Historical fiction allows readers to experience the past in a way no textbook can. It blends the facts of history with the emotional resonance of compelling storytelling. Whether you’re new to the genre or a seasoned reader, these ten books offer gripping plots, complex characters, and unforgettable settings.
Here’s a curated list of the 10 best historical fiction books you should read in 2025, featuring everything from wartime Europe to dynastic Korea.
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Start Writing History Today1. All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
Set during World War II, this Pulitzer Prize-winning novel follows a blind French girl and a young German soldier whose paths eventually cross in Nazi-occupied France. With poetic prose and haunting imagery, Doerr captures the human cost of war and the unlikely beauty that can still be found amid darkness.
Why You’ll Love It:
A masterclass in atmospheric writing and emotional depth, this novel is unforgettable for its intimate look at survival, hope, and connection.
2. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Narrated by Death, this internationally acclaimed novel tells the story of Liesel, a young girl living in Nazi Germany who steals books and shares them with others—even during the darkest days of war. It’s a heartbreaking yet hopeful tale of humanity, language, and resistance.
Why You’ll Love It:
The unique narration and focus on the power of words make this a standout in historical fiction. It’s emotional, literary, and unforgettable.
3. Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel
Dive deep into the political machinations of Henry VIII’s court through the eyes of Thomas Cromwell. Winner of the Booker Prize, this novel is part of a trilogy that redefines Tudor-era fiction with psychological nuance and rich historical detail.
Why You’ll Love It:
If you love palace intrigue, complex character studies, and detailed world-building, this meticulously researched novel is a must.
4. Atonement by Ian McEwan
A moving story about a lie that changes the lives of two lovers forever. Set in England before and during WWII, Atonement examines love, guilt, class, and the power of storytelling.
Why You’ll Love It:
It’s emotionally devastating and beautifully written, asking tough questions about truth, regret, and forgiveness.
5. Schindler’s Ark by Thomas Keneally
(Published in the U.S. as Schindler’s List)
Based on the true story of Oskar Schindler, a German industrialist who saved over 1,200 Jews during the Holocaust, this Booker Prize-winning novel is both horrifying and heroic.
Why You’ll Love It:
It honors real courage during one of history’s darkest periods, reminding us of the power of individual resistance.
6. The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt
While not strictly traditional historical fiction, The Goldfinch spans decades and weaves in rich art history, family trauma, and existential questions. After a terrorist attack, a boy’s life is changed forever when he steals a famous painting.
Why You’ll Love It:
A Pulitzer Prize-winner that blends the personal and historical with lush detail and a deeply reflective tone.
7. The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai
This novel interweaves the 1980s AIDS crisis in Chicago with a modern-day search for answers in Paris. It’s about memory, love, friendship, and survival against all odds.
Why You’ll Love It:
Both timelines are emotionally immersive and highlight an often-overlooked piece of history with sensitivity and power.
8. The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett
A sweeping epic centered on the building of a cathedral in 12th-century England. This novel is filled with ambition, betrayal, romance, and conflict—set against a backdrop of medieval politics and religion.
Why You’ll Love It:
With over a thousand pages of drama, passion, and intrigue, it’s an engrossing historical journey for readers who love long, epic narratives.
9. Pachinko by Min Jin Lee
Spanning four generations, Pachinko tells the story of a Korean family exiled in Japan, exploring issues of identity, love, loyalty, and survival during a time of war, occupation, and discrimination.
Why You’ll Love It:
Rich in historical context and emotional resonance, this novel sheds light on a less-explored cultural history with elegance and compassion.
10. The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
Set in Nazi-occupied France, this emotional novel follows two sisters who take very different paths through the war. It’s a story of courage, resilience, and the power of women’s roles in resistance movements.
Why You’ll Love It:
Beautifully written and emotionally powerful, this novel gives voice to the often-unheard stories of women in wartime.
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Publish With EstorytellersFinal Thoughts
Historical fiction is more than just a glimpse into the past—it’s a powerful way to explore human nature, resilience, and the lessons that history has to teach us. The books listed here aren’t just celebrated for their literary value—they’re loved for their ability to make readers feel deeply connected to the people and moments that shaped the world.
If you’re drawn to the tragedies of war, the complexities of identity, or the grandeur of empires past, there’s something on this list that will move, challenge, and inspire you.
