The Ultimate Historical Fiction Reading List: Classics and Hidden Gems
Historical fiction has the remarkable ability to transport readers to different eras, immersing them in captivating narratives that blend fact and imagination. Whether you’re a seasoned historical fiction enthusiast or just beginning to explore the genre, the quest for captivating tales set against historical backdrops is a universal desire.
To help quench your literary thirst, we present to you the ultimate historical fiction reading list. Within these pages, you’ll find a meticulously curated collection of 50 must-read books that will whisk you away to a myriad of time periods, cultures, and locales. From well-known classics that have stood the test of time to hidden gems waiting to be discovered, this list is a treasure trove of literary wonders.
Each book on this list has been chosen for its ability to transport readers, evoke emotions, and provide insights into the past. The authors deftly combine meticulous research with artistic storytelling, bringing history to life with every page. These novels allow you to witness pivotal moments in history, experience the triumphs and tragedies of extraordinary characters, and gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of the human condition.
Within the confines of these books, you’ll encounter unforgettable heroines like Anne Shirley, who enchants readers with her irrepressible spirit and imagination in Anne of Green Gables. You’ll witness the struggles of Jean Valjean in Victor Hugo’s monumental work, Les Misérables, as he navigates a world of poverty, injustice, and redemption. And you’ll stand alongside Scout Finch in Harper Lee’s classic To Kill a Mockingbird as she grapples with racial prejudice and the loss of innocence.
But the journey doesn’t end there. This reading list spans continents and centuries, delving into lesser-known corners of history and shedding light on diverse cultures and untold stories. Pachinko takes us into the lives of a Korean family in Japan, exploring themes of identity, resilience, and the pursuit of dreams. Into the Wilderness sweeps us away to 18th-century America, where Elizabeth Middleton forges her path in the wilderness, navigating love and the clash of cultures.
From well-known classics to lesser-known hidden gems, this ultimate reading list compiles 50 must-read historical fiction books that span a wide range of time periods and settings. Whether you’re a seasoned historical fiction enthusiast or just starting to explore the genre, this list offers a treasure trove of captivating tales to discover.
Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett Set in 12th-century England, this gripping novel weaves a tale of ambition, intrigue, and the construction of a magnificent cathedral. Follett’s meticulous research brings medieval life to vivid detail.
The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco Combining historical fiction and mystery, Eco’s novel is set in a 14th-century Italian monastery. With a backdrop of religious and political turmoil, it explores the investigation of a series of murders.
Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel The first installment of Mantel’s award-winning trilogy, this book captures the intrigue and political maneuverings of Henry VIII’s court through the eyes of Thomas Cromwell.
The Pillars of Rome by Jack Ludlow This Roman Empire saga follows two friends who rise through the ranks of Roman society, navigating the treacherous political landscape and military campaigns of the time.
War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy Regarded as one of the greatest novels of all time, Tolstoy’s epic masterpiece explores the lives of Russian aristocracy during the Napoleonic Wars. It delves into themes of love, war, and the human condition.
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak Set in Nazi Germany, this poignant tale narrated by Death tells the story of a young girl named Liesel, who finds solace in books during a time of great adversity.
The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet by David Mitchell – Mitchell’s novel transports readers to 18th-century Japan, where a young Dutch clerk becomes entangled in a web of love, honor, and deception in a secluded trading post.
Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell – A sweeping American Civil War epic, this classic follows the indomitable Scarlett O’Hara as she navigates love, loss, and the changing societal dynamics of the South.
The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova – Blending history and folklore, this mesmerizing novel takes readers on a quest to uncover the truth behind the legend of Vlad the Impaler and the pursuit of immortality.
The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón – Set in post-war Barcelona, this enchanting story revolves around a young boy who becomes obsessed with a mysterious author and uncovers a hidden world of books and secrets.
Shogun by James Clavell – This gripping historical epic explores the clash of cultures as an English ship pilot becomes immersed in the political intrigues and samurai culture of feudal Japan.
All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr – Amidst the backdrop of World War II, this Pulitzer Prize-winning novel follows the lives of a blind French girl and a German boy whose paths eventually converge.
