Historical Fiction Favorites to Read Right Now

Historical Fiction Favorites to Read Right Now

We asked our readers to transport themselves through time and share their top picks for historical fiction that captivates and enthralls. The allure of historical fiction lies in its ability to weave imaginative narratives within the rich tapestry of the past, transporting readers to different eras and cultures. As we delved into the recommendations, it became evident that historical fiction enthusiasts are a diverse group with a penchant for exploring the untold stories and forgotten moments that have shaped our world. In this blog post, we’ve curated a list of historical fiction favorites that promise to transport you to intriguing periods, offering a literary escape that seamlessly merges the realms of the past and present.

From epic tales of ancient civilizations to intimate stories set against the backdrop of World War II, our readers have uncovered hidden gems that breathe life into bygone eras. Each recommendation not only showcases meticulous research and attention to historical detail but also skillfully intertwines these elements with compelling characters and narratives. As we embark on this literary journey, prepare to be immersed in the vivid landscapes of history, guided by the insightful choices of our well-read community. Whether you’re a history buff or a fiction aficionado, these historical novels are sure to ignite your imagination and provide a gateway to the past that feels both authentic and captivating. So, without further ado, let’s explore the pages of our readers’ historical fiction favorites and unearth the stories that have left an indelible mark on their hearts and minds.

Axios and Eryx by Jaclyn Osborn

Jaclyn Osborn’s Axios and Eryx transports readers to the enchanting world of ancient Greece, where gods, mortals, and the enduring power of myth converge in a mesmerizing tale. The narrative unfolds through the experiences of Axios, a mortal bound to divine servitude, and Eryx, a deity navigating the complexities of divine responsibilities. With rich detail and captivating storytelling, Osborn breathes life into ancient mythology, providing readers with an immersive journey through the realms of both gods and men.

Get it now: Amazon

Necessary Lies by Diane Chamberlain

Set in 1960s North Carolina, Diane Chamberlain’s Necessary Lies is a powerful historical novel that explores the impact of eugenics policies on individuals and families. The story revolves around Jane Forrester, a social worker whose path becomes entangled with the lives of her clients, revealing the harsh realities of a dark chapter in American history. Chamberlain’s compelling narrative sheds light on the struggles of the characters against the backdrop of a turbulent time, making Necessary Lies a thought-provoking exploration of a challenging period in American society.

Get it now: Amazon

 At the Water’s Edge by Sara Gruen

Sara Gruen’s At the Water’s Edge whisks readers away to the Scottish Highlands during World War II. The novel follows a wealthy American couple and their friend on a quest to prove the existence of the Loch Ness Monster. Gruen seamlessly weaves historical detail with themes of love, redemption, and the search for meaning during challenging times. At the Water’s Edge promises a captivating journey through history and the human spirit against the stunning backdrop of the Scottish landscape, offering a compelling narrative that is both atmospheric and emotionally resonant.

Get it now: Amazon

Related: Immersive Historical Fiction Books Based on True Events

 Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah

Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah is a poignant family drama that explores the complex relationships between two sisters and their mother. Set against the backdrop of World War II and the present day, the novel delves into the impact of secrets, loss, and the enduring bonds of family. Hannah’s narrative skillfully weaves together historical events and personal stories.

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The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson

The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson is a gripping work of narrative nonfiction that intertwines the stories of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago and the notorious serial killer H.H. Holmes. Larson seamlessly weaves together history, architecture, and true crime, providing a captivating and atmospheric account of a pivotal moment in American history.

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Dakota: A Spiritual Geography by Kathleen Norris

Dakota: A Spiritual Geography by Kathleen Norris is a reflective exploration of the author’s experiences living in the Great Plains. Norris combines personal anecdotes, historical research, and spiritual insights to paint a vivid portrait of the landscape and the people of the Dakotas. The book offers a unique perspective on the intersection of nature, community, and spirituality.

Get it now: Amazon

Related: Captivating Historical Fiction Books That Educate and Entertain

Where the Lost Wander by Amy Harmon

Where the Lost Wander by Amy Harmon is a historical romance novel set against the backdrop of the Oregon Trail in the mid-19th century. The story follows the journey of a young widow, Naomi May, and a half-Pawnee man, John Lowry, as they navigate the challenges of the trail and forge a deep connection. Harmon’s narrative beautifully captures the harsh realities and tender moments of frontier life.

