10 Authors Like Hilary Mantel

Love Hilary Mantel? Discover 10 similar authors including Ken Follett, Philippa Gregory, Robert Harris, and more writers with the same style and themes.

Ken Follett

Historical Fiction, Thriller

Master of historical fiction with intricate plots and rich detail.

Why you'll love them: Ken Follett creates expansive historical narratives that delve into political intrigue and personal drama. Readers who appreciate Mantel's depth in character and plot will find similar satisfaction in Follett's storytelling.

Notable Books: The Pillars of the Earth, World Without End, Fall of Giants

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Philippa Gregory

Historical Fiction, Drama

Renowned for her captivating tales of royal intrigue and women's lives.

Why you'll love them: Gregory's focus on the complexities of female characters within historical contexts resonates with Mantel's portrayal of powerful women. Both authors excel in weaving narratives filled with political maneuvering and personal ambitions.

Notable Books: The Other Boleyn Girl, The Constant Princess, Wideacre

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Robert Harris

Historical Fiction, Thriller

Known for his meticulously researched historical thrillers.

Why you'll love them: Harris's ability to blend historical events with thrilling narratives mirrors Mantel's approach to storytelling. Fans of political intrigue and moral ambiguity in Mantel's work will appreciate Harris's gripping plots and complex characters.

Notable Books: Fatherland, An Officer and a Spy, Pompeii

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Sarah Waters

Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction

Specializes in historical fiction with rich character development and LGBT themes.

Why you'll love them: Waters shares Mantel's talent for creating detailed historical settings filled with intricate relationships. Her exploration of marginalized voices and complex plots would resonate with readers who admire Mantel's depth.

Notable Books: Fingersmith, The Night Watch, Tipping the Velvet

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Colm Tóibín

Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction

Celebrated for his lyrical prose and deep character exploration.

Why you'll love them: Tóibín's nuanced character studies and explorations of identity and place provide a similar emotional depth to Mantel's work. His historical narratives often reflect on personal and political conflicts in a way that will appeal to Mantel's fans.

Notable Books: The Master, Brooklyn, Nora Webster

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Bernard Cornwell

Historical Fiction, Adventure

Famed for his detailed narratives of historical battles and figures.

Why you'll love them: Cornwell's rich historical detail and focus on conflict align with Mantel's exploration of power dynamics. Fans of Mantel's intricate plotting and historical authenticity will enjoy Cornwell's vivid storytelling.

Notable Books: Sharpe's Eagle, The Last Kingdom, Agincourt

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A.S. Byatt

Literary Fiction, Historical Fiction

Acclaimed for her intellectual narratives and intricate character studies.

Why you'll love them: Byatt's layered storytelling and focus on the intersections of history, literature, and personal lives resonate with Mantel's style. Readers who appreciate thoughtful prose and historical depth will find much to enjoy in Byatt's work.

Notable Books: Possession, The Biographer's Tale, Babel Tower

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Simon Schama

Non-Fiction, Historical Narrative

Historian and author known for his engaging narrative history.

Why you'll love them: Schama's ability to bring historical figures and events to life in a captivating narrative style parallels Mantel's storytelling. His deep dives into political and social contexts would appeal to fans of Mantel's historical insights.

Notable Books: Citizens, The History of Britain, The Story of the Jews

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Kate Atkinson

Literary Fiction, Historical Fiction

Renowned for her innovative narrative structures and character depth.

Why you'll love them: Atkinson's exploration of time and identity within historical contexts shares thematic similarities with Mantel's work. Readers who enjoy complex character arcs and richly woven narratives will find Atkinson's writing compelling.

Notable Books: Life After Life, A God in Ruins, Human Croquet

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Anita Shreve

Historical Fiction, Drama

Known for her emotional narratives often set against historical backdrops.

Why you'll love them: Shreve's focus on personal stories intertwined with historical events mirrors Mantel's narrative style. Fans of emotional depth and historical context in fiction will appreciate Shreve's storytelling.

Notable Books: The Pilot's Wife, The Weight of Water, Fortune's Rocks

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