For history enthusiasts, historical fiction serves as a cornerstone that vividly resurrects the ways of life from bygone eras. The genre, often characterized by its immersive storytelling and attention to detail, has produced some best-selling literary works that span decades. While this genre has historically been dismissed as trite, there is now a surge in its popularity, and whether their storylines explore the World War II era or other important historical epochs, readers have remained intrigued.
Top Historical Fiction Novels
To celebrate this genre, here is a curated list of some of the most remarkable historical fiction novels ever.
25. Gone with the Wind By Margaret Mitchell
Margaret Mitchell created a cultural masterpiece when she penned Gone with the Wind. The historical fictional novel was published in 1936 and set against the backdrop of Clayton County and Atlanta, Georgia amid the tumultuous American Civil War. The book is not only a popular part of American literature, it was one of the leading novels to comfortably acknowledge the heaviness of complex issues like social class, race, war, gender and slavery in a way that stuck in the minds of consumers. To achieve this, Mitchell introduced readers to Scarlett O’Hara, whose character evolves as she navigates multiple changes and difficulties within the story. Scarlett is considered one of literature’s most memorable and complex heroines, and Gone with the Wind is a monumental piece of literary art in American history. The work earned Mitchell a Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1937. Lovers of history, culture and classics can find this book on Simon & Schuster’s website.
24. Homegoing By Yaa Gyasi
Yaa Gyasi’s Homegoing is a thematic masterpiece published in 2016 that explores difficult topics like slavery, freedom and strength. Gyasi blurs the boundaries of time and space by adapting a multigenerational narrative into the dark and burdensome legacy of slavery. The many characters in Gyasi’s Homegoing are multi-dimensional, making the story even more intriguing. Although Homegoing is Gyasi’s debut book, it immediately cemented her role among her peers as a writer with the chops to approach intersecting characters, plots and places with seamless expertise. This book is a good read for anyone who is curious about slavery and the historical implications of it. The novel earned Gyasi an Audie Award for Literary Fiction & Classics and a PEN/Hemingway Award at the PEN Awards. The book is available for purchase at Penguin Random House.
23. Beloved By Toni Morrison
Toni Morrison is revered as one of the 21st century’s most respected writers and intellectuals, and Beloved is one of her most decorated pieces of work. In Beloved, Morrison tells the gut-wrenching story of Sethe, a freed woman who escapes her haunting days as a slave in Kentucky to live in Cincinnati, Ohio with her children. Although Sethe and her children are free, she is still haunted by the memories of her time as a slave. Her worst fears come true when her former slave master seeks her out, finds her and attempts to place her back into slavery. In a fit of panic, Sethe kills one of her children in the hopes of saving them from going back into the agony of slavery. Beloved touches on painful cultural touchstones that have helped to shape conversations on race, trauma and grit. Beloved was published in 1987, and won a Pulitzer Prize in 1988. It can be purchased at Penguin Random House.
22. Things Fall Apart By Chinua Achebe
Nigeria’s Chinua Achebe has a distinct style of writing that is poetic yet profoundly impactful. In his 1958 novel Things Fall Apart, Achebe delves into the intricate nature of Nigerian society in the pre-colonial era, employing Okonkwo, the protagonist, as a guide. Achebe is not only a master at his craft, he is able to explain emblems of Nigerian traditions in ways that are both fascinating and compelling. The book explores the dichotomy of Okonkwo’s two worlds and his journey from being one of his village’s most respected men, to being exiled for accidentally murdering someone. Achebe takes readers on a journey from Nigeria in the pre-colonial era, through how the way of life in Nigeria’s Igboland undertook a seismic shift after colonialism took off in the late 19th century. Achebe manages the duality of both eras well without losing the reader. This book is a go-to for curious minds of other cultures and traditions. Things Fall Apart is available at Penguin Random House.
21. A Midwife’s Tale By Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
Pulitzer Prize winner A Midwife’s Tale strays away from the typical depiction of historical books. Instead, the book, released in 1990, immerses readers in a compelling true story drawn directly from the diary of an extraordinary woman, Martha Ballard. Martha, who is an eighteenth-century Maine midwife, gives readers cryptic details of her daily life and the scandals in her neighborhood, most of which would be befitting headlines for juicy gossip tabloids in modern times. The diary, which spans 27 years, was reimagined by Laurel Thatcher Ulrich, who carefully re-packaged the story without sacrificing its core essence. The book also won a Bancroft Prize, and the Joan Kelly Memorial Prize in Women’s History, among others. This book is a good fit for people who are intrigued by true stories that have been re-imagined. It can be purchased at Penguin Random House.
