Historical fiction novels that bring the past to life: Must-read picks for every history lover.
Historical fiction is one of the most beloved genres in literature, offering readers the opportunity to immerse themselves in different time periods and cultures while experiencing engaging, character-driven narratives.
These are some of the best historical fiction books that I have read and they are more than just stories; they are windows into the past, offering glimpses of history through the eyes of compelling protagonists. Whether you’re a fan of World War II-era dramas, Renaissance intrigue, or tales set in rural America, historical fiction provides an evocative and educational reading experience.
Historical fiction allows readers to delve into the past through rich, immersive stories, often blending real events with compelling narratives. Whether it’s the harrowing struggles during the American Civil War, or the bravery of resistance fighters during World War II, the best historical fiction transports readers to another time while offering timeless truths about human nature.
Today’s newer stories go beyond just recounting history; they provide fresh perspectives, often shining a light on marginalized voices that were overlooked in traditional histories. From tales of the Underground Railroad to the rise and fall of powerful empires, new historical fiction is a captivating way to explore well-known and forgotten historical moments.
For fans of true stories, these novels often ground themselves in historical fact while weaving in fictional elements that make the events and characters come alive in a deeply emotional and relatable way. It’s no wonder that books from this genre often win prestigious awards like the Pulitzer Prize and the Booker Prize.
In this blog post, we’ll explore a curated list of historical fiction novels that are not only rich in historical detail but also emotionally resonant, bringing history to life in a way that is both educational and utterly captivating. This is a curated list of some of my personal favorite historical novels that I have read in the last couple of years.
1. The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
Synopsis:
Set in Nazi Germany and Nazi-occupied France, The Nightingale follows two sisters as they endure the horrors of World War II. The story features Isabelle, a young woman who becomes part of the French Resistance, and Vianne, who must protect her family under the strain of occupation. Inspired by real-life stories of women who risked their lives to fight for freedom, this book explores courage, survival, and the sacrifices women made during war.
Why It Stands Out:
The Nightingale is among the best books in historical fiction, recognized for its powerful portrayal of female protagonists. It offers readers a thrilling and emotional journey, making it a favorite for book clubs. This novel has garnered worldwide acclaim, cementing Kristin Hannah’s place among top historical fiction writers, and remains a Penguin Random House bestseller.
2. The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner
Synopsis:
The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner is a captivating debut novel that seamlessly blends mystery, historical fiction, and feminist themes. Set in two timelines, 18th-century London and the present day, the story revolves around an underground apothecary shop where women seek help for their darkest problems.
In the 1700s, Nella, the apothecary, dispenses poisons to women looking to escape oppressive men. Meanwhile, in present-day London, Caroline, a woman grappling with her own personal crisis, stumbles upon a clue that ties her to the apothecary’s hidden history.
Why It Stands Out:
Penner’s storytelling shines as she weaves together the stories of these two strong female protagonists. The novel brings the dark, atmospheric streets of 18th-century London to life while also tackling modern themes of empowerment, betrayal, and self-discovery.
The Lost Apothecary has quickly become one of the best historical fiction novels in recent years, offering readers a blend of suspense, historical intrigue, and a celebration of women’s resilience. Perfect for book clubs and fans of new historical fiction, this is a novel you won’t want to miss.
3. Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate
Synopsis:
Set during the Great Depression, Before We Were Yours tells the heartbreaking, true story of children kidnapped from their families and sold to wealthy strangers through a corrupt Tennessee orphanage. The novel alternates between past and present, as a modern-day woman uncovers the dark history of her family. This gripping tale explores the tragic legacy of exploitation, poverty, and family separation in American history.
Why It Stands Out:
Lisa Wingate’s masterful storytelling makes this one of the best historical fiction novels, perfect for readers who are interested in stories that reveal little-known but important aspects of the past. With its strong emotional pull and deep focus on family, this book has become a Penguin Random House favorite and is often discussed in book clubs for its exploration of family secrets and resilience.
4. The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes
Synopsis:
Jojo Moyes’ The Giver of Stars transports readers to Depression-era Kentucky, where a group of young women works as traveling librarians delivering books to isolated communities. The novel follows Alice, an Englishwoman newly married and struggling to adapt to life in rural America. As the main character connects with other women through the mobile library, she discovers her own strength and purpose in a community deeply affected by poverty.
Why It Stands Out:
This novel from Jojo Moyes has become a New York Times bestseller, loved by readers and book clubs alike for its portrait of women forging friendships and finding independence in a harsh environment. The novel’s depiction of women working together during the Great Depression highlights both the difficulties and triumphs of the era, making it a standout in the genre of historical fiction.
