Novels with strong locations, focusing on upbringing and life’s struggles

Hello!

I am looking for a book for my dad. Stories that concentrate heavily on the main characters life/lives, specifically their upbringing, any struggles they endure and one that also relies heavily on the description of location and surroundings. Ultimately more realistic novels than entertaining/exciting ones.

His favourite authors include Steinbeck, Dickens, Virginia Woolf

Any suggestions are appreciated, thanks

by jsd_12