I can't seem to get enough of J. Austen. Can you recommend a book similar to Jane Austen's style of writing?

Question

I've read all her books and seen all the movies. I even went to see her home in Bath.

Answer 1

Nerv_angel is exactly right - Henry James is the way to go. He has the same powers of observation that Austen does, and sketches his characters as minutely. The only caveat I'd offer is that James's endings aren't always happy ones (as Austen's usually are).

Start with "Portrait of a Lady."

Answer 2

The Bronte sisters are wonderful writers, but cut in the Romantic mould, not at all like Jane Austen. Henry James came much later - over half a century - and while there are certain similarities (country houses, gentry, the politics of arranging marriages, social climbing, etc.) James does not have that same biting wit.

I'd go back a little further in time and read Henry Fielding's Tom Jones. Great, picaresque story, and a big influence on Jane Austen's work. Try Thackeray's Vanity Fair as well. Helen Fielding's Brigitte Jones' Diary is not great literature, but a funny modern take on Pride and Prejudice. Try Shirley Hazzard's The Transit of Venus, too.

Answer 3

There are several authors who have written sequels to Austen's books. They vary in quality, but they certainly try to achieve the same tone.

I'd also highly recommend Georgette Heyer, a 20th century writer, whose books are more than just Regency romances. They are fabulously written and terrific entertainment. Yes, written with an Austenesque flair, but not as densely written. More dialogue.

Note the books that are brought to life by Masterpiece Theater. Some of them are spot on your question.

Have you joined the Jane Austen Society?

Answer 4

Elizabeth Aston has carried on story lines created by Jane Austen. She is modern but writes in the same style as Ms. Austin. The books are quite good.

Also try Elizabeth Gaskell, her book North & South is modeled after P & P. There is also a BBC movie based on this that is fantastic. I found it on youtube.

Answer 5

Definitely the Bronte Sisters. For newer writers you might want to try Tracey Chevalier, The Girl with the pearl earring or the Lady and the Unicorn. They are set in the 15th century, historically pretty accurate and easy reading.

Answer 6

For books set interior the Regency era, honestly attempt Georgette Heyer - I enjoyed her books whilst i replaced into in my early young ones, and function presently been playing the reissued volumes (presently making plans an entire set, as quickly as I even have the money). i've got additionally presently started analyzing many of the Gothic novels that have been properly-known on the time of Austen - the language and charm is somewhat diverse to a in demand novel, yet i've got chanced on them properly worth continuing. in case you prefer Regency novels with greater of a in demand erotic twist, attempt many of the generators & Boon historic Romance sequence (heavily!) or for something which takes slightly greater analyzing, attempt Stephanie Laurens - the Bastian club novels or the Cynster sequence are terrific. specific, each and all the heroes are tall, dark, good-looking, risky rakes, and all fall passionately in love with appealing, feisty, self reliant heroines - yet they make for good escapist thoughts.

Answer 7

The Bronte sisters are real good authors. I especially like Emily Bronte, and her book "Wuthering Heights". It's a really intense and tragic novel. You might like it.

Answer 8

Have you tried Henry James? He deals with alot of the same types of issues, same time period and he is also very proper in language. Try The Golden Bowl.

Answer 9

'Wide Sargasso Sea'. It was written by Jean Rhys and supposed to be a prequel to 'Jane Eyre'.

Answer 10

You could try the Bronte sisters - start with "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Bronte and see how you like it. :)