Top 10 Historical Fiction That Transports You
Hi, readers—it’s me again, the Lounge Chair Librarian! This time, I’m thrilled to share some of my all-time favorite historical fiction novels, each a journey through unforgettable moments in history. Whether you’re picking out a gift or looking to lose yourself in a captivating story, these books are sure to deliver. And if you’re still on the hunt for thrillers, don’t miss our Reads to Thrill You This Summer—they make great stocking stuffers too! Happy reading!
Top 10 Historical Fiction Recommendations
The Women by Kristin Hannah - This was my first historical fiction read centered on Vietnam and the turbulent era of the war—certainly won’t be my last! Kristin Hannah brilliantly captures the emotional, physical, and psychological turmoil of those who served and those who waited back home. This novel speaks to the power of shared experiences that bond people like nothing else, the strength of true friendship, unconditional love, and the resilience within us to heal. It’s a story that truly needed to be told!
The Last Bookshop in London by Madeline Martin – How could I not love a book about working in a bookstore—my dream job! Madeline Martin beautifully blends the backdrop of WWII London with a tale of resilience, compassion, and fresh beginnings. Grace leaves her small town hoping to find glamour in the big city, only to face the grim realities of war. This book made me laugh, cry, and hold onto my dream of working in a bookstore!
The Alice Network by Kate Quinn – This novel takes us into the world of a female spy network during WWI, told through dual timelines set in 1915 and 1947. What’s incredible is that some of these characters were real people! If you enjoy stories about strong, intelligent, and brave women or journeys of self-discovery, this one’s for you. Don’t skip the author’s note—fascinating stuff!
The Rose Code by Kate Quinn – Another wonderful WWII story by Kate Quinn, this one has it all—espionage, romance, friendship, humor, and even royalty! Based on true events in London, it’s a richly woven tale that had me hooked from start to finish.
The House of Eve by Sadeqa Johnson – Set in the 1950s, this novel delves into themes of social expectations, racism, love, and the lasting impact of the choices we make. It’s a powerful look at how personal decisions shape our futures.
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus – I absolutely loved this book! It’s not your typical historical fiction. Elizabeth’s "women can do anything" attitude is empowering, and her self-confidence is infectious. Her unconventional cooking tips are a fun bonus! It’s amazing to see how far we’ve come from a time when women were expected to be only housewives rather than ambitious, capable individuals in their own right.
The Island by Victoria Hislop – Set on a small island in Crete, once a leper colony, this is a story of love, loss, secrets, and betrayal. The rich narrative, vivid location, and deeply sympathetic characters make it unforgettable.
The Thread by Victoria Hislop – Set in 1917 Thessaloniki, Greece—a melting pot of Christians, Jews, and Muslims—this novel is an intricate tale of love, loss, tragedy, secrets, and upheaval over nearly a century. Having visited Thessaloniki many times, I could picture each scene vividly, and the story brought out every emotion.
The Beekeeper of Aleppo by Christy Lefteri – This moving novel highlights the trauma and struggles of refugees, showing the horrors of war through the eyes of innocent victims. It poses universal questions: What would you do to survive? What price would you pay—financially, emotionally, or psychologically?
The Little Liar by Mitch Albom – This story touched me on so many levels. Set in one of my favorite cities, it brings to light the little-known history of Greek Jews during WWII—a story I only discovered through college research. This tale of love, survival, revenge, and redemption is masterfully told and captures a history that must not be forgotten.
Happy reading, history lovers! May these books transport you to different times, places, and lives—and, of course, give you a perfect excuse to stay in your lounge chair just a little bit longer. Until next time, keep those pages turning!