5. Weyward by Emilia Hart
Synopsis:
Spanning three generations of women, Weyward is a novel about magic, nature, and female resilience. Set across the 17th century, World War II, and the modern day, the novel weaves together the stories of Altha, Violet, and Kate—women linked by their unique gifts and their struggles against the oppression they face in their respective eras.
Why It Stands Out:
Hart’s novel explores themes of female power and independence, with a mystical element that enriches the historical settings. The multi-generational narrative emphasizes the connection between women through time, making it a deeply empowering read.
6. The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah
Synopsis:
Set in 1970s Alaska, The Great Alone follows the Allbright family as they attempt to start a new life in the remote wilderness after the father, Ernt, returns from Vietnam. As the harsh conditions and isolation take their toll, the family’s struggles become both physical and emotional, particularly for Leni, the teenage daughter trying to survive her father’s growing instability.
Why It Stands Out:
The Alaskan wilderness is as much a character in this novel as the Allbright family. Hannah’s exploration of survival—both in nature and within a troubled family—makes this novel as much a psychological drama as it is a historical portrait of post-war America.
7. The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls
Synopsis:
A memoir rather than a fictional novel, The Glass Castle is included here for its incredible storytelling and vivid depiction of life in poverty during the mid-20th century. Jeannette Walls recounts her unconventional upbringing by nonconformist parents who dragged their children across the desert, squatting in abandoned buildings and living without basic necessities.
Why It Stands Out:
Walls’ narrative is raw, gripping, and filled with emotional depth. While not a traditional historical novel, it paints a stark picture of a different kind of historical experience—one that sheds light on the hidden struggles of many families during this era.
8. Half Broke Horses by Jeannette Walls
Synopsis:
Written as a “true-life novel,” Half Broke Horses tells the story of Lily Casey Smith, Jeannette Walls’ maternal grandmother. Set in the American West in the early 20th century, Lily’s life is one of adventure, grit, and independence as she becomes a rancher, horse trainer, and schoolteacher.
Why It Stands Out:
Walls’ engaging storytelling makes this semi-biographical novel feel as immersive as any work of fiction. It captures the harsh realities of frontier life while celebrating the perseverance of a truly remarkable woman.
9. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Synopsis:
This novel follows the glamorous life of Evelyn Hugo, an aging Hollywood starlet who reveals the secrets of her seven marriages to a young journalist. Spanning from the 1950s to the present, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo explores themes of love, identity, and the cost of fame.
Why It Stands Out:
Reid masterfully uses the glitz of old Hollywood to examine deeper issues like gender roles, sexual identity, and the sacrifices women make in a male-dominated world. The novel’s historical setting adds richness to the emotional complexity of Evelyn’s story.
10. Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Synopsis:
Presented in an interview format, Daisy Jones & The Six chronicles the rise and fall of a fictional 1970s rock band. The novel captures the essence of the music scene of the era, exploring the lives of the band members and the tumultuous relationships that lead to their breakup.
Why It Stands Out:
Reid’s unique narrative style gives the book the feel of a real documentary, bringing to life the wild, rebellious energy of the 1970s rock era. It’s a love letter to the music of the time, while also diving into themes of addiction, fame, and self-discovery.
11. Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
Synopsis:
Set in the 1950s and 60s in the marshlands of North Carolina, Where the Crawdads Sing follows Kya Clark, an abandoned girl who grows up isolated in nature. When a local man is found dead, suspicion falls on Kya, the “Marsh Girl,” and the novel unfolds both as a murder mystery and a coming-of-age story.
Why It Stands Out:
Owens blends lyrical descriptions of nature with a suspenseful plot, creating a novel that feels both timeless and urgent. The exploration of isolation, prejudice, and the beauty of the natural world makes this a standout in historical fiction.
12. The Serpent and the Pearl by Kate Quinn
Synopsis:
Set in Renaissance Italy, The Serpent and the Pearl centers on the infamous Borgia family and the women caught in their orbit. The novel focuses on three main characters: Giulia Farnese, a beautiful noblewoman; Carmelina, a talented cook; and Leonello, a bodyguard with secrets of his own. This novel portrays real historical events throughout.
Why It Stands Out:
Kate Quinn’s meticulous research and vivid prose bring the intrigue, danger, and excess of Renaissance Italy to life. The novel combines historical detail with fast-paced storytelling, making it an enthralling read.
13. The Last Letter from Your Lover by Jojo Moyes
Synopsis:
Spanning two timelines—1960s London and the present day—The Last Letter from Your Lover tells the story of a young journalist, Ellie, who discovers a love letter from the past. As she uncovers the mystery of a forbidden romance, Ellie finds parallels in her own life.
Why It Stands Out:
Moyes weaves together themes of love, loss, and second chances across generations. The novel’s historical setting adds depth to the emotional journey of its characters, making it a beautiful exploration of enduring love.