20. Les Misérables By Victor Hugo
Victor Hugo’s magnum opus, Les Misérables, is considered a literary titan, and was so monumental that it was later adapted into a stage musical and a film. Hugo’s core objective with Les Misérables was to show the timeless and multifaceted elements of the human experience. Published in 1862, the epic novel delves into the complex web of themes, including social class, wealth, poeverty morality and injustice. Set against the tumultuous backdrop of post-revolutionary France in the early 19th century, Les Misérables follows troubled protagonist Jean Valjean, a former convict who seeks redemption after serving an extended prison sentence for a desperate minor theft. Through Jean, Hugo validates the marginalized members of society forced into lives of petty crime, not because they are morally incompetent, but because they are in dire circumstances. The powerful French classic can be purchased on Simon & Schuster’s website.
The Best Historical Fiction Romance Novels
There are several widely acclaimed historical fiction romance novels that have garnered a lot of praise for their aptness, well-researched historical settings and rich romantic storylines. Many of these books have gone on to be timeless classics in literature. Here are some of the best historical fiction romance novels of all time.
19. Pride and Prejudice By Jane Austen
Set in rural England at the turn of the 19th century, Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice is an iconic English classic, celebrated for its wit, social commentary and exploration of love and social class in the Regency era. Austen introduces readers to a spirited set of characters in the Bennet family, which consists of five fascinating sisters with a range of interests and personalities. Austen hones in on Elizabeth, the novel’s heroine, a quick-witted and independent young woman who meets Fitzwilliam Darcy, a wealthy yet initially aloof gentleman who eventually strikes a romantic relationship with Elizabeth. Like its name denotes, the book explores societal expectations and the intersection of personal prejudices, which can show up in romantic relationships regardless of the era. Pride and Prejudice is currently available for purchase at Dover Publications.
18. Outlander By Diana Gabaldon
Diana Gabaldon’s 1991 series, Outlander, offers the mysterious story of Claire Beauchamp, a 20th-century British combat nurse who becomes an accidental time traveler when she finds herself transported back to 18th-century Scotland. Claire’s journey soon becomes an odyssey of romance, mystery and adventure when she crosses paths with a charming Scottsman, Jamie Fraser. Gabaldon’s effective storytelling prowess, characterized by meticulous historical attention to detail and engaging narrative, worked like a charm on readers, and the book has now sold over 50 million copies worldwide. The Outlander series is available to purchase on Penguin Random House.
17. Persuasion By Jane Austen
Jane Austen’s Persuasion marks the pinnacle of her legacy as a writer who is acutely aware of prose and has the skills to direct a story. The book was released posthumously in 1817 alongside Northanger Abbey in a four-volume set. The storyline hinges on Anne Elliot’s love affair with Captain Frederick Wentworth, with whom she rekindles a relationship eight years after her family convinced her not to marry him. After Captain Wentworth achieves significant social status, he is deemed an acceptable suitor for Anne. As only Austen knows how to do best, she underscores the themes of social class, love, jealousy and how all of these realities can exist within society’s rigid expectations. The vintage classic is available on the Penguin Random House website.
16. The Grand Sophy By Georgette Heyer
Georgette Heyer created The Grand Sophy by tapping into the English Regency era, where society had very stiff expectations. Like most of Heyer’s work, The Grand Sophy has a riveting component to it: the ability to whisk readers away to a different world, where manners were as rigid as corsets and societal norms dictated every move. Heyer’s skillful storytelling follows the story of Sophy Stanton-Lacy, a strong-willed and unconventional young woman, and Charles Rivenhall, a wealthy heir. The two have different worldviews, but fall in love eventually. The Grand Sophy, which was published in 1950, is a classic tale of love’s rebellion against societal expectations. It is available on its official publisher website, Sourcebooks.
15. The Verdun Affair By Nick Dybek
Some of the most powerful war stories also have interweaving themes of romance and human sorrow. In The Verdun Affair, Dybek ushers his readers into the aftermath of Europe’s World War I by following the story of Chicago natives Tom and Sarah Hagen, two Americans struggling to wrap their minds around the devastation of the war, but gradually developing an illicit affair. Dybek’s directorial approach to the book uncovers overarching topics of morality, love, loss and the haunting impact of war on humanity. For fans of historical fiction, this 2018-published book is undoubtedly a page-turner. Simon & Schuster currently carries the book.
14. Seduce Me at Sunrise By Lisa Kleypas
Set in the evocative landscape of 19th-century England, Lisa Kleypa’s Seduce Me at Sunrise is a fictional commentary on forbidden love, passion, longing and emotional depth. At the heart of the story are Win Hathaway and Kev Merripen, whose lives become entwined in an unexpected web that defies the conventional ideas of their environment. Win, a wealthy heiress, and Kev, a Romani man with a checkered past, have diametrically opposed lives which influence the love they are trying to navigate against the conventions of their time. Seduce Me at Sunrise was published in the fall of 2008 and is available on Macmillan Publishers.