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee – Set in the racially divided American South during the 1930s, this Pulitzer Prize-winning novel is narrated by Scout Finch, a young girl who bears witness to the injustice and prejudice prevailing in her community. Through Scout’s eyes, we experience the trial of Tom Robinson, a black man falsely accused of rape, and the moral integrity of her father, Atticus Finch, who becomes a symbol of courage and empathy. Harper Lee’s timeless classic tackles themes of racism, innocence, and the loss of childhood innocence.
The Alienist by Caleb Carr – Set in 19th-century New York City, this gripping psychological thriller follows a team of investigators as they track down a serial killer, delving into the emerging field of criminal profiling.
The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy – A swashbuckling adventure set during the French Revolution, this classic tale centers around a mysterious hero who rescues French aristocrats from the guillotine.
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller – Retelling the story of Achilles and the Trojan War, Miller’s novel offers a compelling exploration of love, honor, and the consequences of fate.
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon – Blending romance and time travel, this beloved series begins with Claire Randall, a World War II nurse, who finds herself transported to 18th-century Scotland amidst political turmoil.
The Miniaturist by Jessie Burton – Set in 17th-century Amsterdam, this atmospheric tale follows a young woman who receives a dollhouse that eerily mirrors her life, revealing secrets and unraveling a mysterious plot.
The Winds of War by Herman Wouk – Spanning the years leading up to and during World War II, this sweeping novel follows the Henry family’s experiences across Europe and the United States.
The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas – A timeless tale of revenge, this classic depicts the wrongful imprisonment and subsequent quest for vengeance by Edmond Dantès in 19th-century France.
The Crimson Petal and the White by Michel Faber – Set in Victorian London, this richly detailed novel delves into the life of a young prostitute, Sugar, and her journey through the city’s social hierarchy.
The Glass Palace by Amitav Ghosh – Spanning Burma, India, and Malaya, this sweeping saga explores the intertwined lives of characters against the backdrop of colonialism, war, and political upheaval.
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah – Set in occupied France during World War II, this moving tale follows two sisters as they navigate love, loss, and the resistance movement.
The Last Kingdom by Bernard Cornwell– The first in the Saxon Stories series, this novel chronicles the Viking invasions of England through the eyes of Uhtred of Bebbanburg, a young Saxon nobleman.
Into the Wilderness by Sara Donati – Set in the 18th century, this novel introduces Elizabeth Middleton, a headstrong Englishwoman who leaves her comfortable life in England to join her father in the vast wilderness of upstate New York. As Elizabeth adapts to the rugged frontier, she forms relationships with the Mohawk people and encounters Nathaniel Bonner, a white man with strong ties to the native community. Against the backdrop of the American Revolution, this tale intertwines romance, adventure, and the clash of cultures.
The Color Purple by Alice Walker – Set in the early 20th century, this powerful novel explores the life of Celie, an African American woman in the Southern United States, addressing themes of racism, sexism, and resilience.
The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson – Blending true crime and historical fiction, this book tells the chilling story of the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago and the serial killer who used the event as a hunting ground.
The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan – Spanning generations and continents, this novel delves into the complex relationships between Chinese immigrant mothers and their American-born daughters, revealing the power of heritage and the struggle for identity.
The English Patient by Michael Ondaatje – Set in Italy at the end of World War II, this hauntingly beautiful novel explores the lives of four characters whose paths intertwine in a deserted Italian villa.
A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens – Set during the French Revolution, this classic novel follows the lives of characters caught in the turmoil of the era, highlighting themes of sacrifice, redemption, and social injustice.
The Siege of Krishnapur by J.G. Farrell – Set in 19th-century India, this darkly humorous novel depicts the lives of British colonists as they grapple with a prolonged siege and question their beliefs and values.
The Hunchback of Notre-Dame by Victor Hugo – This Gothic masterpiece takes readers to 15th-century Paris, where the lives of various characters, including the hunchback Quasimodo, intersect against the backdrop of the Notre-Dame Cathedral.
The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd – Inspired by the lives of real-life abolitionist Sarah Grimké and her slave, Hetty Handful Grimké, this novel explores the complexities of slavery and the struggle for freedom in 19th-century America.
