Jane Eyre is my favorite book of all time (and certainly one of the most romantic), so I thought I’d share 50 other novels fans can read instead when they’re looking for something similar. From the Gothic to memorable love stories, here are 50 great books like Jane Eyre you should check out.
BOOKS LIKE JANE EYRE TO READ
1: VILLETTE BY CHARLOTTE BRONTE
If you’re wondering what to read after Jane Eyre, Villette is a top choice!
Summary: Loosely based on her own experiences, Charlotte Bronte’s Villette tells the story of Lucy Snowe, a young Englishwoman who moves abroad to escape family tragedy and find her way in the world. She takes a job as a teacher in the fictional city of Villette and ends up reconnecting with an old friend, Dr. John Graham Bretton, sparking a complicated love story.
Why you should check it out: Villette offers complex romances and captivating writing, pulling readers into Lucy’s inner struggles and the mysteries of the plot.
2: REBECCA BY DAPHNE DU MAURIER
Summary: The new Mrs. de Winter arrives at the grand Manderley estate, haunted by the memory of Rebecca, her husband’s first wife. She must navigate sinister secrets and the unsettling presence of Mrs. Danvers, the housekeeper.
Why you should check it out: Rebecca’s Gothic atmosphere and gripping mystery make it a must-read for Jane Eyre fans. The character of Maxim de Winter is another compelling Byronic hero.
3: DRAGONWYCK BY ANYA SETON
Summary: In 1844, Miranda Wells is invited by a wealthy relative to visit his estate, Dragonwyck. She’s quickly enchanted by the mansion and its master but soon uncovers dark secrets.
Why you should check it out: Dragonwyck, originally published in 1944, offers another gripping Gothic romance with unexpected twists.
4: THE EMILY BOOKS (EMILY OF NEW MOON, EMILY CLIMBS, AND EMILY’S QUEST) BY L.M. MONTGOMERY
Summary: These books follow Emily Starr, an orphan who finds solace in writing and dreams of becoming a great writer. The series explores her friendships, loves, and personal growth.
Why you should check it out: Though different from Jane Eyre, Emily’s journey is deeply influenced by the Brontë sisters. This trilogy offers a darker, slightly supernatural touch.
5: WUTHERING HEIGHTS BY EMILY BRONTE
Summary: Set in the moors of northern England, this novel tells the turbulent love story of Cathy and Heathcliff. It’s a tale of passion, vengeance, and complex characters.
Why you should check it out: Wuthering Heights isn’t traditionally romantic, but the intense connection between Cathy and Heathcliff makes it an unforgettable read.
6: MISTRESS OF MELLYN BY VICTORIA HOLT
Summary: Martha Leigh, a governess at Mount Mellyn, is drawn to her employer Connan TreMellyn while unraveling family secrets and dealing with danger.
Why you should check it out: This Gothic romance offers a captivating story reminiscent of Jane Eyre and Rebecca.
7: NORTHANGER ABBEY BY JANE AUSTEN
Summary: Catherine Morland, a naive young woman, becomes entangled in the intrigues and romances of a country resort.
Why you should check it out: For a more light-hearted, satirical take on Gothic romance, Northanger Abbey is a delightful read.
8: THE MYSTERIES OF UDOLPHO BY ANN RADCLIFFE
Summary: Emily St. Aubuert, orphaned and imprisoned by her guardian Count Montoni in a medieval fortress, faces terror and psychological challenges.
Why you should check it out: Though the beginning can be slow, this Gothic novel is a masterpiece filled with romance and suspense.
9: NINE COACHES WAITING BY MARY STEWART
Summary: Governess Linda Martin arrives at Château Valmy and becomes entangled in a plot against her young charge, Count Philippe de Valmy.
Why you should check it out: This romantic suspense novel is a perfect late-night read, full of Gothic elements and intrigue.
10: THE TENANT OF WILDFELL HALL BY ANNE BRONTE
Summary: Heather Graham escapes an abusive marriage and starts anew with her son, forming a bond with farmer Gilbert Markham.
Why you should check it out: This novel is a feminist classic with realistic, romantic elements and a strong stand on women’s rights.
11-50: EVEN MORE BOOKS SIMILAR TO JANE EYRE TO ENJOY
11: A Long Fatal Love Chase by Louisa May Alcott – An underrated novel with similarities to Jane Eyre.
12: All Souls Trilogy by Deborah Harkness – Features Byronic Heroes and romantic fantasy.
13: Brightly Burning by Alexa Donne – A YA/Sci-fi retelling of Jane Eyre.
14: The Brontë Plot by Katherine Reay – Connects to the Bronte sisters in intriguing ways.
15: Brontë’s Mistress by Finola Austin – Explores Branwell Bronte’s affair with depth.
16: The Brontës (1994) by Juliet Barker – A definitive biography of the Bronte sisters.
17: The Brontës at Haworth (2016) by Ann Dinsdale – Another fantastic biography.
18: Cousin Kate by Georgette Heyer – A classic gothic romance.
19: Dracula by Bram Stoker – For the gothic atmosphere.
20: The Essex Serpent by Sarah Perry – Combines a Victorian setting, gothic elements, and a fascinating heroine.
21: Evelina by Fanny Burney – Romantic and about a strong-willed heroine.
22: The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde – Features Jane Eyre and Mr. Rochester in a fantasy adventure.
23: The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton – Uncovers hidden secrets with emotional depth.
24: Frankenstein by Mary Shelley – Another gothic classic.
25: Jamaica Inn by Daphne Du Maurier – More gothic goodness from Du Maurier.
26: Jane & Edward by Melodie Edwards – A contemporary take on Jane Eyre.
27: Jane Slayre by Charlotte Brontë and Sherri Browning Erwin – Jane Eyre with a supernatural twist.
28: Jane Steele by Lyndsay Faye – A popular retelling of Jane Eyre.
29: John Eyre by Mimi Matthews – A gender-swapped retelling.
30: Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke – Has a memorable Byronic Hero.
31: The Life of Charlotte Brontë (1857) by Elizabeth Gaskell – A must-read biography.
32: Little Dorrit by Charles Dickens – Explores complex characters and social issues.
33: The Madwoman Upstairs by Catherine Lowell – Modern twist on the Brontë legacy with romantic mystery.
34: Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia – Influenced by Jane Eyre.
35: The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins – A classic mystery.
36: Mr. Rochester by Sarah Shoemaker – Explores the enigmatic Mr. Rochester.
37: My Cousin Rachel by Daphne Du Maurier – Full of suspense and gothic storytelling.
38: North & South by Elizabeth Gaskell – Features a passionate romance akin to Jane Eyre.
39: Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux – A gothic classic.
40: The Quiet Gentleman by Georgette Heyer – Historical romance fans will love this!
41: The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Brontë by Syrie James – Offers a glimpse into Charlotte’s life.
42: The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett – Shares similarities and a gothic feel.
43: Shadows of Swanford Abbey by Julie Klassen – Mixes Jane Eyre and Jane Austen.
44: The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield – A well-known gothic mystery.
45: Turn of the Screw by Henry James – Psychological horror with a gothic atmosphere.
46: Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys – Offers a different perspective on Mr. Rochester.
47: Within These Wicked Walls by Lauren Blackwood – An Ethiopian-inspired fantasy retelling.
48: The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins – Victorian mystery with romance.
49: Worlds of Ink and Shadow by Lena Coakley – Explores the lives and fictional worlds of the Brontë siblings.
50: The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman – A chilling psychological tale.
I hope you found some great book recommendations on this list to enjoy. Dive into these wonderful tales and let the magic of literature continue to captivate you!
