10 best historical fiction books for fans of drama, war, and romance
Some of the best historical fiction books include The Nightingale, All the Light We Cannot See, and The Book Thief. They will take you on a fascinating journey that highlights the lives of people in the bygone eras while expertly blending elements of war, romance, and drama.
Source: UGC
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Key takeaways
- The best historical fiction books are The Nightingale, All the Light We Cannot See, and The Book Thief.
- Historical fiction can offer a profound understanding of various periods and present interesting narratives that reveal the human spirit and emotions.
- The genre perfectly combines the best drama, war, and romance, thus making for interesting reads.
Best historical fiction books
To determine the best historical fiction books, we considered each title’s themes, emotional depth, and historical accuracy. We also relied on recommendations from trusted sources, such as Goodreads and Barnes & Noble. Weighing these factors based on your interests will help you discover the perfect read.
| Book Title | Year of Publication |
| The Nightingale | 2015 |
| All the Light We Cannot See | 2014 |
| The Book Thief | 2005 |
| The Tattooist of Auschwitz | 2017 |
| The Alice Network | 2017 |
| The Light Between Oceans | 2012 |
| Atonement | 2001 |
| The Paris Wife | 2011 |
| The Help | 2009 |
| The Night Watch | 2006 |
1. The Nightingale
Source: UGC
- Author: Kristin Hannah
- Year of Publication: 2015
The Nightingale is an emotional story of two sisters during World War II in France. It is an account of survival, love, and sacrifice, as well as the story of the heart-wrenching choices made by the people trapped in the conflict of war.
The novel delves deeply into the hardships experienced by women during the war, providing a nuanced analysis of survival and family relationships.
2. All the Light We Cannot See
Source: UGC
- Author: Anthony Doerr
- Year of Publication: 2014
All the Light We Cannot See is set during World War II and narrates the lives of a blind French girl and a German soldier who meet in the warring city of Saint-Malo.
It is a novel of survival, fate, and the human spirit, with a wonderful fusion of the individual and the historical. The book is one of the best-selling historical fiction novels and is adored for its poetic writing and poignant sentiments.
3. The Book Thief
Source: Instagram
- Author: Markus Zusak
- Year of Publication: 2005
Narrated by Death itself, The Book Thief is a novel set during World War II, revolving around a young girl, Liesel Meminger, who lived in a world dominated by the Nazis.
It describes the strength of books and words in the face of brutality and narrates a poignant story of love, loss, and struggle.
4. The Tattooist of Auschwitz
Source: UGC
- Author: Heather Morris
- Year of Publication: 2017
The Tattooist of Auschwitz is the story of a real-life Jewish man, Lale Sokolov, who was made to tattoo numbers on the arms of other prisoners at Auschwitz.
This is a survival, courage, and love story against all odds because Lale finds love in the middle of the horrors of the concentration camp. This book is an extraordinary example of historical fiction that sheds light on the Holocaust.
5. The Alice Network
- Author: Kate Quinn
- Year of Publication: 2017
In both World Wars (World War I and World War II), the book The Alice Network combines the narration of two characters: a young woman who needs to locate her lost cousin and a woman spy who served the British during World War I.
It is a thrilling book with a lot of suspense, spy and romance, and a rare look into the role of women at war. It is one of the best historical fiction books for a book club.
6. The Light Between Oceans
Source: UGC
- Author: M.L. Stedman
- Year of Publication: 2012
- Publisher: Random House Australia
The story is about a lighthouse keeper and his wife who find a dead body and a living baby in a boat that has washed ashore.
They choose to keep the child as their own, which creates a moral dilemma once they know the truth. This book tells the moving story of love, loss, and sacrifice set against the backdrop of post-World War I Australia.
7. Atonement
Source: UGC
- Author: Ian McEwan
- Year of Publication: 2001
Atonement is a story that dwells upon the consequences of a false accusation made by a young girl, Cecilia, during World War II. It concerns the tragic effects of two lovers and the years of regret that follow.
The novel's themes of guilt, forgiveness, and redemption are unforgettable and a great work in the best historical fiction books category.
8. The Paris Wife
Source: UGC
- Author: Paula McLain
- Year of Publication: 2011
This novel takes the reader through the stormy marriage between Ernest Hemingway and his first wife, Hadley Richardson, in Paris in the 1920s. It is a well-written story of love, betrayal, and ambition, set in the atmosphere of the Lost Generation.
The book offers a closer glimpse into a well-known literary marriage, making it a good option for fans of historical fiction.
9. The Help
Source: UGC
- Author: Kathryn Stockett
- Year of Publication: 2009
- Publisher: Penguin Books
The Help is a story about three women: two African American maids and a young white journalist who broke the racial barrier and challenged oppression in the American South. It takes place in the 1960s in Mississippi.
It explores the themes of friendship, courage, and social change, offering a powerful narrative of the struggle for civil rights.
10. The Night Watch
Source: UGC
- Writer: Sarah Waters
- Publication year: 2006
The Night Watch is a post-World War II novel that tells the story of four characters in London as they navigate love, loss, and betrayal.
Waters takes into account the social complexity of the period and addresses issues such as concealment, embarrassment, and repentance. It is a well-written novel, widely regarded as one of the best historical fiction novels of all time.
Final word
Whether it's the heartbreaking accounts of survival during WWII or heartwarming love stories, this list of the best historical fiction books will take you to different times and places, proving that historical fiction is one of the most popular genres among literary fans and casual readers.
Are you looking for more information about books that challenge your perspective on love? Tuko.co.ke shared an informative article about books that offer important lessons on loving your partner.
There is no shortage of books that make you think about love differently. Most talk about the sadness that is associated with not being loved or losing a loved one, but in the end, they show that there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. Read the article to learn more about them.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
