My Top 10 Fiction Books for History Lovers

I am a huge history-buff and love to learn about different historical eras and events that happened around the world. I enjoy learning about history through historical fiction books, rather than non-fiction books. This is because I find non-fiction boring (sorry non-fiction lovers!). Personally, fiction does a better job of transporting me to the place and time that I’m reading about. It really puts me in the character’s shoes.

I tend to gravitate towards historical fiction books with a female-centric story/narration. Please keep that in mind when looking through my list.

NOTE: I have no spoilers here because that would just be cruel.  

I hope you enjoy this list of the top ten historical fiction books that I’ve read lately!

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

My favourite historical fiction novel that I have read to date. The Nightingale is the story of two sisters, Vianne and Isabelle, living in France during WWII. Vianne’s husband leaves for the front and when the Nazi’s invade, a soldier is assigned to live in her home. Meanwhile, rebellious Isabelle joins the Resistance. You won’t want to put this one down!

The Alice Network by Kate Quinn

A story that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The Alice Network revolves around two women who meet in 1947; young and pregnant Charlie St. Clair, and aging alcoholic Eve Gardiner who are connected in a tragic way. The flashbacks to Eve’s past when she worked as a spy for the real-life Alice Network during WWI are both fascinating and terrifying.   

All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

Talk about a tear-jerker. All the Light We Cannot See weaves the stories of Marie-Laure LeBlanc, a young blind girl in France and Werner Pfennig, a young orphan in Germany during WWII. You’ll have to read the book to find out how their stories relate and how they cross paths! 

The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd

It’s obvious why The Invention of Wings was selected for Oprah’s Book Club. Much to her dismay, eleven-year old Sarah Grimke (a real historical figure) is given ownership of a slave, Hatty “Handful” Grimke. The story follows the lives of the two women as they both fight for freedom in their own ways. So inspiring.  

Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly  

Lilac Girls has three narrators: Caroline Ferriday, a wealthy New York socialite (and real-life heroine) working at the French Consulate during WWII; Kasia Kuzmerick, a polish teenager who is sent to Ravensbrück, the notorious Nazi concentration camp for women; and Herta Oberheuser, a young German doctor who takes a job for a “government medical position” at Ravensbrück. An eye-opening account of what should be a well-known story from WWII.  

Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate

Before reading Before We Were Yours, I had no idea what happened at the infamous Tennessee Children’s Home Society. The story starts in 1939, where the five siblings of the impoverished Foss family are kidnapped from their Memphis home. They are brought to an orphanage run by real-life evil Georgia Tann. Georgia sold poor children to wealthy families all over the country.     

Mademoiselle Chanel by C. W. Gortner

Being fascinated with the 1920s, I really enjoyed reading this narrative of Gabrielle (Coco) Chanel’s interesting life. Born into poverty, Gabrielle works hard to transform herself into Coco. She eventually becomes one of the most famous fashion designers around the world and liberating women from the “corseted silhouette” of the past. However, the part of her story that really captivated me was her involvement in Nazi-occupied Paris during WWII. 

Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald by Therese Anne Fowler

Another book set during the 1920s that I loved about the very first flapper, Zelda Fitzgerald. The reckless Southern belle meets F. Scott Fitzgerald at age 17 and her life is forever changed. After Scott sells his first novel, Zelda’s father gives her permission to marry him. We get to come along for the ride during their infamously tumultuous marriage and rise to fame.   

America’s First Daughter by Stephanie Dray & Laura Kamoie

America’s First Daughter tells the relatively unknown story of Thomas Jefferson’s daughter, Martha “Patsy” Jefferson Randolph. After the death of her mother, Patsy takes on the role as her famous father’s companion and she travels with him to France. It is there that she discovers his secret and also falls in love with his protégé William Short. The story follows her quest to save her father’s reputation all the way to his time in the White House.  

The Accidental Empress (Sisi Trilogy) by Allison Pataki

The Sisi Trilogy by Allison Pataki is a series that is very special to me. I learned a lot about Empress Elisabeth of Austria during my travels to the country. I became completely fascinated by her. She reminds me of a 19th century Marie Antoinette! This series had me so excited to learn more about her very interesting and quite tragic life.

Bonus: The Hidden Diary of Marie Antoinette by Carolly Erickson

I didn’t include this one in the list because I read it so long ago. It was my first historical fiction book that I read outside of school! After a trip to Paris at age 13 where I visited Versailles, I became obsessed with Marie Antoinette. When my mom gave me this book upon our return home, I couldn’t wait to learn more about the Queen. The book is a wonderful account of Marie Antoinette’s life from when she was a little girl up until her execution. I’ve read this book multiple times and it never fails to make me cry! 

I hope you enjoyed this list of my top 10 historical fiction books!

To read my blog post, “My Top 15 WWII Historical Fiction Books,” click here.
To read my blog post, “My Top 10 Thriller/Mystery Books,” click here.