Jane Eyre is my favorite book of all time (and certainly one of the most romantic), so I thought I would 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 to check out.
(For more Jane Eyre, see the 15 of the Best Jane Eyre Movies and Adaptations, Ranked)
BOOKS LIKE JANE EYRE TO READ
#1: Villette by Charlotte Bronte
“Bronte’s finest novel.” — Virginia Woolf
Summary: “Loosely based on her own experiences, Charlotte Bronte’s Villette is the story of a destitute, young Englishwoman who travels abroad to escape a family tragedy and find her way in the world. The novel follows Lucy Snowe as she moves to the city of Villette, in the fictional kingdom of Labassecour, to take up a job as a teacher at a school for girls.
The bright but secretive Lucy soon thrives in her new position and is soon reconnected with an old friend, Dr. John Graham Bretton, whom she finds herself falling in love with, though he has eyes for someone else. Charlotte Bronte’s last novel, a gripping tale of love and disappointment that has been praised for its portrayal of Lucy’s inner struggles, is considered alongside Jane Eyre as her best work.”
Why you should check it out: Villette is almost as romantic, with two separate love stories to enjoy. The writing is masterful, and once you reach Villette, it is pretty captivating to read, with a mystery in the plot as well.
Other books by the author of Jane Eyre include Shirley and The Professor.
#2: Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier
“Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again.” ― Daphne du Maurier, Rebecca
Summary: “With these words, the reader is ushered into an isolated gray stone mansion on the windswept Cornish coast, as the second Mrs. Maxim de Winter recalls the chilling events that transpired as she began her new life as the young bride of a husband she barely knew.
For in every corner of every room were phantoms of a time dead but not forgotten—a past devotedly preserved by the sinister housekeeper, Mrs. Danvers: a suite immaculate and untouched, clothing laid out and ready to be worn, but not by any of the great house’s current occupants. With an eerie presentiment of evil tightening her heart, the second Mrs. de Winter walked in the shadow of her mysterious predecessor, determined to uncover the darkest secrets and shattering truths about Maxim’s first wife—the late and hauntingly beautiful Rebecca.”
Why you should check it out: Rebecca is a personal favorite because of the wonderfully gothic atmosphere and fabulously crafted mystery.
For those who love Jane Eyre, I don’t see how you could go wrong with this one. Maxim also makes for another fantastic Byronic Hero.
#3: Dragonwyck by Anya Seton
“Her lips were drawn to his like a moth to a flame.” ― Anya Seton, Dragonwyck
Summary: “In the spring of 1844 the Wells family receives a letter from a distant relative, the wealthy landowner Nicholas Van Ryn. He has invited one of their daughters for an extended visit at his Hudson Valley estate Dragonwyck. Eighteen-year-old Miranda, bored with her local suitors and commonplace life on the farm, leaps at the chance for escape.
She immediately falls under the spell of the master and his mansion, mesmerized by the Gothic towers, flowering gardens, and luxurious lifestyle -unaware of the dark, terrible secrets that await. Anya Seton masterfully tells the heart-stopping story of a remarkable woman, her remarkable passions, and the mystery that resides in the magnificent hallways of Dragonwyck.”
Why you should check it out: Originally published in 1944 (I know there is a Vincent Price film adaptation somewhere, too), Dragonwyck is another gripping Gothic classic worth checking out.
Like Jane Eyre, this is NOT your typical love story and might even go in a direction you would not expect…
#4: The Emily Books (Emily of New Moon, Emily Climbs, and Emily’s Quest) by L.M. Montgomery
“You see,” she concluded miserably, “when I can call like that to him across space–I belong to him. He doesn’t love me–he never will–but I belong to him.” ― L.M. Montgomery, Emily’s Quest
Summary:
“EMILY OF NEW MOON: Emily Starr never knew what it was to be lonely until her beloved father died. Now Emily’s an orphan, and her mother’s snobbish relatives are taking her to live with them at New Moon Farm. She’s sure she won’t be happy Emily deals with stiff, stern Aunt Elizabeth and her malicious classmates by holding her head high and using her quick wit. Things begin to change when she makes friends: with Teddy, who does marvelous drawings; with Perry, who’s sailed all over the world with his father yet has never been to school; and above all, with Use, a tomboy with a blazing temper.
