If I like Elizabeth Strout and Clare Keegan's books...

[Bunkbedbunk]

Who else/what other books would I like?
Also Hello Beautiful, Blue Sisters

Would the Elena Ferrante books be similar?
Other recommendations appreciated, thank you

Anne Tyler has a similar vibe to Elizabeth Strout, I always think.

Ha! Was just going to say anything by Anne Tyler but I've been beaten to it. I agree - very similar vibe, I've loved everything I've ever read by those two authors. I'd also recommend Sarah Moss.

Colm Toibin -Brooklyn

Charlotte Wood. Only read The Weekend but v good.
Ann Patchett
Carol Shields

Yes, I think CT is the best match for CK, assuming that what you like is the quiet prose and small-scale narratives. But I’d start with one of CT’s short story collections, Mothers and Sons or The Empty Family.

Another suggestion— Deirdre Madden. Start with Molly Fox’s Birthday.

CW’s Stone Yard Devotional is also excellent.

Would the Elena Ferrante books be similar? Not at all.
Donal Ryan's books might fit the bill, especially if you love Claire Keegan.
The Spinning Heart and The Thing About December are my two favourites.

Carys Davies

Thanks all 😁I will pursue these books

I'm also a huge Elizabeth Strout fan. I'd second the Anne Tyler and Carol Shields recommendations but would add Mary Lawson and Kent Haruf (especially the Plainsong trilogy though it'll make you cry).

I would say that Ferrante’s books are similar in that they follow a female protagonist and it’s very real and intimate storytelling, but it’s very different from a cultural perspective. Italian versus East Coast American, but otherwise I would give Ferrante a go anyway I love both Strout and Ferrante but Ferrante has the edge.

My favourite authors!

I also love Ann Patchett (The Dutch House or essays)
Anne Tyler (Ladder of Years)
Deborah Levy (Real Estate Trilogy)
Elena Ferrante (Days of Abandonment)
Maybe Lionel Schriver (not everyone likes her)
Rachel Cusk (Outline Trilogy, incredible)

Some gems on this thread, I shall also be exploring!

Enjoy 📚

I totally forgot about The Dutch House. I just found it mildly interesting rather than a book I loved. I couldn’t get through the Neapolitan Quartet by Elena Ferrante quick enough and I just wanted to spend more time with Lila and Elena. She’s one of the most talented writers I’ve read in recent years, only next to Daphne du Maurier and Charlotte Brontë.