If you enjoy reading books by Émile Zola then you might also like the following authors:
Flaubert is known for his detailed, realistic prose and exploration of bourgeois society, much like Zola. His masterpiece, “Madame Bovary,” offers insight into the struggles of the middle class and critiques social conventions.
A key figure in the realism movement, Balzac’s “La Comédie Humaine” captures the complexity of 19th-century French society, examining the lives of various characters with a critical eye.
Tolstoy’s epic novels such as “War and Peace” and “Anna Karenina” offer a broad view of society and human nature, sharing Zola’s interest in social issues and personal struggles.
Known for her realistic and psychological insights, Eliot’s novels like “Middlemarch” are celebrated for their detailed depiction of society and human relationships, similar to Zola’s works.
Hardy’s novels often focus on social constraints and personal challenges, as seen in “Tess of the d’Urbervilles” and “Jude the Obscure,” providing a somber view of life that Zola enthusiasts might appreciate.
While primarily known as a playwright, Ibsen’s realistic portrayal of societal issues and personal conflicts in works like “A Doll’s House” will appeal to readers who enjoy Zola’s style.
A French realist author, Maupassant’s short stories and novels, like “Bel Ami,” offer sharp observations of society and human behavior, much like Zola’s narratives.
Dickens’s vivid depictions of industrialized society and focus on social reform in novels such as “Oliver Twist” resonate with similar themes found in Zola’s works.
Known for his short stories and plays, Chekhov expertly captures the intricacies of human nature and societal issues, providing a perspective that fans of Zola might enjoy.
Dreiser’s “Sister Carrie” and other works highlight the challenges of American life with a realistic approach, paralleling Zola’s exploration of humanity’s struggles.
Though primarily a sociologist, Durkheim’s studies on societal functions provide context and depth similar to Zola’s narrative explorations of social dynamics.
Wharton’s novels, like “The Age of Innocence,” offer a critique of American upper-class society, with intricate character studies akin to those found in Zola’s work.
Chopin’s “The Awakening” explores themes of identity and societal expectations, echoing Zola’s focus on individual challenges within the social context.
A master of the Victorian novel, Collins explores social themes and human nature in works like “The Woman in White,” blending suspense with a keen social message.
Dostoevsky’s novels, including “Crime and Punishment,” delve into the psychological and moral depths of human existence, offering a rich narrative experience for Zola fans.