There’s nothing better than a good, historical fiction book and breathing life back into the forgotten moments of history.
What is historical fiction?
Historical fiction was introduced to the literary world in the early 19th century by the Scottish playwright and poet, Sir Walter Scott. It presents history in a nuanced way allowing readers to re-image famous, historical events and/or characters from the past.
Surprisingly, this motivates the reader to engage and explore events of the past from perspectives that would otherwise be overlooked. Having the freedom to explore multiple perspectives and to wrestle with topics that would otherwise be avoided (such as human cruelty and suffering).
With that in mind, here are our choices for the best historical fiction novels:
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
Two sisters navigate the challenges of German occupied France during World War II while working to maintain their humanity.
The House by The Lakeby Ella Carey
Anna’s grandfather charges her with the task of retrieving a memento that he was separated from seventy years prior.
A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles
The story of an aristocrat who is stripped of his belongings and placed on house arrest where he wrestles with the question: what makes us who we are?
All The Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
A National Book Award Finalist that offers a captivating depiction of Word War II and its aftermath.
The Promise by Ann Weisgarber
A story set in the 1900s’ filled with scandal, heartbreak and a love triangle that leaves the main characters feeling tested like never before.
The Firebird by Susanna Kearsley
A clairvoyant, time traveling main character is led on a quest through Russia that reveals an unexpected story of love, courage and redemption.
The Dollhouse by Fiona Davis
A New York city tale about a present day journalist consumed with uncovering a dark secret related to the popular Barbizon Hotel.
Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly
A New York Times Bestseller about the power of women and their ability to change history in their pursuit of happiness.
The Last Woman Standing by Thelma Adams
A retelling of a classic American gunfight at the O.K. Corral with a back story of the legendary Wyatt Earp’s improbable romance with the main character.
The Wonder by Emma Donoghue
A psychological thriller about an 11 year old girl has survived without food for months claiming to have lived on manna from heaven.
Three Sisters, Three Queens by Phillippa Gregory
Depicts a story of three queens who are also three sisters & the roles they played in Henry VIII’s kingdom.
Mercer Girls by Libbie Hawker
An 1864 tale of two women’s attempt to survive the Civil War by becoming upscale, mail- order brides.
Daughters of the Dragon by William Andrews
Inspired by Memiors of a Geisha, this riveting story of the strength and courage one young woman embodies as she endures suffering at the hands of the Japanese gives insight into the effects that war has on women.
Circling the Sun by Paula McLain
Framed in the context of trans-Atlantic flight, this novel tackles issues pertaining to the struggles women of the English-speaking world faced during the 20th century; some of which are still relevant today.
Orphan Train A Novel by Christina Baker Kline
A young girl and an old woman discover they have more in common than expected in this compelling story about loss, adaptability and courage.
The Marriage of Opposites by Alice Hoffman
Set in the early 1800’s, this story details the life of famous impressionist painter Camille Pizzarro and his strong- willed mother in their fight to maintain their faith and their happiness in the face of racial divides and persecution.
Behold the Dreamers by Imbolo MBue
In his search for a better life, Jende Jonga brings his family to the United States only to endure a collapsing economy that threatens to dismantle his marriage and family.
Jerusalem by Alan Moore
Often said to be a “story about everything” this (roughly) 1,200 page story is told from the perspective of important historical figures like Albert Einstein.
Black Crossing by C.K. Crigger
A story about what happens when the honor of one collides with the revenge sought by another.
Miramont’s Ghost by Elizabeth Hall
The story of a clairvoyant girl whose Aunt isolates and imprisons her to keep her from uncovering the dark secrets of her aristocratic French family.
While the World is Still Asleep by Petra Durst-Benning
The main character, Josephine, pushes the limits of social order as she attempts to find a way to ride a bicycle on the streets of Berlin in 1890, without provoking a scandal.
The One I Was by Eliza Graham
A tale set in Fairfleet, England about a friendship that emerges unexpectedly between Rosamond Hunter and her patient. A relationship that could potentially help them both deal with issues of forgiveness across generations.
While You Were Mine by Ann Howard Creel
A story of love and trust during the end of World War II.
The Lost Girls by Heather Young
A tale about loyalty and the sacrifice we make for those we love.
The Watchmaker’s Daughter by C.J. Archer
At the risk of being unemployed and homeless, India must decide whether to take employment with the only person who will accept her or turn him over to the authorities; him and his special watch.
The Greenest Branch by P.K. Adams
An ambitious woman. Medieval Church hierarchy. The struggle will be epic. In the Greenest Branch, the medieval era comes vividly to life in all its romanticism and splendor, but the societal strictures that prevent women from being able to access education and live independent lives are also on display.