If you enjoy reading novels by William S. Burroughs then you might also like the following authors:
Readers who appreciate William S. Burroughs might also enjoy Allen Ginsberg’s powerful poetry collection, “Howl and Other Poems.” Ginsberg was a pivotal figure in the Beat Generation, a poet whose work openly confronted contemporary society and captured the culture of his time.
In “Howl and Other Poems,” he paints gritty scenes of disillusionment, rebellion, and searching spirituality through raw, vivid language.
For instance, the title poem “Howl” famously begins with a provocative depiction of a generation damaged and oppressed, yet fiercely expressive.
This collection openly explores topics of sexuality, mental illness, and social injustice, making it a cornerstone of Beat literature that fans of Burroughs may find captivating.
If you enjoy William S. Burroughs’ vivid storytelling and raw portrayal of American counterculture, you might like Jack Kerouac’s novel “On the Road.” Kerouac was a central figure of the Beat Generation, famous for his spontaneous, jazz-inspired storytelling style.
In “On the Road,” he follows two friends, Sal Paradise and Dean Moriarty, who crisscross America in search of adventure, freedom, and self-discovery.
The novel captures their rush through youthful rebellion, jazz bars, endless highways, and conversations that stretch late into the night. It’s more than just a story of a carefree journey; it’s a window into America’s heart and soul during the restless post-war years.
Hunter S. Thompson is an author you’ll definitely want to explore if you appreciate William S. Burroughs’ edgy and surreal narratives. Thompson pioneered gonzo journalism, a style that blends personal experience, raw emotion, and vivid storytelling.
In “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas,” Thompson sends his alter ego Raoul Duke on a chaotic road trip through the Nevada desert.
Raoul Duke, accompanied by his unpredictable attorney, Dr. Gonzo, dives headfirst into wild excess and bizarre encounters in search of the American Dream.
Thompson’s sharp wit and unapologetic satire expose the absurdities lurking beneath the flashy façade of Las Vegas and 1970s America. Fans of Burroughs’ darkly humorous yet critical view of society will definitely find something intriguing in Thompson’s unforgettable adventures.
Readers who enjoy William S. Burroughs’ raw and rebellious prose will likely appreciate Charles Bukowski’s straightforward and unapologetic storytelling style.
Bukowski writes frankly about life’s darker and more chaotic moments, often drawing from his personal experiences with alcohol, poverty, and gritty city life.
In his novel “Post Office,” readers meet Henry Chinaski—a cynical, hard-drinking postal worker who navigates his exhausting job, turbulent relationships, and relentless hangovers with humor and blunt honesty.
Bukowski’s writing doesn’t sugarcoat hardship; instead, it delivers stark realism paired with humor and surprising vulnerability.
Kathy Acker was an icon of experimental literature, known for breaking conventions and pushing boundaries in ways reminiscent of William S. Burroughs.
Her novel “Blood and Guts in High School” takes readers through the chaotic life of Janey Smith, a passionate rebel caught in a dark world of abandonment, abuse, and survival.
Through visceral scenes, disjointed narratives, and intense emotional expression, Acker creates a raw and unsettling reading experience. Her work shares the provocative spirit and fragmented storytelling Burroughs readers appreciate.
Thomas Pynchon is an American novelist known for his complex narratives, dark humor, and surreal portrayal of modern society. If you enjoy William S. Burroughs’ experimental style and nonlinear storytelling, you might appreciate Pynchon’s novel “The Crying of Lot 49.”
The book follows Oedipa Maas, a woman who unexpectedly becomes the executor of her ex-lover’s estate. As she sorts through his assets, she stumbles upon a mysterious underground postal system known as the Tristero.
Her quest for truth leads Oedipa through secret societies, cryptic symbols, and a web of eccentric characters. The novel humorously explores paranoia, conspiracy theories, and the difficulty of distinguishing reality from illusion.
If you enjoy the edgy storytelling and surreal worlds of William S. Burroughs, give J.G. Ballard a try. Ballard’s work tackles themes of isolation, social decay, and the darker sides of technology.
A great example of his style is “Crash”, a controversial novel about people who are obsessed with the twisted sexuality of car accidents.
Through characters who seek meaning in chaos, Ballard tests the boundaries of modern life and human obsession—exactly the kind of strange intensity Burroughs readers often appreciate.
Jean Genet was a provocative French writer known for pushing boundaries and unsettling conventional viewpoints. If you’re interested in themes of gritty realism and social rebellion found in William S. Burroughs’ works, you might like Genet’s novel “Our Lady of the Flowers.”
