Historical fiction has always held a special place in my heart. Nothing is better than traveling to a different world in other times or eras to get a broader view of the past. Isn’t that interesting? SO, here we have recommended the 11 best historical fiction books that are really good.
P.S. All the books are arranged in alphabetical order. Because duh, they all are best. And you should read them all.
SO, let’s get started. Here is the list of the best historical fiction books that are really good:
#1 A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
by Khaled Hosseini
Title: A Thousand Splendid Suns
Author: Khaled Hosseini
Genre: Domestic Fiction
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
Pages: 162
Goodreads rating: 4.4 / 5
A Thousand Splendid Suns portray people’s lives in Afghanistan, especially women. It tells us about 30 years of Afghan history. And this story is about two women, Mariam and Laila, born decades apart but then are bought together by war, loss, and fate. And, it is their story of surviving through Russian invasions and Taliban rule in Afghanistan. This book is a fantastic story of unforgettable and unforgiving times.
*This book has mentions war, abuse, and violence. It might be triggering for some readers.
Why do we recommend this book?
A Thousand Splendid Suns is a remarkable story of an unforgiving time, an unlikely friendship, and an indestructible love. It is a heart-touching and heart-warming tale. It is soo rare to find books like this one, whose story will stay in your heart forever. And this book is undoubtedly one of them.
If you want to buy/gift A Thousand Splendid Suns, click on the link below: 👇
#2 How We Disappeared by Jing-Jing Lee
About the book
Title- How we disappeared
Author- Jing Jing Lee
Genre- Historical fiction
Publisher- Oneworld Publications
Type- Standalone
Pages- 352
Goodreads rating- 4.2/5
In 1942, Singapore became a Japanese territory after annexation. Villages were plundered and people killed. Women were taken away from their families and transported to Japanese comfort stations. Women lost rights to their bodies as well as their dignity was trampled. One of them is Wang Di, the protagonist of the novel. Even after all these years, she wasn’t ready to recover from the horrors of what happened. But this is not the entire story of the book. An underlying truth waits to get discovered. Within the year 2000, twelve-year-old Kevin takes it upon himself to find the unknown.
Why do we recommend this book?
Comfort women are an uncomfortable topic that isn’t talked about much in mainstream media. Moreover, Japan has not taken responsibility for its deeds during World War Two. The women who went through these horrors kept it hidden out of a feeling of shame and embarrassment. “How We Disappeared” is a piece of historical fiction that amplifies the voices of women who are coming out to tell their stories. That makes it a must-read.
If you want to buy/gift How We Disappeared by Jin Jing Lee, click on the link below: 👇
#3 In Search of Heer by Manjul Bajaj
About the book
Title- In Search of Heer
Author- Manjul Bajaj
Genre- Historical Fiction
Publisher- Westland Books Pvt. ltd
Type- Standalone
Pages- 300
Goodreads rating- 4/5
Betrayed by his family members, grief-stricken Deedho Ranjha moves away from his village, Takht Hazara, to Jhang. There, Heer and Ranjha were fated to meet and fall in love. But Heer’s hand has already been promised to the clan of Kheras in Rangpur at the time of her birth; Will they be able to fight with society? Heer-Ranjha’s tragic tale has been handed down from generation to generation and has been adapted into folk plays, movies, and literature preserving the two lovers alive in the minds of individuals.
Why do we recommend this book?
What makes In Search of Heer by Manjul Bajaj an extraordinary retelling is its lyrical writing. It feels like a song that you can listen to on a loop. A charming, well-crafted narration is a bonus. It has been recited from several perspectives, including cow, goat, and pigeons, and by Heer and Ranjha. This story is a fresh retelling with a new twist, open to your imagination.
If you want to buy/gift In Search of Heer by Manjul Bajaj, click on the link below: 👇
#4 Island of A Thousand Mirrors by Nayomi Munaweera
About the book
Title: Island of A thousand Mirrors
Author: Nayomi Munaweera
Genre: Domestic Fiction, Novel, War- story
Publisher: Perera Hussein Publishing House
Type: Standalone
Pages: 225
Goodreads Rating: 4 / 5
Island of A Thousand Mirrors is a historical fiction set during the Sri Lankan civil war. It is the tale of two girls on the opposite sides of the civil war; one is Sinhala, and the other is Tamil. This book is an unforgettable tale of lives twisted by terrible violence. It offers a unique picture of a beautiful land during its most difficult times. Island of A Thousand Mirrors is about sibling rivalries and adolescent heartbreaks, the burdens of exile, belonging, and the need to survive.
Why do we recommend this book?
This book is one of the most amazing stories you will ever read. You will find the most amazingly heart-touching friendship and sibling bond. Even after finishing the book, the story will stay in your mind. It’s a must-read!
