12 Best Historical Fiction Books to Read in 2025

Explore the best historical fiction books that whisk you through time with gripping stories and fascinating characters.
The Nightingale coverThe Book Thief coverAll the Light We Cannot See cover

Welcome to our roundup of the 12 best historical fiction books, where we cherry-pick riveting tales that whisk you away through time. Our selection shines a spotlight on memorable characters, rich settings, and authentic historical details. We focus on compelling narratives where history meets imagination, creating a perfect blend that transports you to worlds gone by. Whether you’re seeking tales of courage, intrigue, or drama, these books promise an unforgettable journey. Get ready to explore the best historical fiction books that have captured our hearts and imaginations!

On this list:

12 The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

The Nightingale cover

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

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The Nightingale takes us on an emotional rollercoaster through WWII in Nazi-occupied France. We felt the fears and triumphs of the heroic sisters.

11 The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

The Book Thief cover

  • Genre: Historical Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2006
  • Pages: 584

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Set in 1939 Nazi Germany, The Book Thief is narrated by Death itself. The unique point of view and powerful story make it unforgettable.

10 All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

All the Light We Cannot See cover

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

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All the Light We Cannot See intertwines the lives of a blind French girl and a German soldier during WWII. It’s a tale of survival and empathy.

9 The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett

The Pillars of the Earth cover

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

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Travel back to medieval England with The Pillars of the Earth, where cathedral building and political turmoil collide in a gripping saga.

8 The Help by Kathryn Stockett

The Help cover

  • Genre: Historical Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2009
  • Pages: 451

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Set in 1960s Mississippi, The Help explores the racial tensions and the role of African-American maids in white households, with humor and heart.

7 Life After Life by Kate Atkinson

Life After Life cover

  • Genre: Historical Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2013
  • Pages: 529

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Life After Life offers an innovative narrative structure, exploring multiple paths of a woman’s life in twentieth-century Europe.

6 The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead

The Underground Railroad cover

  • Genre: Historical Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2016
  • Pages: 320

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In The Underground Railroad, Whitehead reimagines the historical escape route for enslaved African Americans as an actual railroad, blending fact with surrealism.

5 The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris

The Tattooist of Auschwitz cover

  • Genre: Historical Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2018
  • Pages: 288

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This is based on a true story, The Tattooist of Auschwitz depicts love and survival under the harshest conditions of the Holocaust.

4 A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles

A Gentleman in Moscow cover

  • Genre: Historical Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2016
  • Pages: 462

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A Gentleman in Moscow follows Count Rostov’s life under house arrest in Moscow, highlighting the changing Russian society over decades.

3 Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi

Homegoing cover

  • Genre: Historical Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2016
  • Pages: 320

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Homegoing traces the lineage of two half-sisters and their descendants, offering a heartbreakingly vivid portrayal of slavery and its aftermath.

2 Circe by Madeline Miller

Circe cover

  • Genre: Historical Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2018
  • Pages: 393

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Circe brings the Greek myth to life with a fresh perspective, focusing on the captivating transformation of the misunderstood witch.

1 Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel

Wolf Hall cover

  • Genre: Historical Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2009
  • Pages: 604

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Wolf Hall is our top pick! Mantel’s writing revitalizes the life of Thomas Cromwell in the court of King Henry VIII. With rich detail, sharp dialogue and a fresh voice, it stands above the rest. We felt embedded in the complex political landscapes of Tudor England. The pacing never slows and the character depth kept us hooked from the start. Mantel’s Cromwell is smart, calculating, and complex, gripping the reader throughout his rise from humble beginnings to power. Each page is a treat, blending history with compelling storytelling. For its impressive attention to detail and engaging plot, Wolf Hall earns its spot as the best historical fiction book.

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!