EMILY CLIMBS: Emily Starr was born with the desire to write. As an orphan living on New Moon Farm, writing helped her face the difficult, lonely times. But now all her friends are going away to high school in nearby Shrewsbury, and her old-fashioned, tyrannical aunt Elizabeth will only let her go if she promises to stop writing! All the same, this is the first step in Emily’s climb to success.
Once in town, Emily’s activities set the Shrewsbury gossips buzzing. But Emily and her friends are confident — Ilse’s a born actress, Teddy’s set to be a great artist, and roguish Perry has the makings of a brilliant lawyer. When Emily has her poems published and writes for the town newspaper, success seems to be on its way — and with it the first whispers of romance. Then Emily is offered a fabulous opportunity, and she must decide if she wants to change her life forever.
RELATED: ‘Emily’ 2022 Movie Review – A Fascinating Biopic About Emily Brontë
EMILY’S QUEST: Emily knows she’s going to be a great writer. She also knows that she and her childhood sweetheart, Teddy Kent, will conquer the world together. But when Teddy leaves home to pursue his goal to become an artist at the School of Design in Montreal, Emily’s world collapses. With Teddy gone, Emily agrees to marry a man she doesn’t love … as she tries to banish all thoughts of Teddy. In her heart, Emily must search for what being a writer really means….”
Why you should check it out: While immensely different from Jane Eyre, the inspiration still exists. Even in L.M. Montgomery’s journals (which I have read), she talks about her intense love for Bronte’s classic love story, and her influence really shines in this trilogy of books.
For fans of Anne of Green Gables, this is a great read for you too, but it is darker and has just a touch of the supernatural (VERY subtle) akin to Jane Eyre, a wonderful, romantic trilogy of books that gets better each time I return to the world of Emily.
#5: Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte
“Nelly, I am Heathcliff .” ― Emily Brontë, Wuthering Heights
Summary: “Classic novel of consuming passions, played out against the lonely moors of northern England, recounts the turbulent and tempestuous love story of Cathy and Heathcliff. A masterpiece of imaginative fiction, the story remains as poignant and compelling today as it was when first published in 1847.”
RELATED: 100+ of the Best Paranormal Romance Books and Series to Read
Why you should check it out: If you haven’t read Wuthering Heights yet, it definitely deserves to be read. While not classically romantic (and Heathcliff is TRULY a villain), the soul connection between Cathy and Heathcliff is beautiful to read.
Heathcliff’s vengeance agenda also makes for quite an exciting one as well. This is a work of art. Plus, together, Emily and Charlotte really did redefine what it was to be a Byronic Hero in literature.
#6: Mistress of Mellyn by Victoria Holt
‘“There are two courses open to gentlewoman when she finds herself in penurious circumstances,’ my Aunt Adelaide had said. ‘One is to marry, and the other to find a post in keeping with her gentility.”’ ― Victoria Holt, Mistress of Mellyn
Summary: “Mount Mellyn stood as proud and magnificent as she had envisioned…But what about its master–Connan TreMellyn? Was Martha Leigh’s new employer as romantic as his name sounded? As she approached the sprawling mansion towering above the cliffs of Cornwall, an odd chill of apprehension overcame her.
TreMellyn’s young daughter, Alvean, proved as spoiled and difficult as the three governesses before Martha had discovered. But it was the girl’s father whose cool, arrogant demeanor unleashed unfamiliar sensations and turmoil–even as whispers of past tragedy and present danger begin to insinuate themselves into Martha’s life.
Powerless against her growing desire for the enigmatic Connan, she is drawn deeper into family secrets–as passion overpowers reason, sending her head and heart spinning. But though evil lurks in the shadows, so does love–and the freedom to find a golden promise forever…”
Why you should check it out: Originally published over 40 years ago and comparable to Jane Eyre and Rebecca, this is an excellent example of an escapist Gothic romance.
#7: Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen
“No one who had ever seen Catherine Morland in her infancy, would have supposed her born to be a heroine…” ― Jane Austen, Northanger Abbey
Summary: “Young, sheltered, and naive Catherine Morland is whisked away on a luxurious holiday to a country resort where she happens upon the handsome and charming Henry Tilney. But she is not the only one discovering summer love.
Her dear friend Isabelle soon finds herself swept into the arms of a suave young man, leaving Catherine to fend off the advances of Isabelle’s arrogant and dull brother, John. Summer flings turn into more involved romances and it grows more and more difficult and Catherine’s schemes grow ever more difficult. Mistaken affections, fickle hearts, and bitter rivalries all come together in a sweeping romance in Northanger Abbey.”