Genet wrote this book while imprisoned, using scraps of paper to detail the lives of colorful characters from the Paris underworld.
The story revolves around the fascinating Divine, a drag queen who embodies both beauty and tragedy, surrounded by a group of thieves, pimps, and outsiders portrayed with surprising empathy.
Genet mixes beauty and vulgarity, reality and fantasy in ways readers of Burroughs will appreciate.
Readers who enjoy the edgy, provocative style of William S. Burroughs may appreciate Bret Easton Ellis, an author known for his sharp critique of contemporary culture. Ellis’ book “American Psycho” is a satirical and disturbing look at consumerism and excess in the 1980s.
Patrick Bateman, the novel’s central character, seems to embody the glamour and wealth of Wall Street, but beneath his polished exterior lies a dark and violent side.
Ellis weaves stark commentary with chilling scenes, creating a shocking story about the emptiness lurking behind superficial success.
Henry Miller is an author whose raw style and bold storytelling might resonate with readers who appreciate William S. Burroughs. In his semi-autobiographical novel “Tropic of Cancer,” Miller portrays gritty, bohemian life in 1930s Paris.
The book follows Miller’s own persona through the city’s underground, encounters with eccentric characters, and frank explorations of desire. Miller’s narrative bursts with vivid descriptions, unapologetic honesty, and rebellious energy that challenged conventions of his time.
If you enjoy Burroughs’ fearless approach to dark, authentic themes, Miller’s narrative energy might captivate you in a similar way.
Readers who enjoy William S. Burroughs might appreciate Chuck Palahniuk. His work often explores dark, satirical themes with lots of wit and sharp social commentary. A good example is “Fight Club,” a novel about a disillusioned narrator who meets the chaotic Tyler Durden.
Together, they start underground fight clubs to escape dull routines, but the group quickly evolves into something more radical. Palahniuk’s writing pulls no punches. It exposes consumerism, masculinity, and societal dissatisfaction through biting humor and gritty storytelling.
Tristan Tzara was a bold literary figure known for his central role in the Dada movement, which rebelled against traditional writing and embraced absurdity and spontaneity.
If you enjoy the experimental, fragmented narratives of William S. Burroughs, you’ll find Tzara’s writings similarly refreshing, with a playful disregard for conventional storytelling.
His book “Seven Dada Manifestos and Lampisteries” captures the raw energy and irreverence of Dadaism. Each manifesto challenges artistic norms and pokes fun at society and rational thought.
Tzara cleverly breaks down narrative expectations and offers readers an imaginative, unpredictable literary adventure full of wit and sharp insight.
Norman Mailer was an author known for pushing boundaries and exploring the darker corners of American society. If you’re a fan of William S. Burroughs’ bold themes and experimental style, check out Mailer’s “The Naked and the Dead.”
This novel throws readers straight into the brutal realities faced by a platoon of soldiers during World War II. It isn’t your typical war story—the characters come alive with their fears, flaws, and dreams vividly on display.
Mailer captures the tension between soldiers, officers, and the harsh jungle environment where they fight, making it impossible to put down. His storytelling feels raw and honest, giving the reader an intense, unforgettable glimpse of wartime life.
Readers who enjoy the dark and experimental style of William S. Burroughs might also appreciate Anaïs Nin. Nin explores human psychology and complex relationships with honesty and vivid imagery.
Her book “House of Incest” is a short but intense journey through the subconscious mind. This surreal narrative moves fluidly through dreams, memories, and desires, confronting the forbidden aspects within human relationships.
The poetic prose and powerful symbolism create a richly atmospheric experience. If Burroughs’ fearless exploration of inner worlds appeals to you, Anaïs Nin offers a similarly bold perspective that challenges conventional storytelling and invites deeper reflection.
Philip K. Dick shares William S. Burroughs’ talent for bending reality into unusual, mind-expanding narratives. His novel “A Scanner Darkly” explores the lives of undercover agents caught in a confusing web of surveillance, addiction, and shifting identities.
Set in a near-future America plagued by substance abuse, the plot follows Bob Arctor, an undercover cop assigned to spy on his circle of drug-using friends. Dick pulls readers into a distorted world filled with paranoia, blurred perceptions, and dark humor.
The novel is both unsettling and fascinating, showing the fragile boundaries between true identities and constructed selves. If Burroughs’ style of fragmented reality caught your attention, Philip K. Dick might resonate in a similar way.