Historical fiction is a genre of literature that recreates a period in the past, often reflecting real events, people and places. These books transport readers to another time and place, and give readers a glimpse of the past. Historical fiction is an incredibly popular genre, with some books becoming best-sellers. Here are some of the best historical fiction books of all time that are a must-read for any fan of the genre.
Best Historical Fiction Books Of All Time
| Rank | Product Name | Score |
|---|---|---|
|
1
 |
A Dangerous Fortune: A Novel
|
9. 7
|
|
2
 |
The Last Castle: The Epic Story of Love, Loss, and American Royalty in the Nation’s Largest Home
|
9. 5
|
|
3
 |
Sold on a Monday: A Novel
|
9. 1
|
|
4
 |
All the Light We Cannot See: A Novel
|
8. 8
|
|
5
 |
The Things We Cannot Say: A Novel
|
8. 6
|
|
6
 |
Pulp Fiction (Two-Disc Collector’s Edition)
|
8. 2
|
|
7
 |
Inside Out and Back Again
|
8. 0
|
|
8
 |
All The Money In The World
|
7 .7
|
|
9
 |
Swept From The Sea
|
7. 4
|
|
10
 |
Courage, My Love
|
7. 2
|
1. A Dangerous Fortune: A Novel
I recently read A Dangerous Fortune: A Novel, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a captivating story. The characters are well drawn, the plot twists and turns, and the atmosphere is dark and intense. The story follows English aristocrat, Walter von Ulrich, who is entangled in a complex web of secrets and lies as he investigates his fathers mysterious death. Its a thrilling read with plenty of dramatic turns, along with a touch of romance. Ken Folletts writing is captivating and I was enthralled with the story until the very end. This novel is sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats.
- A thrilling story about the inheritance of a dangerous fortune
- Full of suspense and mystery
- Set in the English countryside
- Featuring a complex cast of characters
- Exploring themes of loyalty and betrayal
- Told from multiple perspectives
2. The Last Castle: The Epic Story of Love, Loss, and American Royalty in the Nation’s Largest Home
The Last Castle: The Epic Story of Love, Loss, and American Royalty in the Nation’s Largest Home is an amazing account of the history and stories of the Vanderbilts and their stunningly beautiful estate, the Biltmore. Author Denise Kiernan does an incredible job weaving together the familys story, from the mansions construction and the familys rise to the tremendous wealth, to their lavish lifestyle, and their tragic loss. This captivating narrative provides an in-depth look into the tumultuous lives of the Vanderbilts and how the mansion at Biltmore stayed in the family for over a century.
Kiernans exceptional research is evident and has provided a comprehensive look into the lives of the Vanderbilts and their estate. She gives voice to not just the Vanderbilts, but to the African American and European immigrants who constructed and maintained the mansion. She also provides beautiful descriptions of the estate, making it easy to imagine the grandeur of the Biltmore, and bringing to life the people who lived and worked there. The Last Castle is, in a word, breathtaking.
Kiernans writing is not just informative, but incredibly moving. Even with all of its tragedies, the story of the Vanderbilts is ultimately one of hope, resilience and strength. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the Vanderbilt family, Biltmore, and American history.
- Examines the life and legacy of George Washington Vanderbilt II, and the history of the Biltmore Estate, the largest home in America
- Explores the story of Washington’s incredible wealth, his love for Edith Stuyvesant Dresser, their marriage, and their tragic demise
- Features photographs and illustrations that showcase the opulence of the Biltmore Estate
- Provides insights into the Vanderbilt family, their fascinating lifestyle, and their legacy
- Discusses the lasting legacy of the Biltmore Estate, and how it still influences American culture today
3. Sold on a Monday: A Novel
Sold on a Monday is an emotionally gripping novel by Kristina McMorris. Her characters take readers on a journey of life-altering choices in the depression-era and the incredible impact they have. McMorris captures the tragedy of the times as well as the strength of the human spirit. The story is framed around two journalists, one of whom is a photographer, and the two of them stumble across a heartbreaking scene of a mother selling her two children on a Monday morning. From the moment they read the sign, their lives unravel and they must confront their own choices and the consequences of their actions. I found the story incredibly moving and thought-provoking, as McMorris has done an outstanding job of developing the characters and showing how their decisions affected the lives of those around them. The imagery used to evoke the emotions of the time and the journey of the characters is truly remarkable. I highly recommend Sold on a Monday for readers who appreciate a beautiful, powerful story of courage and perseverance.
