The best historical fiction takes you back in time to learn about locations, events, and ways of life you may not know about. The stories also introduce you to memorable characters who represent both the good and the bad sides of society during a given time period.

The historical fiction genre is one of my favorites, perhaps because the novels are a good reminder of where we’ve been and how far we’ve come. Or maybe I like them for the nostalgia.

If you also enjoy a good historical fiction book, perhaps your next favorite novel is on this list. I’ve only included books that received at least a 4.2-star rating from Amazon customers, but most of them are rated much higher.

For efficiency, I used artificial intelligence to summarize the books I haven’t read, and my own summaries (plus links to my reviews) for the ones I have.

I hope you enjoy perusing this list of top historical fiction books as much as I enjoyed putting it together. Let’s get started.

This post may contain Amazon Affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn a small commission, at no additional cost to you, from qualifying purchases. (This in no way affects the honesty of my reviews!) All commissions will be donated to the ALS Association.

1. The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett

The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett is an epic historical novel set in 12th-century England, centered around the construction of a cathedral in the fictional town of Kingsbridge. The story weaves together the lives of various characters, including master builder Tom Builder, Prior Philip, noblewoman Aliena, and monk Brother Jack, as they navigate political, religious, and personal challenges while striving to build the cathedral. Through love, betrayal, ambition, and perseverance, the novel explores themes of power, faith, and the enduring human spirit against the backdrop of medieval England. (Source: ChatGPT)

2. West with Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge

One of my favorite historical fiction books! West with Giraffes is a wonderful novel based on the true story of the cross-country road trip America’s first giraffes took in 1938. It’s also a coming of age story that demonstrates the positive influence caring friends and gentle animals can have on a young man’s life. (Source: me)

Check out my review of West with Giraffes.

3. The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón

The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón is an engaging story set in post-war Barcelona. Young Daniel’s life is forever changed when he discovers “The Shadow of the Wind,” a mysterious book written by a little-known author. As Daniel delves into Carax’s life and the secrets surrounding his works, he uncovers a dark and intricate web of love, tragedy, and a relentless pursuit by a menacing figure who wants to erase all of Carax’s books from existence. The novel intertwines mystery, romance, and a love for literature, immersing readers in a story that spans generations and explores the power of storytelling. (Source: ChatGPT)

4. The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory

The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory tells the story of Mary Boleyn, sister of the infamous Anne Boleyn, and their relationships with King Henry VIII of England. The novel explores the intense rivalry between the sisters as they vie for the king’s favor, depicting their experiences within the Tudor court, their marriages, and the political intrigue that surrounds them. Through the eyes of Mary Boleyn, the book delves into the complexities of ambition, power, and the dramatic events that defined one of the most tumultuous periods in English history. (Source: ChatGPT)

5. Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry

A classic and Pulitzer Prize winner. At a very simplistic level, Lonesome Dove is the story of four former, ageing Texas Rangers who undergo a cattle drive from southern Texas to unsettled Montana in the latter half of the 1800s. But this top-rated historical fiction is more complex than that. Inspired by Dante’s Inferno, author Larry McMurtry weaves a tale filled with flawed characters, violence, and betrayal set in the American frontier. (Source: me)

Read my review of Lonesome Dove to find out more.

6. The Red Tent by Anita Diamant

The Red Tent by Anita Diamant is a novel that reimagines the biblical story of Dinah, the daughter of Jacob and Leah. It revolves around the lives of women in ancient times, focusing on their experiences, relationships, and rituals within the red tent—a place where women gathered during menstruation and childbirth. Through Dinah’s perspective, the book explores themes of womanhood, family dynamics, spirituality, and the resilience of women in a patriarchal society. (Source: ChatGPT)

7. The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd

The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd follows the intertwined lives of Sarah Grimké, a white abolitionist, and Handful, a young, enslaved girl, in early 19th-century Charleston, South Carolina. The novel chronicles their struggles against the societal constraints placed upon them due to race and gender, as Sarah seeks to break free from societal expectations and Handful strives for her own freedom. Through their parallel journeys, the book explores themes of empowerment, resistance, and the quest for justice in a deeply divided and oppressive society. (Source: ChatGPT)

8. Rules of Civility by Amor Towles

Such superb writing, and easily made this list of highly rated historical fiction books! Rules of Civility is a beautifully written novel set in post-depression New York City. It tells the story of Kate, a wise and well-read working girl, who suddenly finds herself maneuvering through the sparkling upper echelons of high society. This is a coming-of-age tale for people in their twenties, as it explores aspirations, relationships and finding a place in life that makes you mentally and morally ok with yourself. (Source: me)

Read my Rules of Civility book review to learn more.

9. Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen

Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen is a captivating story narrated by Jacob Jankowski, a young man who joins a traveling circus during the Great Depression. He finds himself entwined in the world of the Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth, where he falls in love with Marlena, an equestrian star married to the cruel animal trainer August. As Jacob navigates the complexities of circus life, including the bonds formed with both humans and animals, he experiences love, danger, and the pursuit of freedom amidst the harsh and colorful backdrop of the circus. (Source: ChatGPT)

10. The Glass Palace by Amitav Ghosh

The Glass Palace by Amitav Ghosh is a sweeping saga that spans generations and continents, beginning in colonial Burma in the late 19th century. The novel follows the lives of various characters, including Rajkumar, an Indian orphan who rises to wealth and influence, and Dolly, a young Burmese girl, as their lives intertwine amidst political upheavals and historical events. Against the backdrop of colonialism, war, and social change, the book explores themes of identity, love, ambition, and the impact of historical forces on individual lives. (Source: ChatGPT)

11. This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger

This Tender Land is an epic tale of four orphans who canoe along the Gilead, Minnesota, and Mississippi Rivers, escaping from a dark, abusive place and searching for a home in depression-era America. The author explores the human condition through a series of harrowing, unique, and very interesting situations. (Source: me)

Read my review to find out why This Tender Land made this historical fiction book list.

12. The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes

The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes is a historical novel set in Depression-era America, following a group of women who become part of a traveling library initiative called the Packhorse Library Project. The story primarily focuses on Alice Wright, a British bride who finds purpose and friendship among the diverse group of women delivering books on horseback. As they face challenges, prejudices, and societal constraints, the novel celebrates the bonds of female friendship, the transformative power of books, and the resilience of women in the face of adversity. (Source: ChatGPT)

13. Atonement by Ian McEwan

Atonement by Ian McEwan revolves around the lives of the wealthy Tallis family in England during the prelude and aftermath of World War II. The novel is centered on a pivotal event witnessed by Briony Tallis, which leads her to make a false accusation that changes the lives of her sister Cecilia and their family friend Robbie Turner. It explores themes of guilt, forgiveness, the unreliability of memory, and the profound impact of one moment’s irreversible consequences on multiple lives. (Source: ChatGPT)

14. News of the World by Paulette Jiles

News of the World is a well spun tale that takes place in Texas in the 1870s. It’s the story of Captain Jefferson Kidd, who is hired to return 10-year-old Johanna to her relatives upon her liberation from the Kiowa. Johanna has lived with the Kiowa people for four years and has completely adopted their ways and their language, creating several challenges for CPT Kidd as he tries to safely escort her several hundred miles across the still very wild Texas countryside. (Source: me)

Check out my review of News of the World.

15. The Bronze Horseman by Paullina Simons

The Bronze Horseman by Paullina Simons is a gripping historical romance set in Leningrad during World War II. The novel follows the passionate love story between Tatiana Metanova and Alexander Belov, despite the backdrop of war and the challenges they face due to their circumstances. Amidst the harsh realities of the siege of Leningrad, the book explores themes of love, sacrifice, resilience, and the indomitable human spirit in the face of adversity. (Source: ChatGPT)

16. The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet by David Mitchell

The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet by David Mitchell is a historical novel set in 18th-century Japan, focusing on the experiences of Jacob de Zoet, an employee of the Dutch East India Company. The story unfolds on the isolated Dejima island, where Jacob encounters cultural barriers, corruption, and a forbidden love interest, midwife Orito Aibagawa. Amidst political intrigue and personal challenges, the novel explores themes of love, honor, cultural clashes, and the clash between tradition and progress in a meticulously crafted historical setting. (Source: ChatGPT)

17. Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese

Cutting for Stone is an elegantly written novel that is both a family epic and a tribute to the art of medicine and surgery. The novel follows Marion and Shiva – virtually orphaned twin brothers – as they grow up in unstable Ethiopia and follow different paths to practice medicine. This book has all the characteristics of the best historical fiction novels – compelling characters, remarkable settings, and an engaging story. (Source: me)

Read my review of Cutting for Stone to learn why it made my list of must-read historical fiction books.

18. The Alienist by Caleb Carr

The Alienist by Caleb Carr is a gripping historical thriller set in late 19th-century New York City. The story follows Dr. Laszlo Kreizler, an early psychologist known as an alienist, and newspaper illustrator John Moore as they assist in a hunt for a serial killer targeting young male prostitutes. Amidst societal challenges and technological limitations of the time, the novel explores the emerging field of psychology, forensic science, and the dark, gritty streets of a city rife with corruption and secrets. (Source: ChatGPT)

19. The Winter Sea by Susanna Kearsley

The Winter Sea by Susanna Kearsley is a captivating historical fiction novel that weaves together past and present narratives. Author Carrie McClelland travels to Scotland to research her new novel and becomes drawn into the history of the 1708 Jacobite uprising, feeling an eerie connection to the events she’s writing about and uncovering a personal ancestral link that influences her storytelling. As Carrie delves deeper into her research, the book explores themes of love, loyalty, identity, and the intertwining of fiction and reality across generations. (Source: ChatGPT)

20. I Must Betray You by Ruta Sepetys

I Must Betray You is a gripping, historical young adult novel about a teenage boy’s struggle for freedom in the final days of Romania’s oppressive communist regime. It shines a bright light on a topic that isn’t well-known to young people, and I highly recommend it as an account of what true oppression looks like. (Source: me)

Want to know more? Check out my review of I Must Betray You.

