Few authors have had quite the same cultural impact as Nora Ephron. Her unique ability to blend humour with poignant observations on love, life, and the human experience has been capturing the hearts of her loyal fans for decades.

While we'll never get tired of re-watching her films — from Sleepless in Seattle to When Harry Met Sally — which irrevocably changed the rom-com genre, we'd argue that the best way to experience Ephron's genius is through her written work. Whether she's pondering ageing with cutting-edge wit in I Feel Bad About My Neck, or self-deprecatingly recounting a breakup in Heartburn, Ephron's unique ability to make us laugh, cry, and really feel is largely unmatched.

If, like us, you've already devoured Ephron's catalogue and are hungry for more, we've got you covered. Below, we're rounding up five authors like Nora Ephron that are worth reading next.

Dolly Alderton

If Nora Ephron was a millenial, she would be Dolly Alderton. The British author and columnist has mastered the art of capturing the confusion of your twenties and thirties — with a heavy emphasis on love and heartbreak. Her collection, while short, is worth looking into if you're a fan of Ephron, from Everything I Know About Love to Good Material.

Deborah Levy

It's true that Deborah Levy's work veers a little more into introspective and often darker territory, but she does share Ephron's ability to summarise deep emotional insights with sharp, engaging writing. In Hot Milk, she explores the often strange and confusing nature of womanhood, while in Swimming Home, she takes aim at the insidiousness of depression.

Helen Fielding

If you ask us, Helen Fielding is somewhat of a British version of Nora Ephron. The brains behind Bridget Jones, Fielding is, like Ephron, adept at exposing all the chaotic, messy parts of being a woman, without every losing her sense of humour. If self-depcreation is your brand of comedy, look no further.

Sally Rooney

Known for her sharply drawn characters and exploration of relationships, Sally Rooney  shares more than a few similarities with Ephron. Her novels, from Normal People to the newer Intermezzo, delve into the complexities of friendships, love, and the quiet moments that define us. Rooney’s writing, like Ephron’s, is intimate and unflinching in its exploration of modern relationships, though her tone tends to be more understated and emotionally layered.

Marian Keyes

For writing that expertly balances humour with emotion, Marian Keyes is another author to consider. Her books, including Watermelon and Rachel’s Holiday, typically revolve around complex characters navigating personal struggles like addiction, family dynamics, and love. Her comedic touch, along with her ability to tackle serious issues with sensitivity, makes her a beloved author in the vein of both Ephron.