Best 13 Good Historical Fiction Books Reviewed 2025
Delve into 13 good historical fiction books that whisk you through time, igniting imagination and enriching your worldly knowledge.
Looking for good historical fiction books that will transport you through time? In our list of the 13 best picks, we focus on storytelling that brings history to life, characters who leap off the page, and plots that keep you glued till the last word. Each book offers a unique glimpse into the past, ensuring readers find the perfect fit for their time-traveling adventures.
On this list:
13 The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
This book tells the story of two sisters in World War II France. It’s gripping and painful, but with moments of hope. We had to stop reading sometimes to give our eyes a break from tearing up. The characters are so deep, they almost feel real.
12 The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Set in Nazi Germany, this book is narrated by Death. No, seriously, Death himself. It’s got a lot of dark humor and moving scenes. A unique perspective that somehow makes a grim story uplifting. Plus, it’s always fun reading about book lovers.
11 All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
This Pulitzer-winning novel follows a blind French girl and a German soldier. Their stories collide in ways that make you rethink war and humanity. The prose is just beautiful, though. We actually felt smarter just flipping through it.
10 The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett
Set in the 12th century, it’s all about building a cathedral. Sounds boring? Nope! It’s full of drama—think Game of Thrones without dragons. We couldn’t believe architecture could be so exciting!
9 Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell
Civil War era, epic romance, and unforgettable characters. Scarlett O’Hara might be one of the most complex literary figures. It’s long, but worth every page—like one of those rare Thanksgiving dinners that taste good the next day too.
8 The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory
Tudor England, political intrigue, and family drama. Who knew history could be so juicy? We got lost in the court plots and scandals. It’s like watching an old-school soap opera unfold in book form.
7 Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel
Charm and wit, bundled neatly into the life of Thomas Cromwell. Mantel makes history more thrilling than a Netflix binge. The language can be dense, but the payoff is like gold at the end of a rainbow.
6 The Help by Kathryn Stockett
1960s Mississippi, a brave narrative on racial division. The voices are authentic and bold, giving a voice to the voiceless. Reading this made us feel a little braver ourselves.
5 A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens
It’s the French Revolution, Dickens style. Drama, sacrifice, and redemption packed in each chapter. It’s old, but timeless, like a classic movie your parents made you watch that you actually end up liking.
4 Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden
Ever wondered about the secret lives of Geishas? This book spills all, in the most elegant way. It’s almost as if you are living in Japan. We started drinking more green tea after this.
3 Girl with a Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier
Inspired by a painting, this book paints a vivid picture of 17th-century Holland. Subtle romance, art, and mystery dance around the story. It’s like watching an artist mix colors on a canvas.
2 The Color Purple by Alice Walker
A pioneering story of African American women in the early 20th century. Heart-breaking and uplifting, full of raw emotion. It’s a bit like that rollercoaster you’re scared to board but leaves you exhilarated after.
1 The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead
An imaginative take on the historic Underground Railroad. It cleverly combines elements of real history with fantasy twists. Whitehead’s prose feels like the track itself—leading you somewhere important.
0 War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy
The best one on our list. It’s a mammoth, but that’s part of its charm. Tolstoy’s exploration of Napoleonic Russia is rich and detailed. Characters are so fleshed out, you might forget they’re not real people. Each page holds a mirror up to life, full of war, love, loss, and everything in between. Reading it is like completing a marathon—long, grueling, but oh-so-rewarding when you reach the finish line. After finishing, we felt wiser, as if Tolstoy whispered secrets of humanity into our ears.
