Historical fiction set during war times has the power to transport readers to different eras and places, allowing us to experience the world through the eyes of characters from the past. War is a common theme in historical fiction, and some of the best stories set during wartime have come from the experiences of soldiers and civilians who lived through those times. In this post, we will explore some of the best historical fiction set during war times, and the unique perspectives they offer on the human experience during times of conflict.
“All the Light We Cannot See” by Anthony Doerr
This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel is set during World War II and tells the story of two young people on opposite sides of the conflict: Marie-Laure, a blind French girl, and Werner, a German soldier. As their paths cross, they both struggle to maintain their humanity amidst the atrocities of war. Doerr’s writing is beautifully lyrical and evocative, making this a must-read for anyone interested in the human experience during World War II.
And if you’re interested in learning more about the book, be sure to check out my in-depth review to get a deeper understanding of the story and its themes
“Matterhorn” by Karl Marlantes
Set during the Vietnam War, “Matterhorn” follows a group of Marines as they fight their way through the jungles of Vietnam. Marlantes, a Vietnam veteran himself, draws on his own experiences to create a vivid and visceral portrayal of combat, and his characters are complex and fully realized. This is a must-read for anyone interested in the human experience during the Vietnam War.
“The Yellow Birds” by Kevin Powers
Set during the Iraq War, “The Yellow Birds” tells the story of two soldiers, Bartle and Murphy, as they navigate the realities of combat and the emotional toll it takes on them. Powers, a veteran of the Iraq War, draws on his own experiences to create a haunting and beautiful portrayal of war and its aftermath. This is a must-read for anyone interested in the human experience during the Iraq War.
“Birdsong” by Sebastian Faulks
Set during World War I, “Birdsong” tells the story of a young Englishman named Stephen Wraysford who is sent to France to oversee a construction project. As he navigates the realities of war and falls in love with a French woman, Stephen’s life is forever changed. Faulks’ writing is evocative and poetic, and his novel offers a unique perspective on the human experience during World War I.
“The Nightingale” by Kristin Hannah
Set in Nazi-occupied France during World War II, “The Nightingale” tells the story of two sisters who must navigate the dangers of war and find a way to resist the occupation. The elder sister, Vianne, is forced to house a Nazi officer in her home, while the younger sister, Isabelle, joins the French Resistance. This novel explores themes of sacrifice, bravery, and the power of family bonds in the face of unimaginable adversity.
And if you’re interested in learning more about the book, be sure to check out my in-depth review to get a deeper understanding of the story and its themes
“The Book Thief” by Markus Zusak
Narrated by Death itself, “The Book Thief” is set in Nazi Germany during World War II and tells the story of a young girl named Liesel who finds solace in books amidst the horrors of war. This novel explores the power of words and the ways in which they can be used to both oppress and liberate. It is a haunting and unforgettable tale of one girl’s journey through the darkness of war.
And if you’re interested in learning more about the book, be sure to check out my in-depth review to get a deeper understanding of the story and its themes
“The Things They Carried” by Tim O’Brien
This collection of interrelated short stories is set during the Vietnam War and offers a unique perspective on the experiences of soldiers in combat. O’Brien’s writing is raw and honest, and his stories explore themes of fear, loss, and the toll that war takes on the human psyche. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of war and its impact on those who fight it.
“Gone with the Wind” by Margaret Mitchell
Set during the American Civil War, “Gone with the Wind” is a classic novel that explores the lives of Southern aristocrats during the conflict. While some may criticize the book for its romanticization of the Antebellum South, it remains an important work of historical fiction that provides a unique perspective on the human experience during the Civil War.
“The Siege” by Helen Dunmore
Set during the siege of Leningrad in World War II, “The Siege” follows the lives of a young couple, Anna and Andrei, as they struggle to survive amidst the brutal conditions of the siege. Dunmore’s writing is visceral and gripping, and her novel offers a unique perspective on the human experience during the war. The novel highlights the tenacity and resilience of the human spirit in the face of extreme adversity.
“The Killer Angels” by Michael Shaara
Winner of the Pulitzer Prize, “The Killer Angels” is a historical novel that tells the story of the Battle of Gettysburg during the American Civil War. The novel is told from the perspectives of various historical figures, including Robert E. Lee, James Longstreet, and Joshua Chamberlain, and offers a vivid portrayal of the chaos and carnage of war. This is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the human toll of the Civil War.
“The Winds of War” by Herman Wouk
This epic novel is set during World War II and follows the lives of a family of American civilians as they navigate the dangers of the conflict. The novel explores themes of love, loyalty, and sacrifice amidst the horrors of war, and offers a sweeping and unforgettable portrait of the human experience during one of the most catastrophic events in humanhistory. Wouk’s writing is richly detailed and immersive, and his characters are vividly drawn, making this a must-read for anyone interested in the human experience during World War II.
“War and Peace” by Leo Tolstoy
No list of the best historical fiction set during war times would be complete without mentioning “War and Peace.” Set during the Napoleonic Wars, this epic novel explores the lives of various aristocrats and soldiers as they navigate the chaos of war. Tolstoy’s writing is epic in scope, and his characters are richly drawn and unforgettable. This is a must-read for anyone interested in the human experience during times of conflict.
In conclusion, historical fiction set during war times provides a unique perspective on the human experience during times of conflict. From World War II to the American Civil War, these novels offer a glimpse into the lives of soldiers and civilians who lived through those times, and explore themes of sacrifice, bravery, and the toll that war takes on the human psyche.
If you’re a fan of historical fiction, then you know that there’s something undeniably captivating about immersing yourself in a story that takes place during a time of war. Whether you’re looking for an epic saga or a shorter, more intimate tale, this list of novels on this list are sure to transport you to another time and place. From the trenches of World War I to the siege of Leningrad in World War II, these books explore the human experience during some of the most tumultuous periods in history.
So, have you read any of these historical fiction set during war times yet? Which one caught your eye? Whether you’re new to the genre or a longtime fan, there’s something on this list for everyone. So why not pick up one of these novels and experience the power of historical fiction for yourself?