The Tea Rose by Jennifer Donnelly – Set in Victorian London, this sweeping saga follows the journey of a young woman named Fiona Finnegan, who overcomes adversity to build her own tea empire.
The Paris Wife by Paula McLain – Based on the real-life relationship between Ernest Hemingway and his first wife, Hadley Richardson, this novel provides a glimpse into the vibrant expatriate literary scene in 1920s Paris.
The Red Tent by Anita Diamant – Set in biblical times, this novel reimagines the story of Dinah, the daughter of Jacob and Leah, giving voice to the women of the Old Testament.
Pachinko by Min Jin Lee – Spanning several generations, Pachinko tells the story of a Korean family living in Japan. Beginning in the early 1900s and continuing through the turbulent 20th century, the novel explores the complexities of identity, love, and resilience. With a backdrop of discrimination and societal pressures, the characters navigate their lives, aspirations, and sacrifices in pursuit of a better future for themselves and their descendants.
The Samurai’s Garden by Gail Tsukiyama – Against the backdrop of World War II, this contemplative novel follows a Chinese student named Stephen as he seeks solace and healing in a coastal Japanese village.
Alias Grace by Margaret Atwood – Based on a true story, this novel explores the life of Grace Marks, a convicted murderer in 19th-century Canada, blending history, psychology, and social commentary.
The Agony and the Ecstasy by Irving Stone – This biographical novel chronicles the life of Michelangelo Buonarroti, the renowned Italian artist and sculptor of the Renaissance.
The Luminaries by Eleanor Catton – Set in 19th-century New Zealand during the gold rush, this intricate novel weaves together multiple narratives and complex characters, creating a compelling mystery.
The Physician by Noah Gordon – This historical saga follows the journey of a young Englishman who disguises himself as a Jew to study medicine in Persia during the 11th century.
The Ashes of London by Andrew Taylor – Set in the aftermath of the Great Fire of London in 1666, this gripping mystery follows a young detective tasked with solving a series of murders amid political intrigue.
The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead – This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel reimagines the Underground Railroad as an actual network of secret railways, following a young slave named Cora as she seeks freedom.
Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden – This captivating novel offers a glimpse into the secretive world of geishas in pre- and post-World War II Japan, exploring themes of identity, love, and tradition.
The Song of Bernadette by Franz Werfel – Based on the true story of Bernadette Soubirous, a young girl who claimed to have seen visions of the Virgin Mary in Lourdes, France, this novel delves into faith, miracles, and religious devotion.
Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery – This beloved coming-of-age story follows Anne Shirley, a spirited and imaginative orphan, who is mistakenly sent to live with Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert on Prince Edward Island. Anne’s vibrant personality, zest for life, and endearing mishaps captivate the hearts of the Cuthberts and the readers alike, as she navigates her way through childhood and adolescence, leaving an indelible mark on the community of Avonlea.
Les Misérables by Victor Hugo – Considered one of the greatest novels of the 19th century, Les Misérables is an epic tale set against the backdrop of post-Napoleonic France. Hugo’s masterpiece weaves together the lives of various characters, including the kindhearted ex-convict Jean Valjean, the relentless police inspector Javert, and the tragic figure of Fantine. This sweeping narrative explores themes of redemption, love, justice, and social inequality, leaving a lasting impact on readers worldwide.
The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver – Set in the 1960s, this novel follows the Price family, led by the zealous Baptist missionary, Nathan Price, who moves his wife and four daughters from Georgia to the Belgian Congo. Through the alternating perspectives of the family members, the story delves into their experiences, struggles, and transformations as they grapple with the harsh realities of colonialism, cultural clashes, and personal growth. The Poisonwood Bible offers a compelling exploration of faith, guilt, and the consequences of well-intentioned but misguided actions.
Have you read any of the books mentioned on our The Ultimate Historical Fiction Reading List: Classics and Hidden Gems?
Historical fiction offers a gateway to the past, allowing readers to experience different time periods, cultures, and events through the lens of captivating storytelling. This elaborate reading list of 50 must-read historical fiction books encompasses a vast array of settings and themes, from ancient civilizations to more recent historical events. Whether you’re seeking classic tales or hidden gems, these books promise to transport you to bygone eras, offering a blend of entertainment, education, and literary delight. Happy reading!