If you enjoy reading books by W Somerset Maugham then you might also like the following authors:
Graham Greene writes with precision and insight about characters struggling with moral conflict, doubt, and the complexities of faith. His novels often explore personal crises set against social or political unrest.
One of his best-known works is The Quiet American, a novel that examines idealism and cynicism through the lens of Vietnam's political turmoil and personal betrayals.
Evelyn Waugh combines sharp humor and satirical wit to critique the upper classes and societal pretensions. His writing vividly portrays human foibles and absurdities in clear, elegant prose.
A notable work is Brideshead Revisited, a poignant exploration of nostalgia, faith, and class, through the story of friendship and lost innocence among privileged English youth.
George Orwell is known for his clear and straightforward writing style. He tackles political and social themes, warning readers about oppression and authoritarian power.
His classic novel 1984 depicts a grim future where society is controlled by relentless surveillance and propaganda—a powerful cautionary tale about freedom and truth.
Joseph Conrad writes bold stories about the moral dilemmas of colonialism, isolation, and the darkness in human nature. Although English was not his first language, his prose is precise and evocative, drawing readers into exotic and often unsettling settings.
His classic novella, Heart of Darkness, explores moral ambiguity and imperialist cruelty through the disturbing journey upriver into the African jungle.
Known for his simple yet powerful prose, Ernest Hemingway explores themes of courage, personal honor, and the struggles of finding meaning in life. He often portrays individuals confronting danger and existential loneliness.
One of his iconic novels, The Sun Also Rises, captures the post-war disillusionment of the "Lost Generation" with its vivid depictions of desperate and passionate lives.
If you love Maugham's insightful characters and reflections on human nature, you'll likely enjoy F. Scott Fitzgerald. His novels vividly explore the glamour and emptiness of high society, always with an underlying sadness.
In The Great Gatsby, Fitzgerald captures the fragile dreams and moral ambiguity of the Jazz Age through Jay Gatsby's tragic quest for love and success.
John Steinbeck portrays life with clarity and a profound sense of humanity. His simple style and sympathetic characters reflect everyday struggles and hopes in the way Maugham often does.
In Of Mice and Men, Steinbeck tells a heartbreaking story of friendship and lost dreams during the Great Depression, emphasizing the loneliness and dignity of ordinary people.
Anton Chekhov is known and loved for his quiet yet powerful storytelling. Like Maugham, Chekhov deeply understands human fears and desires, and his stories evoke empathy through subtle emotional truths.
In his short story The Lady with the Dog, Chekhov sensitively examines a complicated and heartfelt romance, highlighting real human complexities without judgment.
If it's Maugham's short stories you enjoy, Guy de Maupassant might interest you too. Maupassant writes sharp, clear prose, exploring human weakness and irony with a keen eye for life's quiet dramas and surprises.
His famous short story The Necklace brilliantly reveals how vanity and pride can shape people's destinies in unexpected ways.
Readers who appreciate Maugham's broad-minded view of human nature might also like Rudyard Kipling. Although Kipling's style often incorporates adventurous narratives and exotic settings, he shares Maugham's interest in the complexity of human character and relationships.
In Kim, Kipling beautifully portrays India under British rule, following the lively adventures and emotional growth of its young protagonist.
If you like W. Somerset Maugham's exploration of human relationships and social tensions, you'll probably enjoy E.M. Forster. He writes elegantly about the complexities of class, culture, and personal connections.
His novel A Passage to India is a thoughtful look at British colonialism and cultural misunderstandings. Forster gently uncovers the struggles beneath polite society's surface, much like Maugham does.
V.S. Naipaul's writing shares Maugham's clear-eyed view of human nature and his fascination with people navigating unfamiliar cultures. His novel A House for Mr Biswas vividly portrays one man's ambition, loneliness, and search for identity in Trinidad.
Naipaul carefully observes the social challenges and individual triumphs of his characters with warmth and honesty.
If you appreciate Maugham's keen observations of human character in exotic settings, consider Paul Theroux. His travel-inspired fiction, like The Mosquito Coast, explores the difficulties outsiders face in unfamiliar surroundings.
Theroux's writing is sharp and insightful, revealing both the humorous and troubling sides of human ambition and identity away from home.
Like Maugham, Noël Coward writes stylishly about the upper-class society of his era, highlighting both its charm and contradictions. His plays and novels have sparkling wit and dialogue, often set against affluent backdrops.
His play Private Lives humorously explores the battles and reconciliations of sophisticated but flawed characters, reflecting the subtleties of relationships and social expectations.
If you like how Maugham carefully builds suspense and psychological depth, Daphne du Maurier could be a great choice. Her best-known novel, Rebecca, wonderfully captures tension, mystery, and complex characters.
Du Maurier portrays deep emotional struggles hidden beneath polite societal facades, offering readers engaging stories rich in suspense.