Maybe it’s because my mom is a history teacher, so I grew up immersed in classroom, soaking up all the American history that I could. Maybe it’s because these books are informative but not boring. Whatever the reason, my favorite genre of books, and the genre I keep coming back to when I’m in a slump, is historical fiction.
Why historical fiction?
Of the six books I’ve read this month, three of them have been historical fiction. One of them was set in WWII France, another was set during the Spanish flu outbreak in America during WWI. Some have been love stories, other have been stories of bravery and adventure. The great thing about historical fiction is that, so often, it gives me a view of history that I otherwise wouldn’t have experienced.
I knew nothing about the Scottish rebellion until Outlander and The Winter Sea came along. I had no idea that the Spanish flu was a thing in the United States until I read As Bright As Heaven (review coming next week!). I absolutely fell in love with everything Henry Tudor after reading The Other Boleyn Girl. I’m not saying that these books are the only history books that you will ever need — because they are fiction, we know they are embellished and turned to make a good story. But they give us insight into the time period.
My favorite books, the ones that stick with me the longest, are often books about the marginalized or forgotten during that time period. Seeing how the normal people (rather than the kings and queens) lived their day-to-day lives in what feels like a different world fascinates me. I find more connection with these characters. Even in The Other Boleyn Girl, we get the point of view of Mary, the spurned Boleyn sister. Seeing court from her eyes presents a different picture than if we were in Anne Boleyn’s mind.
Pre-World War Novels
I’ve mentioned The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory multiple times, as it is one of the first historical fiction novels that really caught my attention. I went into a real Tudor kick for a while after reading that one! Here are a few more recommendations for books that were set long ago.
The great thing about this list is how diverse it is! Memoirs of a Geisha is set in old school Japan, and discusses the lives and trials of their most famous women. Outlander and The Winter Sea, as I mentioned before, both go back to the Scottish war for independence. The Song of Achilles is about Achilles, of course, but this Women’s Prize winning book takes Achilles’ tale in a new direction.
World War Novels
You will find no shortage of good World War historical fiction. In fact, I’d guess that there is more of this genre of historical fiction than any other time period, because there are so many stories to be told. That being said, here are a few I’ve read and would recommend.
These novels dive right into what the world was like during WWII. The Nightingale and All the Light We Cannot See are both set in France during Nazi occupation, and they feature ordinary characters dealing with this extraordinary situation. Code Name Verity is my favorite YA historical fiction, and the main character is a badass female fighter pilot! Along the Infinite Sea takes place in Europe during the war, but the focus is more a love story than the war itself.
As Bright As Heaven is a recent publication that is set in the United States during WWI and the Spanish influenza outbreak. The Light Between Oceans is set in Australia (well… mostly off the coast of Australia in a lighthouse). The Alice Network is a mostly present day story, with flashbacks going back to Europe during WWII.
Post-World War Novels
With the popularity of the TV show The Crown and other historical shows set in the 50s-70s, there have been more historical fiction being written set in the post-World War decades. I haven’t read many, but here are a few recommendations.
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society is written entirely in letters, and this book is so heartwarming. The Broken Girls flashes back and forth between present day and the 1950s, at a boarding school that houses some dark secrets. The Secret Life of Bees, which is one of the first historical fiction novels that I fell in love with, is set in the southern United States in 1964, in the middle of the civil rights movement (which, honestly, could make up a list all on its own).
On My To Read List
I’ve devoured historical fiction at an alarming rate (well, alarming only in that my kitchen is a disaster because I’ve spent most of my down time reading), but these are a few historical fiction novels on my radar.
This list could have honestly had many more books on it, but there’s only so much writing I can do at once. Which of these on my To Read list should I start with? Did I miss any of your favorites? Let me know in the comments!