Why you should check it out: What would this list be without Jane Austen? Perfect for those looking for a more light-hearted fare, you can’t go wrong with Austen’s satirical look at the Gothic romance novel. Northanger Abbey is both romantic and funny.
#8: The Mysteries of Udolpho by Ann Radcliffe
“Hear me, Emily: I come not to alarm you; no, by Heaven! I love you too well- too well for my own peace.” ― Ann Radcliffe, The Mysteries of Udolpho
Summary: `”Her present life appeared like the dream of a distempered imagination, or like one of those frightful fictions, in which the wild genius of the poets sometimes delighted. Reflections brought only regret and anticipation of terror.’
Such is the state of mind in which Emily St. Aubuert – the orphaned heroine of Ann Radcliffe’s 1794 gothic Classic, The Mysteries of Udolpho – finds herself after Count Montoni, her evil guardian, imprisons her in his gloomy medieval fortress in the Apennines. Terror is the order of the day inside the walls of Udolpho, as Emily struggles against Montoni’s rapacious schemes and the threat of her own psychological disintegration.
A best-seller in its day and a potent influence on Walpole, Poe, and other writers of eighteenth and nineteenth-century Gothic horror, The Mysteries of Udolpho remains one of the most important works in the history of European fiction. At the same time, with its dream-like plot and hallucinatory rendering of its characters’ psychological states, it often seems strangely modern: `permanently avant-garde’ in Terry Castle’s words, and a profound and fascinating challenge to contemporary
readers.”
Why you should check it out: While the first 100 hundred pages or so are challenging to get through (same problem I had with The Lord of the Rings), stick with it because it is well worth continuing to read the best book of the QUEEN of Gothic novels. Udolpho is romantic, terrifying, and engrossing.
#9: Nine Coaches Waiting by Mary Stewart
“Perhaps loneliness had nothing to do with place or circumstance; perhaps it was in you; yourself…” ― Mary Stewart, Nine Coaches Waiting
Summary: “A governess in a French château encounters an apparent plot against her young charge’s life in this unforgettably haunting and beautifully written suspense novel. When lovely Linda Martin first arrives at Château Valmy as an English governess to the nine-year-old Count Philippe de Valmy, the opulence and history surrounding her seems like a wondrous, ecstatic dream. But a palpable terror is crouching in the shadows.
Philippe’s uncle, Leon de Valmy, is the epitome of charm, yet dynamic and arrogant—his paralysis little hindrance as he moves noiselessly in his wheelchair from room to room. Only his son Raoul, a handsome, sardonic man who drives himself and his car with equally reckless abandon, seems able to stand up to him. To Linda, Raoul is an enigma—though irresistibly attracted to him, she senses some dark twist in his nature. When an accident deep in the woods nearly kills Linda’s innocent charge, she begins to wonder if someone has deadly plans for the young count.”
Why you should check it out: If you love a good romantic suspense of the Gothic variety, you can’t go wrong with Nine Coaches Waiting! It’s one of those books that will keep you up late into the night. Mary Stewart was the queen of suspense, after all.
#10: The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte
“I cannot love a man who cannot protect me.” ― Anne Brontë, The Tenant of Wildfell Hall
Summary: “The Tenant of Wildfell is the story of Heather Graham, a spirited and independent woman, who seeks to rebuild her life after a disastrous marriage to an abusive alcoholic. Unheard of for the time, Heather flees from her husband and attempts to support herself and her young son while tentatively forging a friendship with a young farmer, Gilbert Markham.
Because it featured a successful, liberated woman and contained stark depictions of alcoholism, The Tenant of Wildfell Hall was considered scandalous when first published in 1848, but quickly became a best-seller and has since been recognized as one of the first feminist novels.”
Why you should check it out: Anne took a much more realistic approach to her novels than Charlotte and Emily, but The Tenant of Wildfell Hall is almost as mesmerizing as Charlotte and Emily’s books.
This is a fantastic, romantic read (I really like Gilbert) and a great choice for someone not looking for a Gothic romance at this point in time. Plus, I love how this book stands up for women’s rights, unheard of during this time period.
After reading the book, check out the excellent period drama adaptation.
