Best Books by Famous Writers: Top 11 in 2025

Explore books on famous writers. Enjoy intriguing plots and characters, and discover the fascinating lives of these literary legends.
The Paris Wife coverThe Master coverZ: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald cover

The world of literature offers many books that delve into the lives of famous writers, revealing the dramas, romances, and inspirations behind their masterpieces. We handpicked a list of 11 captivating novels that reflect the essence of these iconic figures. Our selection criteria focus on engaging storytelling, historical accuracy, and how well they bring the famous writers to life, ensuring each title offers an unforgettable journey into the minds of literary legends.

On this list:

11 The Paris Wife by Paula McLain

The Paris Wife cover

  • Genre: Historical Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 2011
  • Pages: 320

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We follow the story of Hadley Richardson, Ernest Hemingway’s first wife. The book gives a peek into the life of famous writers during the Jazz Age.

10 The Master by Colm Tóibín

The Master cover

  • Genre: Literary Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 2004
  • Pages: 368

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This novel paints the portrait of Henry James. We watch as this famous writer deals with personal and artistic challenges.

9 Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald by Therese Anne Fowler

Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald cover

  • Genre: Historical Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 2013
  • Pages: 384

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Dive into the glamorous yet tumultuous world of Zelda and F. Scott Fitzgerald. Famous writers are not always as happy as they seem.

8 Love and Ruin by Paula McLain

Love and Ruin cover

  • Genre: Historical Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 2018
  • Pages: 400

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Another Hemingway saga, focusing on his relationship with Martha Gellhorn. The life of famous writers is not without love and conflict.

7 The Secret Life of Emily Dickinson by Jerome Charyn

The Secret Life of Emily Dickinson cover

  • Genre: Biographical Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 2010
  • Pages: 352

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Explore the enigmatic world of Emily Dickinson. Famous writers often live complex lives, hidden from public view.

6 The Marriage Plot by Jeffrey Eugenides

The Marriage Plot cover

  • Genre: Contemporary Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 2011
  • Pages: 406

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One of those contemporary takes on love and literary ambition. Famous writers have a way of complicating things.

5 Flaubert’s Parrot by Julian Barnes

  • Genre: Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 1984
  • Pages: 190

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This quirky novel explores Gustave Flaubert’s life and works. It’s a witty tribute to the passion of famous writers.

4 The Hours by Michael Cunningham

The Hours cover

  • Genre: Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 1998
  • Pages: 230

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Three interconnected stories revolve around the influence of Virginia Woolf. Famous writers leave a lasting impact.

3 Brooklyn by Colm Tóibín

Brooklyn cover

  • Genre: Historical Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 2009
  • Pages: 262

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While not strictly about a famous writer, it captures the immigrant experience, which is a theme common amongst many famous writers.

2 Possession by A.S. Byatt

Possession cover

  • Genre: Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 1990
  • Pages: 511

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A tale of literary detective work involving two poets. It’s beautifully written and explores the obsession with famous writers.

1 The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón

The Shadow of the Wind cover

  • Genre: Mystery
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 2001
  • Pages: 487

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In post-war Barcelona, a boy finds a book by a forgotten author, leading to deep mysteries. It’s loved by bookworms and shows the power of famous writers.

Steve Peterson Cartoonified
Steve Peterson

Hi there! I'm Steve Peterson, a passionate reading enthusiast who loves nothing more than getting lost in a good book. My love for literature spans across genres, from thrilling mysteries and gripping fantasy to thought-provoking non-fiction.

I hope my reviews help you find the perfect next book to dive into!