset Maugham, you might appreciate Forster’s “A Room with a View.”
This novel follows young Lucy Honeychurch as she navigates Edwardian society’s rigid expectations during a trip to Italy. Her experiences in Florence challenge her ideas about life, love, and society, leading her toward self-discovery.
Forster captures the contrast between convention and passion, sincerity and pretension, with gentle humor and warmth. Readers seeking both depth and charm will find this classic rewarding.
Readers who enjoy W. Somerset Maugham’s insightful novels about human nature may find E.M. Forster equally rewarding. Forster’s novel “A Room with a View” follows Lucy Honeychurch, a young Englishwoman who travels to Italy with her older, fussy cousin as chaperone.
Among the vibrant beauty of Florence and the restrictive conventions of Edwardian society, Lucy meets the free-spirited George Emerson. When she returns home to England, Lucy must choose between the expectations of polite society and following her romantic heart.
This novel skillfully explores themes of love, societal pressure, and self-discovery through witty dialogue and memorable characters. If you appreciate Maugham’s nuanced portrayals of social obstacles and personal conflicts, Forster provides a similar depth and charm.
Readers who enjoy the insightful storytelling of W. Somerset Maugham may also appreciate the works of John Steinbeck. Steinbeck offers an honest view of human struggles and relationships in his classic novel “Of Mice and Men”.
The story focuses on two friends, George and Lennie, migrant workers who dream of someday owning a farm. Steinbeck carefully explores their friendship, dreams, and obstacles in a way that’s both moving and unforgettable.
Through the simple yet powerful prose, readers experience the stark realities of friendship, loneliness, and hope within the harsh setting of Great Depression-era America.
Books by Patrick Hamilton capture the gritty realism and dark human drama often found in W. Somerset Maugham’s fiction. His book “Hangover Square” is set in the shadowy pubs of pre-war London.
It follows George Harvey Bone, a lonely and troubled man, as he navigates obsession and despair within a group of manipulative acquaintances. Hamilton portrays characters filled with contradictions and weaknesses, creating a tense and authentic atmosphere.
Readers discover Bone’s tragic inner conflicts against the backdrop of a city poised on the brink of war. Hamilton’s clear-eyed portrayal of flawed humanity echoes the depth and emotional insight found in Maugham’s novels.