Discover books similar to "Wilderness" series

Donna Tartt

The Secret History

If you enjoyed the rich historical detail and complex characters in 'Wilderness', you'll love 'The Secret History'. This novel follows a group of eccentric, wealthy students at a small Vermont college as they become increasingly obsessed with ancient Greek culture, leading to a shocking act of violence. Tartt's writing is just as immersive and evocative as Donati's, and the sense of place is equally strong.

Elizabeth Gilbert

The Signature of All Things

Fans of 'Wilderness' will appreciate the sweeping historical scope and vividly drawn characters of 'The Signature of All Things'. This novel tells the story of Alma Whittaker, a 19th-century botanical genius who embarks on a journey of self-discovery and scientific exploration that takes her from her family's estate in Philadelphia to the jungles of Tahiti. Like Donati, Gilbert has a deep appreciation for the natural world and its power to shape our lives.

Barbara Kingsolver

The Poisonwood Bible

If you enjoyed the sense of adventure and exploration in 'Wilderness', you'll love 'The Poisonwood Bible'. This novel follows the tragic and transformative journey of the Price family, Baptist missionaries who travel to the Belgian Congo in 1959, only to find themselves caught up in the chaos of political upheaval and colonial exploitation. Kingsolver's writing is rich and evocative, and her portrayal of the Congolese landscape and culture is both nuanced and deeply respectful.

Barbara Kingsolver

The Lacuna

Like 'Wilderness', 'The Lacuna' is a sweeping historical epic that explores the complex intersections of personal and political identity. The novel follows the life of Harrison Shepherd, a half-Mexican, half-American writer who becomes embroiled in the tumultuous world of Mexican politics in the 1930s. Through Shepherd's eyes, we see the rise of figures like Trotsky and Frida Kahlo, as well as the devastating impact of political repression and violence. Kingsolver's writing is lush and evocative, and her portrayal of Mexico and its people is both nuanced and deeply respectful.

Sarah Dunant

The Birth of Venus

If you enjoyed the strong female characters and rich historical detail of 'Wilderness', you'll love 'The Birth of Venus'. This novel tells the story of Alessandra Cecchi, a young woman growing up in 15th-century Florence who becomes embroiled in the city's vibrant artistic and intellectual scene. As she navigates the challenges of family, love, and ambition, Alessandra must also confront the strictures of a patriarchal society that seeks to limit her potential. Dunant's writing is rich and evocative, and her portrayal of Renaissance Florence is both nuanced and deeply immersive.

Kathleen Kent

The Heretic's Daughter

Like 'Wilderness', 'The Heretic's Daughter' is a historical novel that explores the complex intersections of personal and political identity. The novel tells the story of Martha Carrier, one of the first women to be accused and hanged as a witch in Salem, Massachusetts. Through Martha's eyes, we see the hysteria and fear that grip the community, as well as the courage and resilience of those who stand up for what they believe in. Kent's writing is both evocative and deeply moving, and her portrayal of the Salem witch trials is both nuanced and deeply respectful.

W. Somerset Maugham

The Painted Veil

If you enjoyed the sense of adventure and exploration in 'Wilderness', you'll love 'The Painted Veil'. This novel tells the story of Kitty Garstin, a young woman who marries a dull but respectable doctor and accompanies him to a remote outpost in China during a cholera epidemic. As she grapples with the challenges of a foreign culture and a failing marriage, Kitty must also confront her own desires and fears. Maugham's writing is both evocative and deeply insightful, and his portrayal of China and its people is both nuanced and deeply respectful.

Michel Faber

The Crimson Petal and the White

Like 'Wilderness', 'The Crimson Petal and the White' is a sweeping historical epic that explores the complex intersections of personal and political identity. The novel tells the story of Sugar, a prostitute in Victorian London who rises to become a lady's companion and eventually a successful businesswoman in her own right. As she navigates the challenges of a patriarchal society that seeks to limit her potential, Sugar must also confront the dark secrets of her own past. Faber's writing is both evocative and deeply insightful, and his portrayal of Victorian London is both nuanced and deeply immersive.

Umberto Eco

The Name of the Rose

If you enjoyed the rich historical detail and intellectual depth of 'Wilderness', you'll love 'The Name of the Rose'. This novel tells the story of William of Baskerville, a Franciscan friar and scholar who investigates a series of mysterious deaths at a medieval monastery. As he uncovers a web of intrigue and deception, William must also confront the challenges of a changing world that threatens to undermine the foundations of faith and reason. Eco's writing is both erudite and deeply engaging, and his portrayal of medieval Europe is both nuanced and deeply immersive.

Sarah Perry

The Essex Serpent

If you enjoyed the sense of adventure and exploration in 'Wilderness', you'll love 'The Essex Serpent'. This novel tells the story of Cora Seaborne, a widowed naturalist who travels to a small Essex village in search of a mythical sea creature that has been blamed for a series of mysterious deaths. As she uncovers the truth behind the legend, Cora must also confront the challenges of a society that seeks to limit her potential as a woman and a scientist. Perry's writing is both evocative and deeply insightful, and her portrayal of Victorian England is both nuanced and deeply immersive.

Paulo Coelho

The Alchemist

If you enjoyed the sense of adventure and spiritual exploration in 'Wilderness', you'll love 'The Alchemist'. This novel tells the story of Santiago, a young Andalusian shepherd who embarks on a journey to find his personal legend and fulfill his dreams. Along the way, he encounters a series of wise and mysterious figures who help him to understand the power of intuition, faith, and the interconnectedness of all things. Coelho's writing is both simple and deeply profound, and his message of hope and transformation is both inspiring and deeply moving.