Check out: Full review of Island of A Thousand Mirrors (Spoiler Free)
If you want to buy/gift Island of A Thousand Mirrors, click on the link below:👇
#5 Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden
About the book
Title- Memoirs of a Geisha
Author- Arthur Golden
Genre- Historical fiction
Publisher- RHUK
Type- Standalone
Pages- 512 pages
Goodreads rating- 4.1/5
This book is set in the 1930s during World War II, when Geisha culture was prominent in Japan. It exposes a hidden world of eroticism, seduction, and exploitation. Memoirs of a Geisha tells the story of Sayuri, a young peasant girl, who is sold off as a servant/apprentice to a renowned Geisha house in Kyoto, Japan. She did not want to be just a maid, but she didn’t want to become a Geisha either. Geisha is a term used to denote a class of female entertainers training in traditional performing arts, particularly attending men to charm them with their beauty.
Why do we recommend this book?
The book weaves a narrative about the day-to-day life of geisha, the difficulties they face in making themselves presentable and glamorous around men, learning the art of seduction, internal rivalries between Geishas, and more. It’s the kind of story that will stick in your memory for a long time.
If you want to buy/gift Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden, click on the link below: 👇
#6 Pachinko by Min Jin Lee
About the book
Title- Pachinko
Author- Min Jin Lee
Genre- Historical fiction
Publisher- Grand central publishing
Type- Standalone
Pages– 490
Goodreads rating- 4.3/5
The story begins in the early 1900s. Hoonie, a disabled fisherman, and his wife Yangjin had a daughter named Sunja. To her father, Sunja was a treasure. He did everything to make her happy. But unfortunately, after a few years, Sunja’s father died. The two women-owned a boarding house to earn a living. Sunja falls for a wealthy stranger, Hansu, at the seashore near home in Korea. He gets her pregnant and refuses to marry her. Shattered, Sunja accepts a marriage proposal from a gentleman, Isak Baek, who takes her to Japan in the hope of a better future. Pachinko is a piece of literature that lends voice to all Koreans left unheard in the pages of history.
Why do we recommend this book?
I cannot put into words how touched I was when I read this book. The author has crafted beautifully multi-layered characters that are complex yet passionate, memorable, and full of hope. In the beginning, it is a little hard to keep up with so many characters, but as the story progresses, you become attached to them. This part of history is often overlooked, which makes Pachinko a must-read.
If you want to buy/gift Pachinko by Min Jin Lee, click on the link below: 👇
#7 The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi
About the book
Title- The Henna Artist
Author- Alka Joshi
Genre- Historical fiction
Publisher- HarperCollins India
Type- 1 in Jaipur Trilogy (series)
Pages-368
Goodreads rating- 4.2/5
This book is set in the 1950s, when India was starting to enjoy its hard-earned independence. Laxmi, the main character, escapes from an ugly and abusive marriage to the vibrant Pink City of Jaipur to lead an independent life. She becomes a ‘Henna Artist’, and with the help of her mother-in-law’s teachings, she heals women through medicinal herbs and Ayurveda. Through her indomitable spirit and hard work, she manages to save money to build a house for herself and bring her parents to live with her, which may redeem her in their eyes. This book touches upon many crucial topics such as the caste system, religion, infidelity, and women’s struggle in society.
Why do we recommend this book?
This book has my heart. By that, I mean I will not forget its characters, storyline, and prose. It’s so wonderfully written that you will become mesmerized by the subtle and rich descriptions of Jaipur, the luxurious palaces of that era, even the intricate details of the paintings hung on the wall. The author has done an incredible job, and the information used is very well-researched. In a few words, The Henna Artist is unputdownable, charming, and full of colors.
If you want to buy/gift The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi, click on the link below: 👇
#8 The Mountains sing by Nguyen Phan Que Mai
About the book
Title- The Mountains sing
Author- Nguyen Phan Que Mai
Genre- Historical fiction
Publisher- Algonquin Books
Type- Standalone
Pages-352
Goodreads rating- 4.3/5
The Mountains Sing is a story that deserves more fame. It has taught me the true essence of love, kindness, and hope. These are the things that we live for, and they keep us going in this world. This book tells the story of the Tran family that survives against all odds during the Vietnam war, a horrifying event that left millions of people injured, traumatized, and displaced. Two parallel stories in different time frames are woven to form a narrative. One is Grandma Dieu Lan’s story; the other is the tale of her granddaughter Huong’s experience during the war. Grandma Dieu Lan is one of the strongest characters I have ever come across. Her eternal strength and resilience form the heart of this book.
Why do we recommend this book?
I’ve said it before; I’ll repeat it. Stories set during the war are difficult to process for me. They leave me thinking about how hatred can overpower humanity. A War takes almost everything from a country and its people. Reading about what people experience leaves me feeling numb but reading about those brave souls who never give up and lose hope even in these terrible times never stop amazing me. It is crucial to understand the cost of war, especially from the eyes of those who have gone through such horrors.