Upcoming New Releases in Historical Fiction
If you’re looking for new historical fiction to add to your reading list, here are 10 upcoming releases that will transport you to the past with unforgettable stories:
- The Paris Daughter by Kristin Harmel – A novel set in World War II, following two mothers in Nazi-occupied Paris who make unthinkable sacrifices to protect their children.
- The Mitford Affair by Marie Benedict – A deep dive into the real-life Mitford sisters and their controversial ties to both British high society and the fascist movement in the 1930s.
- The House of Lincoln by Nancy Horan – A novel about the rise of Abraham Lincoln and the shaping of America through the eyes of a young immigrant girl.
- The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles – A road trip adventure across 1950s America that captures the post-war optimism and complexity of the era.
- The Collector’s Daughter by Gill Paul – A story about the discovery of King Tut’s tomb and the dark secrets unearthed along with it.
- The Night Ship by Jess Kidd – A dual-timeline novel exploring the mysterious shipwreck of Batavia in 1629 and the strange events surrounding its survivors.
- The Daughters of Nantucket by Julie Gerstenblatt – Set during the 1846 Nantucket fire, this novel follows three women as they navigate love, loss, and survival in their small island community.
- The Last Heir to Blackwood Library by Hester Fox – A gothic mystery set in post-World War I England, about a young woman who inherits a mysterious, centuries-old library.
- River Sing Me Home by Eleanor Shearer – Following the end of slavery in the Caribbean, this novel traces a mother’s journey to find her children after their liberation.
- The Secret Book of Flora Lea by Patti Callahan Henry – Set in post-war London, this novel explores the enduring connection between two sisters separated during World War II.
10 Other Must-Read Historical Fiction Novels
For fans of classic and popular historical fiction, here are 10 other historical fiction novels you won’t want to miss:
- Fall of Giants by Ken Follett – The first in the Century Trilogy, this epic novel covers World War I, the Russian Revolution, and the American Civil War, intertwining the stories of five families.
- Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel – A Booker Prize-winning novel about Thomas Cromwell’s rise to power in the court of Henry VIII. It’s considered one of the best historical fiction novels about Tudor England.
- The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead – A Pulitzer Prize-winning novel that reimagines the Underground Railroad as a literal train system, following an enslaved girl’s daring journey to freedom.
- The Blind French Girl by Marie Lauricella – This novel follows a blind French girl during the Nazi occupation of France, whose secret radio broadcasts help aid the French Resistance.
- All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr – A Pulitzer Prize-winning novel about a blind French girl and a German boy whose lives intersect during the devastation of World War II.
- The Book Thief by Markus Zusak – Set in Nazi Germany, this novel tells the story of a young girl who finds solace in stealing books while hiding a Jewish man during the Holocaust.
- The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett – A sweeping tale set in 12th-century England, following the construction of a cathedral and the lives of those who build it.
- The Night Watchman by Louise Erdrich – Based on the life of the author’s grandfather, this novel explores Native American struggles for sovereignty in 1950s America.
- The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman – Set in post-World War I Australia, this emotional novel follows a lighthouse keeper and his wife who raise a baby they find in a washed-up boat.
- The Alice Network by Kate Quinn – A World War I and II spy novel, following two women—one a female spy, the other a college student—as they hunt down a dangerous war criminal.
Conclusion: Why Historical Fiction Brings History to Life
Historical fiction continues to captivate readers with newer stories that highlight the triumphs, struggles, and complexities of the past. These novels, whether based on a true story or set against real historical events like the Underground Railroad, offer readers a deeper understanding of pivotal moments in history. From Pulitzer Prize winners like The Underground Railroad to Booker Prize-winning epics like Wolf Hall, the best historical fiction novels provide not only entertainment but also an education.
Historical fiction allows readers to experience the past in a deeply personal way. These novels transport us to different times and places, blending real events with the power of imagination to create stories that are both educational and emotionally resonant. Whether the story takes place in Nazi Germany, during the Great Depression, or in the untamed wilderness of Alaska, these novels allow us to step into the shoes of characters who face both personal and societal challenges.
From the resilience of women during wartime in The Nightingale to the mysteries of 1950s North Carolina in Where the Crawdads Sing, these books do more than recount history—they bring it to life. Many of these novels have found their way onto New York Times bestseller lists and into the hands of a passionate book club, proving that the genre has an enduring appeal.
So, if you’re looking to learn about history while diving into beautifully crafted stories, these historical fiction novels should be at the top of your reading list.
With upcoming releases like The Paris Daughter and enduring classics such as Fall of Giants, there’s never been a better time to dive into the past. Whether you’re looking for a Penguin Random House bestseller or a hidden gem, historical fiction will take you on a journey through time like no other genre.
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