First of all, let’s start by asking the big question: What is historical fiction? A quick Google search will tell you this genre includes plots and settings from our past, and that the authenticity of these retellings of real events are often criticised.
A simpler way of looking at historical fiction as a genre could simply be that it can include real dates and places (basically, facts found in records and history books), but the things that happen ‘behind closed doors’ are subject to the author’s creativity and understanding of the story.
If you’ve never picked up this genre before, you’re in luck! Here are five ‘must read’ historical fiction novels to get you started. There’s something for everyone on this list, from ancient Greece to medieval England; from the cold shores of northern Iceland to the not-so-distant events of World War II. Let’s get started . . .
The Taming of the Queen by Philippa Gregory
Beginning in 1543, this novel follows Kateryn Parr, the sixth wife of King Henry VIII of England. The novel explores the achievements of Kateryn as Queen of England while also addressing her precarious station – married to a notorious wife killer, she must find her way in a court full of traps and betrayers. The Taming of the Queen also expresses one woman’s love for learning and knowledge in a time when such a thing was dangerous.
Note: While this novel is part of the Tudor Court series, it is possible to read it without having read the other books.
The Librarian of Auschwitz by Antonio Iturbe (translated by Lilit Thwaites)
Set in 1944, The Librarian of Auschwitz details the life of those living in Auschwitz’s family camp during World War II. The novel follows fourteen-year-old Dita Kraus, a real-life prisoner of Auschwitz, who was responsible for the makeshift library located in Block 31. Based on real-life people and events, this novel is about finding hope even in the darkest of times, and the value and importance of stories. This novel is beautifully written with passages that will stay with the reader long after the book is finished – definitely a must-read for those who wish for an insight into this time in history.
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
An incredible debut novel from Madeline Miller, The Song of Achilles is set within the Age of Heroes and recounts the events of the Trojan War. Narrated by Patroclus, this novel reimagines his relationship with Achilles, and follows their triumphs and defeats throughout the ten-year war. It’s a story full of spiteful gods, love, heartache, duty, the lure of immortal fame, and much, much more. This book would suit fans of Greek mythology, but beware: it will break your heart.
Burial Rites by Hannah Kent
Another incredible debut, this time from Australian author Hannah Kent, Burial Rites tells the story of Agnes Magnusdottir, a woman condemned to death for her alleged association in a brutal double murder. This novel is based upon a true story about a woman surrounded by suspicion, and is set upon the cold backdrop of northern Iceland in 1829. Told through multiple perspectives, Burial Rites pieces together the events of that fateful night and will keep the audience guessing right until its dark and twisted ending.
Year of Wonders by Geraldine Brooks
In this novel, Geraldine Brooks depicts the fictional life of one woman living in the very real event of the plague year. Set in 1666, it follows Anna, a survivor in a town which has made the noble decision to close itself off from neighbouring villages in order to keep the plague contained within its own borders. Year of Wonders explores the breakdown of humanity and the struggle to survive the last widespread attack of the bubonic plague, while also including the pull of illicit love and the heartbreak of being one of the few remaining survivors.
And there you have it – five must read historical fiction novels for those who have either just discovered the genre, or are a returning reader. Historical fiction is a fantastic way to get readers interested in particular points in history, and can be a great tool to encourage further reading on a subject.
An intriguing and rich list of books. May I add ‘All the Light We Cannot See’ by Anthony Doerr; ‘The Tattooist of Auschwitz’ by Heather Morris; ‘Alone in Berlin’ by Hans Fallada; ‘Love is Blind’ by William Boyd … so many more titles waiting to be read
An intriguing list of books. Re. your discussion question: historical fiction (when done well) is an excellent way to become acquainted with a historical period, although it should be complemented by reading up on the actual events, people, etc. Examples that spring to mind (from my youth) include ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT (Remarque), about soldiers’ experiences in WWI; ACROSS FIVE APRILS (author’s name escapes me), on the Civil War; and ONCE AN EAGLE (Myrer), on an American soldier’s life through most of the 20th century. These novels (along with numerous others) provided me with vivid impressions of the periods described, inspired me to read non-fiction sources about them, and eventually to become an author in the genre myself. Those interested in HF might want to check out my two novels (THE FUHRER VIRUS and THE HAUSMANN CONSPIRACY). Both are spy thrillers set in World War II (the first two in a five-part series). Details and reviews can be found on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books a Million, and other sites. Thank you! Paul Schultz