13. The Nightingale By Kristin Hannah
Kristin Hannah’s The Nightingale is a historical exploration of northwestern France during World War II. The popular book dives into the story of Vianne Mauriac and Isabelle Rossignol, two daring sisters who take divergent paths in response to German’s invasion of France. Determined to fight for a just cause, the two sisters actively joined the French Resistance, embodying the spirit of defiance against the Nazi regime. This powerful move helped them to protect Jewish children and lead a revolution. The book was published in 2017 and is currently available to buy on the Macmillan Publishers website.
12. Beneath a Scarlet Sky By Mark T. Sullivan
Based on the remarkable true story of an unsung hero, Beneath a Scarlet Sky is a powerful epic that showcases the extraordinary courage and resilience of Pino Lella, a spirited Italian young man trying to navigate life as a teenager. His life takes a sharp turn when his family home in Milan is blown up by Nazis. This sets him on a trajectory to take the war more seriously and do something meaningful about it. As the plot unfolds, he falls in love with Anna, a woman six years older than him. This complicates things a bit. Beneath a Scarlet Sky was inspired by a true story and highlights themes of courage, love and grit. It was published in 2017 by Lake Union Publishing, where it is currently being sold.
11. City of Thieves By David Benioff
In City of Thieves, David Benioff offers readers a gripping coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of the Nazis’ siege of Leningrad. Benioff zeros in on Lev Beniov, the book’s main character and an ordinary guy whose life swiftly becomes extraordinary overnight when he gets arrested for stealing. While behind bars, he meets Kolya, who adds an unexpected twist to their fates, and instead of facing the firing squad, they’re hit with a seemingly mundane, yet significant challenge — getting a dozen eggs for a high-ranking Soviet colonel’s daughter’s wedding cake. Due to siege-driven food shortages, their quest for eggs turns into a dangerous escapade through chaotic streets and enemy territory. The book was published in 2008 by Penguin Radom House where it is currently available for sale.
The Best Young Adult Historical Fiction Novels
Authors of young adult historical fiction novels are tasked with the responsibility offering a diverse range themes that are both engaging and compelling. These books are perfect for young readers who are intrigued by history and fiction.
10. The Fountains of Silence By Ruta Sepetys
Set in post-World War II Spain, Ruta Sepetys delves into the hidden history of General Francisco Franco’s regime with her 2019 book The Fountains of Silence. Sepetys tells the story through the lens of Daniel, an 18-year-old American photojournalist, and Ana, a Spanish hotel maid. Against the backdrop of a country grappling with its dark political past, the novel explores forbidden love, political intrigue and the enduring impact of war on a broader society. Sepetys’ meticulous research and powerful storytelling bring to life a chapter of history that often remains hidden. Penguin Random House currently carries the book.
9. Code Talker: A Novel About the Navajo Marines of World War Two By Joseph Bruchac
In his 2005 novel, Joseph Bruchac sheds light on a lesser-known aspect of World War II — the invaluable contribution of the Navajo Code Talkers. The historical novel provides an angular insight on the war, focusing on the Navajo Nation’s important role in developing an unbreakable code based on their native language. Through 16-year-old Ned Begay’s perspective, readers get a front-row seat into the resilience and determination of the Navajo people during this precarious period in history. The book lauds Ned’s bravery well, but also highlights the challenges that Native Americans who were serving in the U.S. military encountered. Bruchac approaches these issues with sensitivity, addressing themes of identity, patriotism and the clash between tradition and the demands of war. Code Talker is currently available on Penguin Random House.
8. The Girl with the Red Balloon By Katherine Locke
Katherine Locke’s novel, The Girl with the Red Balloon, skillfully transports readers to post-World War II East Berlin, where historical fiction collides with a hint of realism. Published in 2017, the book tells the story of 16-year-old Ellie Baum, who time-travels with a magical red balloon to 1988 East Berlin, where she embarks on an unexpected journey, unearthing a mysterious tale that stretches across the vast boundaries of 20th-century Europe. Locke’s acute blend of historical accuracy with a creative element provides readers with a whimsical lens through which to explore the aftermath of war. The story is rich with historical nuances, capturing the atmosphere of a city still struggling to come to terms with the scars of conflict, divided by political ideologies and the tragic impact of wartime experiences. This book is currently being sold on Albert Whitman & Co.
