Top Ten Historical Fiction Novels

This week’s Top Ten focuses entirely on the best Historical Fiction novels (in my option). I love history and so, therefore, love historical fiction novels.

What do you think are the best historical fiction novels? Let me know in the comments below.

Top Ten Historical Fiction Novels

The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd

This is one of my all-time favourite reads. Set in the American south just days after the Equal Rights Act is enacted, the story follows Lily who is desperate to know about the mother she accidentally killed as a child. A heart-wrenching story of family, love, and what it means to be human in a difficult time.

The Kingmaker’s Daughter by Philippa Gregory

I love a bit of Plantagenet history, and out of the Cousins series by Philippa Gregory, this was my favourite book. The story of Anne Neville, daughter of Richard Neville otherwise known as The Kingmaker, was first married to Edward, Prince of Wales, and later Richard Plantagenet, known as Richard III. A gripping historical read about a fascinating point in history.

The Reader by Bernard Schlink

Another outstanding favourite of mine. Set in Germany, the story follows Michael Berg from teenager to middle-aged man as he deals with the results of an affair he had with a much older woman when he was younger. A harrowing, gorgeous read about the times after the second world war.

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

If you’re after a Scottish time-travelling romp and let’s be honest who isn’t?! Then this is the ultimate read. It’s exciting, sexy, and just a little action-packed. Kidding, it’s massively action-packed and has a ton of detail about Scotland in the 18th century.

The Toymakers by Robert Dinsdale

I purchased this book, because of its gorgeous cover. No shame. And the story was just as gorgeous as well. Set in the periods between the First and Second World Wars, the story follows two brothers in a magical two shop, who are always competing to best each other with their inventions.

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society by Mary Ann Shaffer

If you love a little more straightforward historical fiction, then I highly recommend The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society as it’s charming as it is romantic. Written entirely through letters, this is a lovely story about the invasion of Guernsey and its canny inhabitants during the Second World War, and after.

Athena’s Champion by David Hair & Cath Mayo

I love a good Greek Mythology re-telling and this was the book that started me off on the search for more of them. I love this series, and it’s one of my favourite books from my time at Canelo. Utterly captivating historical fiction.

Birdsong by Sebastian Faulks

Speaking of favourites, this is my favourite school read. I have two editions of this book because my original is so dog-eared and annotated you can barely read it anymore. It’s a brilliant story, filled with gorgeous prose and a heartwrenching story at its heart. One of my all-time faves.

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

Another harrowing read with real wit and comedy. Set before the time of the equality act, The Help is all about the treatment of black women in the south. It’s addictive and hilarious and heartbreaking and so well-written, I felt like I was sitting in the parlour watching the women play bridge and clean devil eggs.

Perfume by Patrick Suskind

And finally, a unique historical fiction focusing on a murderer that’s addicted to finding the perfect scent. I’ve read this book multiple times and it never fails to astound me. It’s ridiculous yet brilliant, dark yet enjoyable. The characterisation, and the witty irony throughout are what make it so good in my eyes.

Let me know your top ten favourites in the comments below.

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