11 Timeless Must-Read Books like Pride and Prejudice

Picture yourself in a world of timeless romance, where witty conversations, societal intricacies, and unforgettable characters reign supreme. That’s the magic of Jane Austen’s beloved classic, ‘Pride and Prejudice.’ If you’ve ever been captivated by the elegance of the Regency era, the sharp wit of Elizabeth Bennet, or the slow-burning love story of Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy, then get ready for a literary adventure like no other. In this handpicked selection, we’ve gathered 11 books like Pride and Prejudice that transport you to different eras, explore the complexities of human relationships, and offer narratives that stand strong through the ages.

Books like Pride and Prejudice

Whether you’re a devoted Jane Austen enthusiast or someone new to the world of classic literature, these recommendations for books like Pride and Prejudice are bound to rekindle your love for timeless stories of love, society, and personal discovery.

North and South (1854)

by Elizabeth Gaskell

‘North and South’ is a classic Victorian novel that delves into the stark contrasts between the industrial North and the rural South of England during the 19th century. The story follows Margaret Hale, a strong-willed young woman who is uprooted from her comfortable life in the South and forced to move with her family to the bustling industrial town of Milton in the North.

As Margaret adjusts to her new surroundings, she encounters the harsh realities of the working class and witnesses the stark social and economic disparities that exist in Milton. Margaret’s initial distaste for the industrialized city gradually transforms as she encounters the realities faced by the working class and begins to understand the complexities of the social landscape. Her initial prejudices and misunderstandings about the North begin to unravel as she forms an unlikely friendship with John Thornton, a self-made mill owner.

Both novels explore the themes of social class and prejudice, featuring strong-willed female leads who challenge societal norms and undergo transformative romantic journeys. They also use their settings—19th-century English countryside and an industrialized town in northern England, respectively—as backdrops to comment on the societal issues of their eras.

Little Women (1868)

by Louisa May Alcott

Set against the backdrop of the Civil War era, the story takes readers on a heartfelt journey through the ups and downs of the sisters’ lives as they navigate the challenges of adolescence and transition into adulthood.

The novel begins with the March family struggling with the absence of their father, who is serving as a chaplain in the war. Despite their limited financial means, the March sisters find solace in their strong sisterly bond and their shared dreams and ambitions. Meg, the eldest, is graceful and longing for a traditional life. Jo, the tomboyish second sister, is ambitious and aspires to become a writer. Sweet and shy Beth finds comfort in music, while the youngest sister, Amy, is artistic and dreams of a refined lifestyle.

As the sisters grow older, they encounter various trials and tribulations. They learn about love, face heartbreak, and grapple with societal expectations. Through it all, they rely on their close relationship and the lessons taught by their mother, Marmee, who instils in them the values of kindness, empathy, and independence.

Love and relationships are central themes in both, with each novel exploring the complexities of courtship and the importance of family bonds.

Wives and Daughters (1866)

by Elizabeth Gaskell

Another classic Victorian novel in the list, the story of ‘Wives and Daughters’ revolves around Molly Gibson, a kind-hearted and intelligent young woman.

After her mother’s death, Molly’s father, Mr. Gibson, decides to remarry, bringing a new stepmother, Hyacinth Clare, into their lives. Molly’s relationship with her stepmother is complicated, and she finds solace in her warm friendship with Cynthia, Hyacinth’s beautiful and spirited daughter.

As the narrative unfolds, the lives of the characters intertwine, revealing the complexities and secrets that exist within the community. Molly’s path crosses with various individuals, including Roger Hamley, the intelligent and sincere son of a local squire, and Osborne Hamley, Roger’s ambitious and prideful brother.

The novel, unfortunately, remained unfinished with the untimely death of Gaskell, but was completed by a writer named Frederick Greenwood.

In both the novels, misunderstandings in romantic relationships, such as those between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy and Molly and Roger Hamley, drive tension and character development. Complex family dynamics, from the Bennet sisters’ relationships in “Pride and Prejudice” to Molly’s interactions with her stepmother and stepsister in “Wives and Daughters,” play a significant role. Furthermore, both novels explore themes of character growth and self-discovery, as well as moral dilemmas that challenge the integrity of their characters.

Jane Eyre (1847)

by Charlotte Bronte

Orphaned at a young age, Jane endures a difficult and lonely childhood under the care of her cruel aunt and at the harsh Lowood School. Despite the adversities she faces, Jane emerges as a strong-willed and independent young woman.

As Jane reaches adulthood, she secures a position as a governess at Thornfield Hall, the estate of the brooding and enigmatic Mr. Rochester. Jane and Rochester develop a deep connection, and their bond grows stronger despite their differences in social standing and the secrets that lie within Thornfield Hall.