21. The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman

The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman is a poignant tale set in post-World War I Australia. It follows Tom Sherbourne, a lighthouse keeper, and his wife Isabel, who discover a baby washed ashore in a boat and decide to raise her as their own, unaware of the child’s true origins. As their decision unleashes heart-wrenching consequences, the novel delves into themes of love, loss, moral dilemmas, and the haunting impacts of choices made in the name of protecting those we cherish. (Source: ChatGPT)

22. The House at Riverton by Kate Morton

The House at Riverton by Kate Morton is a compelling historical novel narrated by Grace Bradley, a former maid at Riverton House. Grace reflects on her experiences working for the wealthy Hartford family in the early 20th century, particularly focusing on the events leading up to a tragic death and the secrets buried within the family’s history. The novel explores themes of love, betrayal, class divisions, and the consequences of keeping long-held secrets, all against the backdrop of a fading aristocratic era. (Source: ChatGPT)

23. The Book of Lost Friends by Lisa Wingate

The Book of Lost Friends is a beautifully told story that follows Hannie Gossett, a former slave, as she tries to find her family after the Civil War, and Benny Silva, an idealistic high school teacher, who tries to inspire her students at a poor, rural southern school in the late 1980s. The two story lines eventually converge in a powerful lesson about family, perseverance, and coming to terms with history by looking at it straight on. (Source: me)

Check out my The Book of Lost Friends book review.

24. The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco

The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco is a historical mystery set in an Italian monastery in the 14th century. It follows Brother William of Baskerville as he and a novice investigate a series of murders within the monastery. As they navigate the intricate labyrinth of religious politics, theological debates, and complex symbolism, the novel explores themes of knowledge, power, religious fanaticism, and the conflict between reason and faith in a richly detailed medieval setting. (Source: ChatGPT)

25. Gates of Fire by Steven Pressfield

Gates of Fire by Steven Pressfield is a historical novel that chronicles the Battle of Thermopylae in ancient Greece. It follows the story of the Spartans, particularly King Leonidas and the warriors of the 300, who valiantly defended against the massive Persian army led by Xerxes. Through vivid storytelling and intense battle scenes, the novel explores themes of courage, honor, sacrifice, and the enduring spirit of the Spartan warriors facing insurmountable odds in defense of their homeland. (Source: ChatGPT)

26. Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr

From one of my favorite authors! In Cloud Cuckoo Land, author Anthony Doerr weaves a complex and inventive tale about the enduring impact a good story can have throughout the centuries. Strong themes of resilience, hope, and compassion make this novel enjoyable and memorable. (Source: me)

Check out my review of Cloud Cuckoo Land.

27. The Last Kingdom by Bernard Cornwell

The Last Kingdom by Bernard Cornwell is the first book in the Saxon Stories series set in the late 9th century England during the time of Viking invasions. The story follows Uhtred of Bebbanburg, a young Saxon nobleman captured and raised by Vikings, as he navigates the conflicting worlds of his birthright and his Viking upbringing while serving various Saxon kings. Filled with battles, political intrigue, and personal struggles, the novel delves into themes of loyalty, identity, and the clash of cultures in a tumultuous era.  (Source: ChatGPT)

28. All the Pretty Horses by Cormac McCarthy

All the Pretty Horses by Cormac McCarthy follows the journey of John Grady Cole and his friend Lacey Rawlins as they leave Texas for Mexico in search of cowboy adventures. Their experiences include working on a ranch and falling in love, but they also encounter harsh realities, violence, and betrayal. McCarthy’s prose vividly captures the American Southwest and explores themes of loss, honor, and the end of an era for the cowboy way of life. (Source: ChatGPT)

29. Kindred by Octavia Butler

Rounding out this list of historical fiction books is Kindred. First published in 1979, Kindred is a novel that has aged well, still feeling fresh and current. It’s both a time travelling novel and a slave narrative, as well as being a bona fide page turner. The story is told by Dana, a black woman living in the Twentieth Century who is repeatedly transported back in time to the antebellum south where she is forced to live as a slave. The journeys into the past become increasingly perilous and will have you on the edge of your seat. (Source: me)

Read my review of Kindred to learn why it made my list.

Putting these book lists together is always fun but also reminds me of how much reading I still want to do. Did I add anything to your reading list?

For another list of highly rated historical fiction books, check out 29 Top-rated World War II Novels for Fans of Historical Fiction.