Get it now: Amazon

 Year of Wonders by Geraldine Brooks

Geraldine Brooks’ Year of Wonders is set in a 17th-century English village during the plague. The novel follows Anna Frith, a young widow, as she grapples with loss, fear, and the moral complexities of the choices made by her community. Brooks weaves a gripping narrative that explores the resilience of the human spirit in the face of tragedy.

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 The History of Love by Nicole Krauss

The History of Love by Nicole Krauss is a beautifully written novel that weaves together the lives of Leo Gursky and Alma Singer. The narrative unfolds through multiple perspectives, offering a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the enduring impact of literature on the human experience.

Get it now: Amazon

Related: Empowering Historical Fiction Books with Strong Female Protagonists…

The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough

Colleen McCullough’s The Thorn Birds is an epic family saga set in the Australian Outback. The novel spans decades and follows the Cleary family, exploring themes of forbidden love, ambition, and the impact of choices on future generations.

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The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver

Barbara Kingsolver’s The Poisonwood Bible takes readers to the heart of the Congo in the 1960s, where the Price family faces cultural clashes, political upheaval, and personal transformations. Kingsolver’s novel is a powerful exploration of colonialism, family dynamics, and the consequences of idealism in the face of harsh realities.

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The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak is a mesmerizing historical novel set in Nazi Germany during World War II. Narrated by Death, the story follows Liesel Meminger, a young girl living with a foster family, as she discovers the power of words and literature amidst the turmoil of war. Zusak’s masterful storytelling captures the resilience of the human spirit and explores themes of love, friendship, and the enduring impact of storytelling, making The Book Thief a poignant addition to the list of historical fiction favorites.

Get it now: Amazon

Atonement  by Ian McEwan’s

Ian McEwan’s Atonement is a gripping novel that begins in pre-World War II England and follows the consequences of a young girl’s misunderstanding. The narrative unfolds through shifting perspectives, exploring themes of guilt, forgiveness, and the profound impact of choices on individual lives.

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Lady Tan’s Circle of Women by Lisa See

Lady Tan’s Circle of Women by Lisa See is a historical novel set in 17th-century China, providing a glimpse into this intricate world. In Ming dynasty China, Tan Yunxian, despite Confucian beliefs that deem educated women as worthless, is raised by her grandmother to be a skilled female doctor, learning the Four Examinations of Chinese medicine. Bonding with a midwife-in-training, Meiling, they defy societal norms to support each other in understanding women’s health. As Yunxian faces the challenges of an arranged marriage and societal restrictions, her story becomes a triumphant narrative of breaking free from traditional roles, emphasizing the enduring power of friendship among women. See’s storytelling beautifully captures the relationships, intrigues, and challenges faced by these women in a society marked by power and tradition.

Get it now: Amazon

The Dovekeepers by Alice Hoffman

The Dovekeepers by Alice Hoffman is a captivating historical novel set during the siege of Masada in ancient Judea. Hoffman weaves together the stories of four women, each with a unique perspective and background, as they navigate love, loss, and survival in a tumultuous time. The novel skillfully combines historical accuracy with elements of magical realism, creating a rich and immersive narrative.

Get it now: Amazon

In the diverse tapestry of historical fiction, we embarked on a captivating journey through time and space, guided by the recommendations of our well-read community. From the enchanting realms of ancient Greece in Jaclyn Osborn’s Axios and Eryx to the turbulent 1960s North Carolina depicted in Diane Chamberlain’s Necessary Lies, each book offered a unique portal into the past, weaving tales of gods, mortals, societal struggles, and personal triumphs.

As we traversed the pages of Sara Gruen’s At the Water’s Edge in the Scottish Highlands, delved into the familial complexities of Kristin Hannah’s Winter Garden, and witnessed the gripping blend of history and true crime in Erik Larson’s The Devil in the White City, the power of historical fiction to transport and illuminate became evident. These novels not only provided a window into different eras but also explored universal themes of love, resilience, and the enduring human spirit.

Whether navigating the challenges of the Oregon Trail with Amy Harmon’s Where the Lost Wander, witnessing the impact of the plague in Geraldine Brooks’ Year of Wonders, or delving into the beautifully woven narrative of Nicole Krauss’s The History of Love, each book resonated with the richness of historical detail and the timeless threads that connect past and present. As we close this chapter on historical fiction favorites, let these stories linger, reminding us that within the pages of these novels, we find not only tales of bygone eras but reflections of the enduring human experience.