However, their path to happiness is not straightforward. An unexpected revelation about Mr. Rochester’s past threatens their love, and Jane must make a difficult decision that tests her principles and self-worth.

Both novels can be considered bildungsroman, focusing on the personal growth and transformation of their heroines. Additionally, marriage serves as a resolution in both stories, symbolizing the culmination of personal development and emotional challenges.

Emma (1815)

by Jane Austen

‘Emma’ portrays the life and romantic misadventures of Emma Woodhouse, a young and privileged woman living in the fictional town of Highbury. Set in early 19th-century England, the story unfolds with Austen’s signature wit and social commentary.

Emma, having lost her mother at a young age, is raised by her affectionate but somewhat eccentric father. She fancies herself a skilled matchmaker and takes it upon herself to meddle in the love lives of those around her. However, her well-intentioned but misguided attempts at playing Cupid often lead to unintended consequences and misunderstandings.

As Emma involves herself in the lives of her friends and acquaintances, she fails to recognize her own feelings and the potential for love in her own life.

Throughout the novel, Emma learns valuable lessons about self-awareness, humility, and the consequences of her actions. She gradually realizes that her efforts to manipulate the romantic lives of others may have caused harm and heartache. As she navigates the complexities of social class, friendship, and love, Emma undergoes a personal transformation and discovers the true nature of her own heart.

Shades of Milk and Honey (2010)

by Mary Robinette Kowal

The book is a delightful blend of Regency romance and fantasy set in an alternate version of England. It follows the life of Jane Ellsworth, a talented and skilled young woman with a unique ability—she can manipulate and shape the magical energy known as “glamour.”

In this world, glamour is an art form practiced by refined ladies and gentlemen, used to create illusions and enhance the beauty of everyday life. As Jane navigates the intricacies of high society, her abilities as a glamourist set her apart. However, her sister, Melody, possesses the beauty and charm that Jane lacks, making her the desired match for eligible suitors.

When a charming and mysterious gentleman named Mr. Vincent enters their lives, Jane finds herself torn between her growing affection for him and her loyalty to her sister. As secrets and scandals unravel, Jane discovers that glamour can be used for more than just superficial purposes. She must use her skills to navigate the complexities of love, betrayal, and the dangerous implications of her newfound knowledge.

Read Shades of Milk and Honey, if you want to see the boundaries of love and enchantment blur in a Regency setting like no other.

Sense and Sensibility (2022)

by Jane Austen

Another work by the author herself, ‘Sense and Sensibility’ explores the lives of two sisters, Elinor and Marianne Dashwood, as they navigate the challenges of love, societal expectations, and personal growth in early 19th-century England. The book portrays the social expectations and limitations imposed on women of the time.

The story begins with the death of the Dashwood sisters’ father, which leaves them and their mother in reduced circumstances. The family is forced to move from their beloved home, Norland Park, to a small cottage in Devonshire, provided by a distant relative. As they adapt to their new circumstances, Elinor, the older sister, emerges as a symbol of sense and reason, while Marianne embodies sensibility and emotional intensity.

Elinor develops an affection for Edward Ferrars, a polite and reserved young man. However, their relationship is tested when Elinor learns of a secret engagement between Edward and another woman. She suppresses her feelings and silently endures the heartache, exemplifying her sense and self-control.

Meanwhile, Marianne falls deeply in love with the dashing and romantic John Willoughby. Their passionate connection seems destined for happiness, but Willoughby’s true character is eventually revealed, shattering Marianne’s dreams. She learns to temper her sensibility and finds solace in the friendship of Colonel Brandon, an older and honorable gentleman who has long admired her.

The Grand Sophy (1950)

by Georgette Heyer

This book is a delightful Regency-era romance filled with wit, charm, and unexpected twists. The story revolves around Sophy Stanton-Lacy, a bold and independent young woman, as she comes to London to stay with her aunt’s family, the Rivenhalls.

Upon her arrival, Sophy quickly becomes the center of attention, turning the Rivenhall household upside down with her unconventional behaviour and strong personality. She finds herself embroiled in various family dramas, including her cousin Cecilia’s unhappy engagement to the pompous Lord Charlbury and the financial troubles of her other cousin, Charles.

As the vivacious and resourceful Sophy takes matters into her own hands, she sets out to solve these problems in her unique, spirited way. Along the way, she encounters numerous colourful characters, including the dashing and disreputable Mr. Charles Rivenhall, who initially clashes with Sophy but soon finds himself captivated by her wit and intelligence.

