Best 15 Books on Famous Writers to Read in 2025
Discover famous writers who penned classic tales. They shaped literature, inspired readers, and left an indelible mark on history.
Exploring the lives of famous writers has always been a thrilling adventure for us bookworms. When picking books for our list of the 15 best novels about famous writers, we focused on stories that offer a unique peek into their fascinating worlds. Whether it’s the struggles, the triumphs, or the quirks of these literary giants, these books capture it all. Each book brings to life the fascinating and sometimes tumultuous journeys of famous writers. It’s not just about their works; it’s about their lives that inspire and intrigue. Grab a cuppa, sit back, and enjoy the literary ride!
On this list:
15 The Paris Wife by Paula McLain
Ever wonder about the roaring 1920s? Well, this book lets you peek into Hemingway’s life through the eyes of his first wife. Great for gossip lovers and history buffs alike.
14 Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald by Therese Anne Fowler
Zelda Fitzgerald, a name you might have only heard in passing. But she was not just the wife of F. Scott Fitzgerald. She had dreams, too!
13 The Hours by Michael Cunningham
A unique story about Virginia Woolf and her impact on readers. Weaved together with stories of different women. Quite the emotional rollercoaster.
12 Loving Frank by Nancy Horan
A story about Frank Lloyd Wright’s affair with Mamah Borthwick Cheney. It’s not just about architecture, folks. It’s love, passion, and scandal.
11 The Master by Colm Tóibín
Get into the world of Henry James. This book feels like a time-travel machine, taking you right to the heart of literary genius.
10 The Boy Who Followed Ripley by Patricia Highsmith
Not just about famous writers, but a famous fictional character, Mr. Ripley. A mix of suspense and literary nods that keeps you hooked.
9 The Swans of Fifth Avenue by Melanie Benjamin
Set in the glamorous 1950s, it’s all about Truman Capote and his swans. The gossip will make you feel like you’re at a glamorous party.
8 The Book of Air and Shadows by Michael Gruber
A thriller with a literary twist, featuring a lost manuscript linked to Shakespeare. Ideal for mystery lovers and Shakespeare fans.
7 The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield
A gothic tale about reclusive writer Vida Winter. It’s eerie, mysterious, and perfect for those who love a good story spun around famous writers.
6 Kafka on the Shore by Haruki Murakami
Murakami’s magic with famous writers’ quotes is surreal. A young runaway and an old man’s tale that intertwines in the most inexplicable way.
5 The World According to Garp by John Irving
Explore the life of T.S. Garp, a writer and his bizarre yet real-world adventures. It’s humorous, tragic, and mind-opening.
4 A Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemingway
Hemingway gives us a front-row seat to the lives of famous writers in 1920s Paris. It’s nostalgia, charm, and literary gossip rolled into one.
3 Possession by A.S. Byatt
A love story intertwined with literature, thanks to a discovery of love letters. It’s like a detective novel, but for romance lovers.
2 The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón
A forgotten book, a mysterious writer. Zafón spins a tale so gripping, your coffee might go cold. It’s part mystery, part romance, all magical.
1 The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Many call this one of the greatest American novels, and they’re not wrong. Fitzgerald paints a vivid picture of the Jazz Age. It’s a timeless classic about love, wealth, and the American Dream.
