Books to Read if You Love Jane Austen
Have you read all of Jane Austen’s novels (maybe several times over)? Do you feel disappointed that she didn’t write more? Are you looking for new books to read that are in the style of Jane? Then, this is the perfect list for you! Below are some amazing books to read if you love Jane Austen!
North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell
This novel’s story is Jane Austen-meets-Charles Dickens. The story is very similar to Pride and Prejudice, with the backdrop of industrial England, very much like a Charles Dickens novel. The story is about the heroine, Margaret Hale, who moves with her parents from a picturesque southern town to a northern industrial city. The story deals with a lot of interesting and complex characters, where etiquette and social class play a large role. At the heart is Margaret’s variable relationship with Mr. Thornton, a local mill owner. North and South (considered to be Elizabeth Gaskell’s masterpiece) and a must-read for Jane Austen fans!
Wives and Daughters by Elizabeth Gaskell
This novel is one of three on this list by Elizabeth Gaskell. Her novels are the best bet for books to read if you love Jane Austen, and Wives and Daughters is probably the most Austen-esque. The heroine is Molly Gibson, who’s mother died when she was young, and her father remarries when she is coming of age. Her new stepmother and stepsister bring many new changes to Molly’s life. Wives and Daughters has such a great cast of characters, and Molly is a heroine that you will cheer for. It is set in the English countryside and villages, like most Austen novels.
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
Jane Eyre is the masterpiece of Charlotte Bronte. It’s a Gothic novel, but one that (I believe) Jane Austen herself would have enjoyed. The heroine, Jane Eyre, is an admirable and principled character. Having been shipped off to a boarding school for orphans, she grows up in difficult circumstances. When she decides to venture out on her own as an adult, she takes a position as a governess at Thornfield Hall and becomes entangled in the mysteries of the house and its owner, Mr. Rochester. A brilliant novel.
Cranford by Elizabeth Gaskell
Another book by Elizabeth Gaskell, Cranford is a sweet and funny story about women living in the village of Cranford. The chapters were all written as separate stories but centered around the same group of women. It is such a charming and fun read. You will love Miss Matty!
The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins
Set in 1840s England, The Moonstone is an absorbing tale of a large diamond that goes missing. (It is known to be one of the first detective novels). There are several intriguing twists and interesting characters. Like Jane Austen’s novels, the story centers around a young heroine, but with the addition of mystery and suspense.
Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier
Rebecca is Daphne du Maurier’s masterpiece and a chilling period novel. This book is similar to a Bronte-style Gothic novel, but set in the 20th century. The story is told from the heroine’s point of view, as she marries and moves with her new husband to Manderley. The story that follows is one of mystery and intrigue. The novel is set among Monte Carlo and the English countryside- perfect for Jane Austen fans!
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Annie Barrows and Mary Ann Shaffer
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society is a charming epistolary novel set in 1946 England. The main character, Juliet Ashton, begins a correspondence with the inhabitants of Guernsey, and she quickly becomes enraptured by their stories and lives. This book is perfect for the Jane Austen fan, as it has interesting and complex characters, with a period setting.
The Jane Austen Society by Natalie Jenner
Set in 1940s England, The Jane Austen Society centers around a diverse group of people who rally together to preserve Jane Austen’s home in Chawton. Since all Jane fans have either made the trip to Chawton or one day dream of going, this is the perfect book. The characters and their relationships are intricate and sweet, and the story will pull at any Jane Austen fan’s heartstrings.
Jane Austen at Home: A Biography by Lucy Worsley
While not a novel, Jane Austen at Home is an incredible biography written by a wonderful fan of Jane Austen, the historian Lucy Worsley. This book is a must-read, as it details Jane’s life- the places she lived and visited, and the people she was surrounded by. Many of her novels are directly influenced by her own life experience. Your appreciation of Jane’s novels and her brilliance as an author will be magnified from reading this book!
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