#11-50: EVEN MORE BOOKS SIMILAR TO JANE EYRE TO ENJOY
*This section was updated for 2023.
#11: A Long Fatal Love Chase by Louisa May Alcott – The underrated novel from Alcott (more known for Little Women) is reminiscent of Jane Eyre with a few plot similarities. A fun read.
#12: All Souls Trilogy by Deborah Harkness – Read this if you enjoy the amalgamation of Byronic Heroes and romantic fantasy.
#13: Brightly Burning by Alexa Donne – A clever YA/Sci-fi retelling of Jane Eyre.
#14: The Brontë Plot by Katherine Reay – This contemporary Christian Women’s Fiction novel connects to the Bronte sisters in intriguing ways.
#15: Brontë’s Mistress by Finola Austin – A historical fiction read that explores Branwell Bronte’s affair with a lot of depth.
#16: The Brontës (1994) by Juliet Barker – A definitive biography of the famous 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 feel.
#20: The Essex Serpent by Sarah Perry – The Victorian setting, gothic elements, and fascinating heroine will appeal to Jane Eyre fans. Also, see the period drama adaptation from Apple TV+.
RELATED: 10 Fantastic Reasons to Watch the 1983 Jane Eyre Adaptation
#21: Evelina by Fanny Burney – Funny, romantic, and about a strong-willed heroine.
#22: The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde about literary detective Thursday Next – Jane Eyre and Mr. Rochester are characters in this adventurous fantasy book!
#23: The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton – This historical fiction book reveals hidden secrets and emotional depth.
#24: Frankenstein by Mary Shelley – Another gothic classic from a female author.
#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: The Literary Classic with a Blood-Sucking Twist by Charlotte Brontë and Sherri Browning Erwin – Jane Eyre with a supernatural twist.
#28: Jane Steele by Lyndsay Faye is a popular Jane Eyre retelling.
#29: John Eyre by Mimi Matthews – A gender-swapped retelling of Jane Eyre with Bertha front and center.
#30: Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke – The historical fantasy novel has a memorable Byronic Hero Jane Eyre lovers will appreciate!
RELATED: Jane Eyre Discussion Questions – A Silver Petticoat Book Club Guide
#31: The Life of Charlotte Brontë (1857) by Elizabeth Gaskell is a must-read biography from Gaskell – who was personal friends with Charlotte.
#32: Little Dorrit by Charles Dickens – Like Jane Eyre, this classic Victorian novel explores complex characters and social issues.
#33: The Madwoman Upstairs by Catherine Lowell – This contemporary romantic mystery puts a modern twist on the Brontë legacy and follows Samantha Whipple (a character connected to the Brontë family) as she uncovers a mystery with the help of a handsome professor. So much fun.
#34: Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia – A gothic novel influenced by Jane Eyre.
#35: The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins – A classic mystery with engaging plot twists.
#36: Mr. Rochester by Sarah Shoemaker – A historical fiction novel exploring the enigmatic Mr. Rochester.
#37: My Cousin Rachel by Daphne Du Maurier – The classic gothic novel is full of suspenseful storytelling.
#38: North & South by Elizabeth Gaskell – If you love Jane and Edward’s emotional and passionate romance, you’ll love Margaret and Mr. Thornton in this classic Victorian novel. Also, check out Why the BBC Period Drama ‘North and South’ Matters.
#39: Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux – A gothic classic.
#40: The Quiet Gentleman by Georgette Heyer – Historical romance fans will like this one!
RELATED: 200 of the Best Gothic Romance Movies and TV Shows – Period Drama Style
#41: The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Brontë by Syrie James – This historical fiction novel offers a glimpse into the personal thoughts and experiences of Charlotte Brontë.
#42: The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett – The children’s classic has a lot of similarities to Jane Eyre and a gothic feel.
#43: Shadows of Swanford Abbey by Julie Klassen – This wholesome historical romance mixes Jane Eyre and Jane Austen.
#44: The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield – A famous gothic mystery.
#45: Turn of the Screw by Henry James – The classic psychological horror novel includes a similar gothic atmosphere and eerie setting.
#46: Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys – A popular choice, although, personally, I strongly dislike the book. Still, it may be interesting – especially if you don’t like Mr. Rochester and don’t mind the disturbing content.