7. The Boy in the Striped Pajamas By John Boyne
Through the innocent eyes of eight-year-old Bruno, who is The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, Boyne invites readers into a world where the dark realities of the Holocaust are filtered through the lens of childhood naiveté. Unaware of the grim circumstances around him, Bruno forms a genuine bond with Shmuel, a Jewish boy separated from him by the cruel confines of the camp. This unlikely friendship becomes a focal point, revealing the stark contrast between the innocence of childhood and the profound tragedy of historical events. The Boy in the Striped Pajamas was published in 2006. David Fickling Books currently carries the teen fiction book.
6. All the Light We Cannot See By Anthony Doerr
Anthony Doerr’s Pulitzer Prize-winning All the Light We Cannot See is a masterpiece of historical fiction, immersing readers in the exploration of the resilience of the human mind and revisiting World War II’s impact. Doerr invites readers to observe the disparate yet interconnected stories of two protagonists: a blind French girl, Marie-Laure, and a young German boy, Werner. The 2014-published novel underscores the complexities of war, unraveling the ways in which conflict shapes the lives of individuals on opposing sides. Marie-Laure’s journey, marked by her blindness and the refuge of a miniature model of her city, and Werner’s trajectory, powered by his impressive talent for radio technology, converge in unexpected ways. All the Light We Cannot See is available on Simon & Schuster’s website.
5. Iqbal By Francesco D’Adamo
Francesco D’Adamo’s Iqbal is a gripping true story inspired by the real-life story of Iqbal Masih, as told through the voice of Fatima, a young Pakistani girl whose life is forever altered by Iqbal’s extraordinary courage. The book tells a story of children who are forced to work in a carpet factory, under grueling conditions, to repay their parents’ debt. It is Iqbal who not only exposes the grim reality of their situation, but also becomes a source of hope and strength for the other children, igniting a spark of collective defiance against the oppressive chains that keep them. Iqbal, a 13-year-old boy, successfully becomes a leader of hope, helping other children navigate their grim reality and push for their freedom. Iqbal was first published in 2001 and is available at Simon & Schuster.
4. Rose Under Fire By Elizabeth Wein
Elizabeth Wein’s book Rose Under Fire follows the story of Rose, an American pilot whose fate takes an swift turn when she becomes a prisoner of war in Nazi Germany’s arduous Ravensbrück concentration camp. Wein’s words guide young readers through the harsh realities of life within the confines of the concentration camp, showing the abject conditions that Rose and her fellow prisoners face. Like many outstanding authors, Wein shows that even in the depth of despair, beautiful human connections can be formed in the darkest corners of pain and adversity. The book was published in 2001. Rose Under Fire is now available at Hachette Book Group.
3. Orphan Monster Spy By Matt Killeen
Matt Killeen’s thrilling depiction of World War II is an espionage novel that follows the courageous story of Sarah, a Jewish teenager turned British spy infiltrating a Nazi elite boarding school. The book is a thriller in and of itself, and is rife with themes of danger, courage and identity complexities in the face of extreme adversity. The hours of research that Killeen pours into this are evident because he explores the gripping challenges of each character, plot and setting with acute attention to historical accuracy and emotional depth, offering readers the compelling and thought-provoking offering that is Orphan Monster. Killeen released the book in 2018 and it is now available at Penguin Random House.
2. I Must Betray You By Ruta Sepetys
Too often, writers find themselves having to dig into the ancestral history of an era and time to strike storytelling gold. If anyone is equal to this task, it is Ruta Sepetys, who makes this list for the second time with her 2022 release I Must Betray You. Like other notable pieces of work she has created, Sepetys guides readers through a harrowing 1980s of Communist Romania, ruled by Nicolae Ceaușescu; an era defined by intimidation, fear and secrecy. The protagonist, 17-year-old Cristian Florescu, is an ambitious young man who has big plans for his future — plans that are stifled by the mounting hostility in his country. Determined to stand up to oppression and demand change for other citizens, Florescu weighs the odds and comes to a gut-wrenching, yet brave conclusion in this incredible story. The book is available at Penguin Random House.
1. The War That Saved My Life By Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
Kimberly Brubaker Bradley’s 2015 novel takes a different approach to wartime storytelling by inviting readers to a poignant exploration of wartime England. Bradley guides readers through the story with Ada, a young girl with a deformed foot whose mother keeps her confined to their one-bedroom home all her life. Eventually, when little brother Jamie is sent to London to escape the war, Ada uses the opportunity to escape too, only to find herself in the English countryside. The book intricately weaves themes of resilience, self-discovery and the power of love as Ada learns to overcome her physical and emotional scars. Bradley’s portrayal of the impact of war on the lives of children adds a touching layer to this emotionally charged story. The War That Saved My Life is also available at Penguin Random House.
Bottom Line
Gripping storylines require a careful analysis of history in a way that makes readers care. The authors of these stories have struck that fine balance by highlighting the relevant themes while honing in on elements of history. While these stories may be fiction, they all contain relics of lived and learned human experiences.
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