Awesome Historical Fiction Books for your TBR
If you love stories that transport you to another time and place, historical fiction is the ultimate escape. Whether it’s ancient empires, war torn cities, or a quiet life shaped by monumental events, these books blend history with storytelling to make the past come alive. Even better, many of these stories center on remarkable women whose resilience, courage, and complexity make these tales truly unforgettable. Let’s dive into some of the best historical fiction books that will captivate your imagination and tug at your heartstrings.
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
At the heart of The Nightingale are two sisters, Vianne and Isabelle, whose paths diverge during the horrors of Nazi-occupied France. Vianne quietly fights for her family’s survival at home, while Isabelle risks her life as part of the French Resistance. These two women are flawed, brave, and so vividly written that you’ll feel their triumphs and heartbreak as your own.
Pachinko by Min Jin Lee
This sweeping saga follows Sunja, a Korean woman whose life is upended when she becomes pregnant by a married man. Her decision to marry a kind minister and move to Japan sets off a story that spans generations, tracing the lives of Sunja’s descendants. At its core, Pachinko is about the strength and sacrifice of women in the face of relentless challenges.
The Alice Network by Kate Quinn
This dual-timeline novel weaves together the lives of two extraordinary women. Eve Gardiner is a hardened ex-spy from World War I, while Charlie St. Clair is a bold American college girl in 1947 searching for her missing cousin. Their unlikely partnership reveals Eve’s past as part of the real-life Alice Network of female spies.
The Red Tent by Anita Diamant
Dinah, the only daughter of Jacob and sister of Joseph, takes center stage in this reimagining of her biblical story. Through Dinah’s eyes, we see the lives of the women in her family—their joys, sorrows, and sacred moments within the red tent, a place of refuge and connection.
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Narrated by Death himself, The Book Thief tells the story of Liesel Meminger, a young girl living in Nazi Germany. As war rages, Liesel finds solace in books, her bond with her foster father, and her friendship with a Jewish man hiding in her basement.
Circe by Madeline Miller
This retelling of Greek mythology centers on Circe, a witch and daughter of the sun god Helios. Rejected by gods and mortals alike, Circe carves her own path, using her power to transform enemies into monsters and challenge those who underestimate her.
Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi
This novel follows the descendants of two half-sisters from 18th-century Ghana—one married to a British colonizer and the other sold into slavery. As the story unfolds across 300 years, we see how the choices of the past ripple through generations.
A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles
Count Alexander Rostov is sentenced to house arrest in Moscow’s grand Metropol Hotel after the Russian Revolution. Though confined, the Count’s life is filled with meaningful connections, including a touching bond with Nina, a young girl who helps him rediscover the joys of life.
The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles
Inspired by the true story of the American Library in Paris during World War II, this novel follows Odile Souchet, a librarian who risks everything to serve her community during the Nazi occupation. Decades later, her story intertwines with that of Lily, a curious teenager in Montana, revealing the power of books to connect us across generations.