#47: Within These Wicked Walls by Lauren Blackwood – An Ethiopian-inspired fantasy retelling of Jane Eyre with similar themes. If you’re looking for modern books similar to Jane Eyre, this is a great choice.
#48: The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins – A classic Victorian mystery with gothic elements and romance.
#49: Worlds of Ink and Shadow by Lena Coakley – A unique historical fiction read exploring the lives of the Brontë siblings and their fictional worlds.
#50: The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman – The classic psychological tale is a chilling and thought-provoking story that will resonate with Jane Eyre readers who appreciate a darker, eerie atmosphere.
Did you find any good books to read on this list? Do you have more good suggestions for novels like Jane Eyre? Sound off in the comments…
RELATED: If you love Byronic Heroes like Mr. Rochester, then check out Amber’s look at the Top 20 Bad Boys – Byronic Heroes in Film, Top 20 Bad Boys Part 2 – Byronic Heroes in Television, and Top 20 Bad Boys Part 3 – Byronic Heroes in Literature.
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You put together such great lists. Thanks for sharing
Thank you. 🙂
Love your site by the way. Always visually appealing and easy to read.
So many to try! I haven’t read Jane Eyre but I do love WH.
Well, I would definitely start with Jane Eyre then. Not that I am biased or anything… I really love WH too.
Oh, YES! Rebecca is fantastic! Have you ever read Frenchman’s Creek by du Maurier? Fair warning, the ending is not quite what you expect, but the story itself is wonderful.
And Anya Seton is one of my all-time favorite authors, period. I go back and revisit her books every year or so. Dragonwyck is fantastic as a Gothic, though I do love Green Darkness and Katherine. Katherine’s the one that got me into historical fiction; my mom was reading it when I was 12, and I swiped it and couldn’t put it down.
You’ve given me some good ideas to try, too. I’m just in the mood for this type of story right now. Thanks!
You’re welcome. And no, I’ve never read Frenchman’s Creek but it is definitely on my list to read! Same with Katherine. Thanks for the suggestions.
Hi there! Oh I want to try do many of these suggestions- I’ve read Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights and Mistress of Mellyn; I am eager to try the Anne Bronte . I have read some other Mary Stewarts, and wanted to make another author suggestion; Barbara Michaels? If I had to recommend just one of her novels, I would hand over “Sons of the Wolf”. I read it as a teenager , but every now and then I return to it and reread certain passages. Just as a quick overview, the heroine is older, more staid of a pair of orphaned sisters, sent to live with their mysterious relative and his two eccentric sons, surname Wolf; and that name also comes into play with the lupine features of the father and the guard dogs he keeps. I’d say a touch of the supernatural as well!
Really interesting list.. have quite a few up there that from the description I want to try out. And am happy you included Victoria Holt. Though her concept gets a bit repetitive, the first few books by her that I read were immensely enjoyable. One favourite that comes to mind is Menfreya in the Morning.
I’ll have to check out Menfreya in the Morning. Thanks!
Thanks for a great list! I stumbled over this when I googled “books like jane eyre”. It is so hard to find a decent intelligent romance nowadays, they’re almost always pure vapid fluff. Why are all the good books written pre 1950? I’m grateful for a list with some new (for me!) books that seem good!
Also thanks for not mentioning “Wide Sargasso Sea”. I think those of us who have read “Villette” are already aware of Bronte’s somewhat dubious views on people not English. I almost put Villette down after a particular rant about the stupidity of people from Spain. But still, the pure amazingness of “Jane Eyre” conquers to me any wrongs Bronte may have written. We should give her a little leeway considering the time period she wrote in, I think.
You really need to read Syrie James’s “Secret Diaries of Charlotte Bronte.” Must. Read.
Definitely on my list!
Great list. Some to re-read soon, others to try for the first time.For those passionate souls out there that do believe in true love, you might like this poem: What is eternal?…Before the ocean waves first crashed onshore..Before the first sunrise… Before the first green grew…Before the first swallow sang…Before the first bee made a honey-making trip… Before the wolf’s first cry in the night…Before the first maple leaf reddened and fell…Before the first snow frosted the ground…Before the rainforest’s first morning mist…Before the first thunderstorm shook the heavens…Before fire’s orange flame licked the trees…Before the moon became Earth’s constant companion…I Have Loved You. By Mrs.Colleen Cupido-that’s ME, and I wrote it to my future husband.