Drama

When you think of dramas, maybe you think of the classic works of Shakespeare, or the renowned ‘To Kill A Mockingbird’ by Harper Lee. Perhaps a more modern take, from authors like Delia Owens or John Green, or ‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time’. 

Whatever you think of first, the world of drama novels is incredibly broad, ranging from period drama books to modern takes on an emotive, dramatic tale. Attractive and impactful, imaginative yet realistic, drama books are escapism in a new light – a chance to explore a world outside of your own, in a way that makes everything feel possible.

 

What makes a drama novel?

Part of the appeal of a good drama book is its real life appeal. This isn’t a genre populated with sci-fi characters or horror elements. It’s about presenting natural, credible elements of a story in a way that can’t fail to draw a reader in. 

Characters are a huge part of a good drama book. Much of the narrative involved in these tales centres around a character, or several characters, often focused around a pivotal moment in their lives. With an emphasis on family, relationships, and life-events, a great drama doesn’t always have a happy ending. In fact, a painful resolution can sometimes be the most impactful. Don’t forget to keep the tissues nearby.

Another ever-popular sector of drama books is period dramas. Set in a specific time period in the last century, sometimes with elements of real historical events, period drama books take all of the elements of a modern drama and set them in a historic context; a sure-fire way to create intrigue and excitement. 

 

Your new favourite drama novel

It’s time to meet your new favourite character. Take a look at some of the best drama and period drama books here, as rated by Victoria Freudenheim Book Reviews

A little life book cover

A Little Life

Hanya Yanagihara

The Alchemist Book Cover

The Alchemist

Paulo Coelho

Thursday Murder Club front cover

The Thursday Murder Club

By Richard Osman

Yellowface book cover

Yellowface

R. F. Kuang

Normal People Book Cover

Normal People

Sally Rooney

Daisy Jones and The Six Book Cover

Daisy Jones and The Six

Taylor Jenkins Reid

The piano lesson book cover

The Piano Lesson

August Wilson