- Written by Margaret Dickinson
- A story of love, secrets, and new beginnings
- Set in the English countryside during World War II
- Follows the lives of an ordinary family as they struggle to survive and make the best of difficult times
- Explores themes of family, friendship, and resilience
- A heartwarming tale of courage and perseverance
4. All the Light We Cannot See: A Novel
All the Light We Cannot See: A Novel is a powerful and captivating story about two young strangers whose paths cross in the midst of World War II. The novel is written in a poetic, lyrical style and the characters are endearing and memorable. The story follows a young French girl, Marie-Laure, who is blind and a German orphan, Werner, as they search for answers and attempt to survive the war. The characters’ different backgrounds and experiences are artfully woven together, and the novel is filled with powerful imagery and emotion. This book is an inspiring and moving read and I believe it should be required reading. It is a thought-provoking story that will stay with you long after you finish the book. Highly recommended!
- A Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Anthony Doerr
- Set in occupied France during World War II
- Explores themes of fate, chance, and morality
- Features a blind French girl and a German boy
- Richly detailed and emotionally powerful
- Acclaimed by critics and loved by readers
5. The Things We Cannot Say: A Novel
The Things We Cannot Say: A Novel, by Kelly Rimmer is an absolutely stunning story. The story follows two heroines – one in World War II Poland and the other in present day Ohio – as they navigate their respective lives, intertwined in a way that reveals the lessons learned from the past. The author has written a captivating tale that will pull you in and keep you engaged from the very first page. The characters are complex and vividly portrayed, and the historical detail of the war-torn Poland is vivid and immersive. This is a novel that will stay with readers long after they finish it, as the themes of love, loss, and family will stay with them. I highly recommend this book, it is an emotionally charged story that will make you question what is really important in life.
- Written by Kelly Rimmer, a New York Times bestselling author
- Set in two time periods – WWII Poland and present-day England
- Explores the tension between family secrets and enduring love
- Inspiring story of courage, hope and freedom
- Captivating characters and powerful themes
6. Pulp Fiction (Two-Disc Collector’s Edition)
I recently watched the Two-Disc Collector’s Edition of Pulp Fiction and I was absolutely blown away. The movie was so much better than I was expecting, and I was immediately drawn in from the first scene. The story follows several interconnected characters, each with their own unique personality. The dialogue is witty and well written, and the actors all deliver award-winning performances. Every scene is memorable and the writing is sharp and creative. The action sequences are intense and well choreographed. The soundtrack is one of the best I’ve ever heard, and it captures the mood of the movie perfectly. The two-disc set is packed full of special features, including behind the scenes footage, a making-of documentary, and a commentary track. I would highly recommend it to any fan of the movie. Pulp Fiction is a classic that will continue to be enjoyed for years to come.
- High-definition, digitally re-mastered version of the original movie
- Two-disc collector’s edition
- Includes behind-the-scenes featurettes and interviews with cast and crew
- Includes deleted scenes, outtakes and alternate endings
- Includes collectible booklet with rare photos and production notes
- Includes bonus audio commentary with director Quentin Tarantino and producer Lawrence Bender
- Includes soundtrack CD with original score and classic rock and roll music
7. Inside Out and Back Again
7. Inside Out and Back Again is a poetic, beautiful, and heart-wrenching tale of a young girl, Hà, and her family, who have to flee their home country of Vietnam during the fall of Saigon. The story follows Hà as she struggles to adjust to her new life in Alabama, dealing with bullies and learning a new language. The language of the book is expertly crafted, using Ha’s Vietnamese dialect to capture her thoughts and feelings about her new life. The story is one of resilience and strength and skillfully conveys the immigrant experience for young children. It is a captivating read and an important reminder of the experiences of refugees around the world. Highly recommended.