If you want to buy/gift The Mountains sing by Nguyen Phan Que Mai, click on the link below: 👇
#9 The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris
About the book
Title- The Tattooist of Auschwitz
Author- Heather Morris
Genre- Historical fiction
Publisher- Harper Collins
Type- Standalone
Pages- 352
Goodreads rating- 4.3/5
Holocaust is one of the greatest tragedies in human history. In 1942, Lale Sokolov arrived in the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp. He was given the job of tattooing the prisoners marked for survival by scratching numbers into his fellow victims’ arms in indelible ink to create what would become permanent symbols of the Holocaust. Waiting in line to be tattooed was a terrified young girl. For Lale, it was love at first sight. He became determined not only to survive but to ensure that this woman, Gita, did too. This story is a courageous and heartbreakingly human story of the Holocaust, a love story of the tattooist of Auschwitz.
Why do we recommend this book?
Whenever I read stories about the Holocaust, my mind is always full of questions about how can one human inflict so much pain on another? How can they be so brutal? That’s the exact reason why history must not be forgotten and should be used to learn from the mistakes made in the past. This story is powerful and does precisely that; you should pick it up to educate yourself about that horrific time.
If you want to buy/gift The tattoo artist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris, click on the link below: 👇
#10 The Woman in the White Kimono by Ana Johns
About the book
Title- The Woman in the White Kimono
Author- Ana Johns
Genre- Historical fiction
Publisher- Park Row
Type- Standalone
Pages- 341
Goodreads rating- 4.3/5
In 1957 Japan, Naoko Nakamura fell in love with an American sailor. At the time, the wounds from World War II were still fresh. Marrying an American sailor would disgrace her entire family. But love, what can we say about it? It makes you do things you wouldn’t do otherwise. In an alternate timeline set in America, Tori Kovac finds a letter from her father on his deathbed. The letter is full of shocking revelations. To discover the truth and make peace with her father’s past, she goes to Japan. The Woman in the White Kimonois a story that belongs to every young woman and serviceman who fell in love and faced unimaginable choices and hardships; to every baby born between them, to the hundreds of children who were adopted, and to the thousands that didn’t survive.
Why do we recommend this book?
This book is written with such grace and elegance that readers have an instant connection. The author handles sensitive topics with great mastery. Moreover, Japanese proverbs and folklore blend seamlessly into the narrative and its beauty. The descriptions are vivid and make it easy to visualize Japanese shrines, traditional houses, cherry blossoms, and chrysanthemums in front of my eyes. The book is fascinating, filled to the brim with vibrant colors and the rich Japanese culture of the 1950s.
If you want to buy/gift The Woman in the White Kimono by Ana Johns, click on the link below: 👇
#11 The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
Title: The Kite Runner
Author: Khalid Hosseini
Genre: Historical Fiction, Realistic Fiction
Publisher: Riverhead Books
Type: Standalone
Pages: 340
Goodreads Rating: 4.3 / 5
The Kite Runner tells the story of Amir and his loyal friend, Hassan. In Afghanistan in 1975, twelve-year-old Amir is desperate to win a kite fighting tournament, and Hassan is helping him with it. But neither of the two can predict that event in the afternoon that will change their lives forever. After the Russians invade, their family is forced to flee to America. But one day, Amir realizes he must return to Afghanistan, under Taliban rule, to find the one thing that his new world cannot give him; redemption.
Why do we recommend this book?
What should I say about this book? This book is excellent and heart-touching. Even after the book was over, I thought about it for a long time. I don’t think I will ever forget this story, the story of Amir and Hassan, the two boys of The Kite Runner. And if you too read this book, you won’t either. The Kite Runner is an intriguing story of love, loss, violence, friendship, and redemption. And is a must-read at least once in a lifetime.
To know our full thoughts check out: Full review of The Kite Runner (Spoiler Free)
If you want to buy/gift The Kite Runner by Khalid Hosseini, click on the link below:👇
That’s it. So to conclude here are the 11 most amazing, heart-touching, and really good historical fiction books:
| 1. | A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini | Buy Now |
| 2. | How We Disappeared by Jing-Jing Lee | Buy Now |
| 3. | In Search of Heer by Manjul Bajaj | Buy Now |
| 4. | Island of Thousand Mirrors by Nayomi Munaweera | Buy Now |
| 5. | Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden | Buy Now |
| 6. | Pachinko by Min Jin Lee | Buy Now |
| 7. | The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi | Buy Now |
| 8. | The Mountains sing by Nguyen Phan Que Mai | Buy Now |
| 9. | The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris | Buy Now |
| 10. | The Woman in the White Kimono by Ana Johns | Buy Now |
| 11. | The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini | Buy Now |
Read all the books on this list of the best historical fiction books that are really good. They all are amazing.
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Major thankies for the blog.Really thank you! Fantastic.