Through a series of humorous and often unpredictable events, Sophy’s meddling and matchmaking have far-reaching consequences, leading to unexpected alliances, romantic entanglements, and resolutions that will keep you entertained until the very end.

The Convenient Marriage (1934)

by Georgette Heyer

The second book in the list written by Heyer, this book is another Regency-era romance novel set in 18th-century England. The story revolves around the Huxtable sisters: Horatia, the youngest and most impulsive, and Elizabeth, the eldest and most sensible.

When their family’s financial situation becomes dire, it is decided that Horatia must make a strategic marriage to a wealthy suitor to save their estate. Enter the Earl of Rule, a sophisticated and notorious rake who is not looking for love but is in need of a virtuous wife to manage his household.

Despite Horatia’s initial reluctance, she agrees to marry the Earl as a dutiful sacrifice for her family. However, little does she know that her decision will lead to unexpected consequences and romantic entanglements.

As the new Countess of Rule, Horatia finds herself navigating the complexities of high society and trying to win her husband’s affection. Meanwhile, she becomes entangled in a web of jealousy and intrigue when her sister, Elizabeth, finds herself falling for the Earl’s cousin, Sir Roland. Read the novel to find out how the story unfurls.

The Unwanted Wife (2014)

by Natasha Anders

‘The Unwanted Wife’ is a story of Theresa, a woman who finds herself trapped in a loveless and emotionally abusive marriage with the enigmatic and wealthy Greek businessman, Alessandro Moretti.

Alessandro, burdened by a painful past and deeply ingrained insecurities, views his marriage to Theresa as a mere business arrangement. Believing that she is unworthy of his love and incapable of fulfilling his desires, he treats her with disdain and indifference, leaving Theresa feeling unwanted and shattered.

Despite her longing for a loving and fulfilling relationship, Theresa endures her husband’s mistreatment until circumstances force them to confront their unresolved issues. As they spend more time together, Alessandro begins to see beyond Theresa’s perceived shortcomings and discovers her true strength and resilience.

With each encounter, their shared pain and vulnerability bring them closer, igniting a spark of hope for a chance at happiness. As their relationship evolves, they must confront their past mistakes and insecurities, and confront the possibility of a future together.

Bridget Jones’s Diary (1996)

by Helen Fielding

Written in the form of a diary, the book follows the life of Bridget Jones, a thirty-something woman living in London.

Bridget is a lovable, slightly eccentric character who struggles with her weight, her career, and her love life. With a self-deprecating sense of humor, she candidly documents her daily triumphs and failures, including her struggles with diets, her disastrous attempts at finding a stable relationship, and her misadventures at work and social gatherings.

As the year unfolds, Bridget finds herself torn between two men: the charming but unreliable womanizer Daniel Cleaver, and the earnest and somewhat awkward Mark Darcy. Through her diary entries, readers get a glimpse into Bridget’s innermost thoughts, insecurities, and desires as she navigates the complexities of dating and tries to discover what she truly wants in life.

In a way, the book is a modernisation of ‘Pride and Prejudice’ and is very loosely based on the book by Austen. Moreover, if you’re a movie buff, you’d be excited to know that the book has also been adapted into a movie.

Conclusion to Books like Pride and Prejudice

And that concludes the list for books like Pride and Prejudice!

As we reach the end of our literary journey, we hope you’ve found a collection of timeless gems that capture the same charm as Jane Austen’s beloved ‘Pride and Prejudice.’ These 11 must-read books like Pride and Prejudice invite you to explore the world of wit, romance, and societal nuances in a way that only great literature can offer. Whether you’re in search of a modern twist on classic themes or craving eloquent love stories, these recommendations cater to every fan of Austen’s work. So, go ahead, pick up one of these novels, and allow the words of these talented authors to transport you to eras gone by and immerse you in captivating tales of love and self-discovery

However, if you want even more books like Pride and Prejudice, you should consider-

1. The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy
2. Atonement by Ian McEwan
3. Pastiche Longbourn by Jo Baker
4. Evelina by Fanny Burney
5. Burney Cranford – Elizabeth Gaskell
6. Outlander by Dianna Gabaldon
7.  Eight Cousins and it’s sequel Rose in Bloom by Louisa May Alcot
8. Pride by Ibi Zobo
9. A Natural History of Dragons by Marie Brennan
10. Longbourn by Jo Baker 
11. Sorcerer to the Crown by Zen Cho 
12. Austenland by Shannon Hale
13. Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict by L. Viera Rigler
14. Me and Mister Darcy by Alexandra Potter
15. Attachments by Rainbow Rowell
16. Not Quite A Husband by Sherry Thomas
17. The Unwanted Wife by Natasha Anders