- A Newbery Honor Winning book
- Written by Thanhha Lai
- A #1 New York Times Bestseller
- A National Book Award Finalist
- Explores the life of a young Vietnamese girl and her family as they flee during the Vietnam War
- Covering themes such as immigration, perseverance, and bravery
- A powerful and poetic story
8. All The Money In The World
I recently watched 8. All The Money in The World, and I have to say that it is a fantastic movie! It tells the story of J.Paul Getty, the wealthiest man in the world, and his grandson’s quest to be freed from his captors. The movie is full of suspense, drama, and is full of interesting characters. The cast of actors is excellent and the story is captivating. The visuals are stunning and the soundtrack perfectly complements the events of the movie. It is definitely one of the best movies I have seen in recent years and I highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for an exciting and thought-provoking movie.
- Re-enacts the infamous 1973 kidnapping of John Paul Getty’s grandson, John Paul Getty III.
- Starring Academy Award-winning actors, Michelle Williams and Christopher Plummer.
- Explores the themes of power and money, and the lengths some will go to acquire them.
- Depicts the battle between the oil tycoon and his grandson’s captors over the $17 million ransom.
- The movie is based on real events and includes actual footage from the time.
- The script was co-written by Academy Award-winning screenwriter, David Scarpa.
- Directed by the acclaimed Ridley Scott and produced by the award-winning Mark Huffam.
- Nominated for Golden Globe and Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
9. Swept From The Sea
Swept From The Sea is a 1997 romantic drama directed by Beeban Kidron, based on the 1898 novella by Joseph Conrad. The film stars Rachel Weisz, Vincent Perez and Ian McKellen. The story revolves around a young woman named Amy Foster who falls in love with a mysterious stranger washed up on the shore of her small English village. The stranger is from a distant land and has no recollection of his past. As their relationship blossoms, the village locals become suspicious and fear the foreigner, leading to tragedy and a bittersweet ending. Swept From The Sea is a beautiful, heart-wrenching story of love, loss and the power of redemption. Rachel Weisz is captivating in her role as Amy Foster and Vincent Perez brings a touching vulnerability to the role of the foreign stranger. The film is beautifully shot and the music is haunting, adding to the dream-like quality of the movie. Swept From The Sea is a must-watch film for anyone who loves classic love stories and is looking for an emotional journey. Highly recommended.
- Starring: Alan Bates, Rachel Weisz, and Vincent Perez
- Directed by: Stephen Bayly
- Genre: Drama, Romance
- Run Time: 1 hour and 53 minutes
- Release Date: 1998
- MPAA Rating: PG-13
- Synopsis: Amy Foster is a young woman who must battle for the love of the mysterious Russian stranger she meets on the Cornish coast
- Audio: English 5.1 Dolby Digital
- Subtitles: English, French, Spanish
10. Courage, My Love
I really love the band 10. Courage, My Love. They have an amazing sound that blends elements of alternative rock, pop, and indie music. Their music is energetic and passionate, and they always put on a great show. The lyrics are thoughtful and the melodies are catchy. They are also great at making powerful and meaningful lyrics that really get stuck in your head. I highly recommend seeing them live if you get the chance. Overall, 10. Courage, My Love is a great band and I’m sure you’ll love them too!
- Produced in Canada
- Indie/Alternative Rock band
- Recorded and released debut album in 2014
- Inspired by a rich variety of musical genres
- Dynamic and energetic live performances
- Musicianship that showcases the individual talent of each member
- Vocals that are powerful and passionate
- Intricate guitar playing that is intricately interwoven with the other instruments
- A mix of melodic and hard-hitting songs
- Lyrics that are thought-provoking and honest
