Top 10 Best Historical Fiction Books of 2025

We've read many books, yet these stand out among the best books in historical fiction: engaging, educational, truly unforgettable.
The Nightingale coverAll the Light We Cannot See coverThe Book Thief cover

Exploring the world of historical fiction allows us to step back in time and immerse ourselves in different eras. We have gathered a list of the best books in historical fiction, focusing on spellbinding narratives, captivating characters, and rich historical contexts. Our selection includes tales from various periods, ensuring there’s something for every reader eager to learn and be entertained by history’s dramatic stories.

On this list:

10 The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

The Nightingale cover

  • Genre: Historical Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 2015
  • Pages: 440

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This book caught our hearts with the story of two sisters in Nazi-occupied France. It offers deep characters and emotional moments, making us reach for tissues.

9 All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

All the Light We Cannot See cover

  • Genre: Historical Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 2014
  • Pages: 531

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We loved the beautiful prose and the interwoven tales of a blind French girl and a German boy during WWII. It kept us hooked throughout.

8 The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

The Book Thief cover

  • Genre: Historical Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 2005
  • Pages: 552

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This story, narrated by Death himself, follows a young girl in Nazi Germany. It’s charming, touching, and full of empathy.

7 The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett

The Pillars of the Earth cover

  • Genre: Historical Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 1989
  • Pages: 973

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Set in 12th century England, this epic tale of building a cathedral involves love, betrayal, and ambition, gripping us from start to finish.

6 Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel

Wolf Hall cover

  • Genre: Historical Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 2009
  • Pages: 672

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It’s a dazzling view into the Tudor court through the eyes of Thomas Cromwell. We appreciated the intricate portrayal of historical events.

5 Beloved by Toni Morrison

Beloved cover

  • Genre: Historical Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 1987
  • Pages: 324

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This powerful narrative of a former slave haunted by her past is both chilling and heart-wrenching. It placed us directly into post-Civil War America.

4 Atonement by Ian McEwan

Atonement cover

  • Genre: Historical Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 2001
  • Pages: 351

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The tale of love and war spanning several decades, highlighted by the impact of a child’s mistake, had us pondering long after turning the last page.

3 The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón

The Shadow of the Wind cover

  • Genre: Historical Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 2001
  • Pages: 487

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In post-war Barcelona, a secret book leads to a thrilling literary journey. This page-turner had us lost in its mystery.

2 The Help by Kathryn Stockett

The Help cover

  • Genre: Historical Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 2009
  • Pages: 464

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Delving into the racial divides of the 1960s south, this book had us laughing, crying, and rooting for change. The friendships forged were unforgettable.

1 Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell

Gone with the Wind cover

  • Genre: Historical Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 1936
  • Pages: 1037

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We choose this classic as the best among the best books in historical fiction for its epic storytelling in the backdrop of the American Civil War. It’s a tale of love, loss, and survival through the eyes of Scarlett O’Hara. The immense depth of the characters and a richly detailed setting makes this one a masterpiece that transcends time. Scarlett’s resilience, charm, and flaws resonate deeply with every reader, taking them on an unforgettable journey through history. Its timelessness, combined with the historical accuracy and vivid portrayal of the era, crowns it the best in the genre.

Steve Peterson Cartoonified
Steve Peterson

Hi there! I'm Steve Peterson, a passionate reading enthusiast who loves nothing more than getting lost in a good book. My love for literature spans across genres, from thrilling mysteries and gripping fantasy to thought-provoking non-fiction.

I hope my reviews help you find the perfect next book to dive into!