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Best Historical Fiction Book Recommendations

While time travel will (probably) never happen, we’ll always have the next best thing: historical fiction novels. Through the magic of fiction (and authors’ dedication to researching endless incredible details), readers can feel as though they’ve been everywhere and every time, from Ancient Greece to colonial Asia to the American Revolution to the Holocaust. If you’re a fiction lover who wants to learn more about the past but isn’t sure about diving into the world of history books, it’s the best of both worlds. 

Another reason to love historical fiction is that it can be crossed with any other genre. From historical mysteries to steamy historical romance to hilarious historical fiction, whatever genre you enjoy can be placed in another period.

Clearly, this is a genre that truly has something for everyone. Whether you prefer novels that bring you to times of war and terror or more whimsical stories set in the past; historical fiction that is surprisingly accurate or tales that take creative license with their settings, you'll find endless books to add to your TBR pile in the lists below.

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The Best Robert McCammon Books

“Maybe crazy is what they call anybody who's got magic in them after they're no longer a child.” ―Robert McCammon, Boy's Life

The 8 Best Victoria Hislop Books

You'll fall in love with these historical fiction novels.

10 Books Like The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead

“If it is true for you, it is true for someone else, and you are no longer alone.” ―Colson Whitehead, The Nickel Boys

This Powerful Middle Grade Novel Tells the Story of Anne Frank

“I feel like I am a writer because of Anne Frank.”  —Alice Hoffman

8 Books by Award-Winning Author Mark Helprin 

“Perhaps he was a fool, but he thought that if a work were truly great you would only have to read it once and you would be stolen from yourself, desperately moved, changed forever.” ―Mark Helprin

C.P. Snow's Strangers and Brothers Series Will Keep You Hooked 

“When you think of the long and gloomy history of man, you will find more hideous crimes have been committed in the name of obedience than have ever been committed in the name of rebellion.” ―C.P. Snow

10 Top Historical Fiction Books to Read Right Now

These reads are at the top of our list for a reason.

The 30 Best Books Like To Kill a Mockingbird

Our favorite recommended reads for fans of Harper Lee's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel.

8 Salem Witch Trial Books to Enchant You

Historical fiction perfect for those with a burning curiosity.

Remembering Lore Segal, 1938−2024

The writer documented the post–WWII immigrant experience with levity and grace. 

19 Books for Downton Abbey Withdrawal

Missing the Crawley family? Let these 19 books assuage the end of Downton grief.

9 of the Best Novels Set in Turkey

From the medieval Ottoman Empire to contemporary Istanbul.