W. Somerset Maugham was a celebrated British novelist and playwright known for sharp wit and clear prose. His novels, like Of Human Bondage and The Razor's Edge, often explore human relationships and society.
If you enjoy reading books by W. Somerset Maugham then you might also like the following authors:
Graham Greene often explores moral dilemmas, human flaws, and complex emotional conflicts in his novels. Like Maugham, he creates characters who wrestle with their consciences and personal crises, set against evocative backdrops.
In The Heart of the Matter, Greene portrays an honest man's tragic descent as he struggles between duty, love, and his own inner turmoil.
Evelyn Waugh writes satirical novels portraying upper-class English society, absurdity, and human folly with sharp wit and irony. His tone is often lighter than Maugham's, but he shares an interest in exposing human hypocrisy and social pretension.
Brideshead Revisited captures the decline of the English aristocracy, depicting nostalgia, decadence, and complicated relationships among its characters.
George Orwell is best known for his sharp insight into social injustices, political oppression, and the human condition. His clear, straightforward style conveys his ideas powerfully.
Readers of Maugham might appreciate Orwell's thoughtful examination of human behavior and social observation in Burmese Days, a novel set in colonial Burma exploring themes of loneliness, corruption, and imperialism.
Joseph Conrad writes novels that examine the human psyche and ethical conflicts, often set against exotic or isolated locales. Like Maugham, Conrad crafts atmospheric settings and rich explorations of morality and inner conflict.
In Heart of Darkness, Conrad vividly explores colonial exploitation, moral ambiguity, and the depths of human nature.
Paul Theroux, much like Maugham, writes vividly about traveling in distant lands, tying deeply observed journeys together with thoughtful reflections on culture, people, and humanity. His writing captures the complexities and contradictions of human nature.
In The Great Railway Bazaar, Theroux recounts his fascinating train journey through Asia, offering insight into the places he visits and the diverse characters he meets along the way.
Anthony Burgess writes novels filled with sharp wit, bold satire, and thoughtful exploration of human nature. Like Maugham, Burgess looks closely at morality and personal struggles, but often through darker satire and inventive language.
His book A Clockwork Orange takes an unsettling look into violence, free will, and societal control.
John le Carré creates suspenseful narratives about espionage and complex moral situations. His storytelling is nuanced and thoughtful, examining the blurred lines between good and evil, trust and betrayal—the kinds of personal dramas Maugham readers can appreciate.
In Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, le Carré immerses readers in Cold War intrigue, following a quiet, careful spy unmasking a traitor within his own intelligence service.
Rudyard Kipling's storytelling often explores characters facing moral decisions and personal conflicts in vivid colonial settings. Like Maugham, Kipling doesn't shy from portraying complexity and contradictions in human relationships.
His classic novel Kim vividly portrays India under British rule and follows a young boy navigating cultural identities and loyalties.
Stefan Zweig captures brilliantly emotional dramas through quietly intense character studies. His works often focus on psychological tension, personal passions, and intimate relationships, themes that resonate with readers who enjoy Maugham's exploration of inner struggles.
His novella Chess Story powerfully tells of obsession, isolation, and the surprising power of intellectual mastery.
Saki (the pen name of Hector Hugh Munro) is famous for sharp wit, dark humor, and elegant storytelling. If you enjoy Maugham's shrewd character observation and comedic irony, Saki's short stories will delight.
In The Complete Saki, you'll find satirical tales about Edwardian British society—packed with humor and clever plot twists.
John O'Hara excels at sharp social observations and exploring the hidden ambitions and tensions of American life, similar to Maugham's detailed character insights.
His novel Appointment in Samarra provides a striking look at a man's rapid descent due to impulsive decisions within a tightly knit community, capturing issues of class and status with clarity and precision.
Arnold Bennett shares with Maugham a keen eye for the daily personal struggles and social dramas of ordinary life.
His novel The Old Wives' Tale unfolds gently and vividly through the lives of two sisters, portraying their diverging paths and the unremarkable yet profound events shaping their destinies.
Sinclair Lewis, much like Maugham, possesses a talent for satire and sharp social commentary. He tackles the quirks, hypocrisies, and pretensions of American small-town life.
His novel Main Street explores one woman's frustrations against conformity and mediocrity in a provincial town, blending humor, critique, and empathy effortlessly.
Norman Lewis writes insightful, narrative-driven accounts enriched by keen observation—a style reminiscent of Maugham's own worldly and observant approach.
In Naples '44, Lewis blends memoir and observation to vividly portray Naples during and after war, illuminating the resilience and complexity of human experiences amidst upheaval.
Pierre Boulle employs imaginative storytelling and clear prose, offering accessible allegories about human nature and society, a similar approach to some of Maugham's tales.
His famous novel The Bridge on the River Kwai vividly depicts the human spirit tested in extreme conditions and provides sharp commentary on honor, duty, and morality.