As one of the most popular book genres, Goodreads defines historical fiction is defined as:
“…Novels that re-create a period or event in history and often use historical figures as some of its characters. To be deemed historical, a novel must have been written at least fifty years after the events described.”
I’ve read my fair share of historical fiction novels and have yet to be disappointed by one. If you are an avid fan of the genre, or are looking to get your feet wet and read more historical fiction, any of these novels below would be a great start.
1. Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden
2. Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell
3. The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett
4. The Other Boleyn Girl by Phillippa Gregory
5. The Red Tent by Anita Diamant
Source: NPR
6. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
7. Girl with a Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier
8. Shōgun (Asian Saga, #1) by James Clavell
9. The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough
10. The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova
Source: io9
11. The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco
12. Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry
13. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer
14. Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier
15. Roots: The Saga of an American Family by Alex Haley
16. Year of Wonders by Geraldine Brooks
17. Atonement by Ian McEwan
18. The Alienist (Dr. Laszlo Kreizler, #1) by Caleb Carr
19. Katherine by Anya Seton
20. The English Patient by Michael Ondaatje
Source: Paula Wynne
21. The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare
22. Perfume: The Story of a Murderer by Patrick Süskind
23. Pope Joan by Donna Woolfolk Cross
24. The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne
25. Sarum: The Novel of England by Edward Rutherfurd
History is happening as we speak, therefore I don’t think there will be any shortage of historical fiction stories anytime soon. What’s your favorite time period to read about?
For more historical fiction, consider checking out the following:
- 7 Constructive Tips On Writing Historical Fiction
- You’ve Never Hear Of Them? 6 Very Underrated Historical Fiction Authors
- 5 Books That Will Make You Fall Totally In Love With Historical Fiction
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmB8Frgcq88
YouTube Channel: suddenlylorna
Featured image via Making History Matter
h/t Goodreads
