Historical Fiction Books on my TBR

I have always been fascinated with history, and so historical fiction is one of my favorite genres to read! However, I don’t usually see a lot of buzz about historical fiction books, so I have compiled a list of a few I am really excited to read. These have a wide variety of time periods, and is also a mix of adult and YA.

They Went Left by Monica Hesse

Monica Hesse is the author of Girl in the Blue Coat, which I really liked when I read it last year (I flew through it in 2 days!). This is another WW2 novel, but takes place after the events of the war. Zofia has just been liberated from a Nazi concentration camp, but was separated from her family, who was sent left instead of right. Now, she is on a mission to find them. This is a YA novel, so I’m sure it will be fast paced, despite the heavy topics.

Actress by Anne Enright

I just recently came across this book, but added it right away to my list. This book follows the main character, Katherine, as she begins to rise to fame in Ireland, then moving to West End, Broadway, and eventually Hollywood. By her side throughout the ordeal is her daughter. Following both women during post war America and the 1970s, this book sounds intriguing to me, especially the Old Hollywood aspect.

The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi

This book follows 17 year old Lakshmi after escaping from an abusive marriage. Now, she works as a Henna artist in an Indian city. However, things are turned upside-down when Lakshmi’s husband tracks her down year later. Not only that, he brings along with him the sister she never knew she had. This sounds intriguing, and I am hoping to get to it this month.

The Downstairs Girl by Stacy Lee

Stacy Lee has published a few books, but this is one that really caught my attention! This follows Jo Kuan, maid for one of the most powerful and notorious men in Atlanta. However, in secret, Jo is also a columnist for the local newspaper, giving advice to people seeking the help of ‘Miss Sweetie.’ After addressing race and gender issues in Atlanta, citizens promise to uncover Miss Sweetie’s identity, leaving Jo scared and at risk for losing her job.

The Passion of dolssa by Julie Berry

Set in 1200s France, this YA novel takes place after the Catholic Crusades have annihilated Europe. Dolssa is on the run from a friar who is determined to see her burned at the stake because she has a mysterious healing power. This witchy-hunty book sounds very fascinating, and I loved Lovely War so much that I’m sure this is going to be a winner for me as well!

The WInemaker’s Wife by Kristin Harmel

I just read The Book of Lost Names by Kristin Harmel a few months ago and really enjoyed it, so I want to read this novel as well! Set in 1940s France, this book follows Inès, a newlywed who got married just before Hitler invaded France. After her new husband teams up with the French Resistance, her initial response is anger- how could he put them at risk like this? But then, she begins to build a relationship with a half-Jewish neighbor, and realizes the danger for the French Jewish population is even greater. However, one mistake puts everyone at risk, and Inès may be to blame.

Gone by Nightfall by Dee Garretson

Charlotte is an ordinary girl in czarist Russia. She dreams of going to medical school, and someday becoming a doctor. However, this all changes after her mother suddenly dies, leaving her to care for her siblings. After revolution breaks out in Russia, Charlotte knows she has to find away to escape with her siblings, and fast.

Kent State by Deborah Wiles

The last book on this list is one that I have had my eye on for awhile now. This short novel recounts the events that happened on May 4, 1970 at Kent State University, when the national guard shot 4 innocent students protesting the Vietnam War. I believe this is written in verse, and gives the perspective of 4 bystanders, each on the campus for different reasons. I studied at a brank of Kent State for a year and have a number of friends attending the campus now, so I am super intrigued by this and can’t wait to see what the author did with this story.

I hope these books sounded intriguing to any other historical fiction fans out there, and you were able to add a couple of these to your list! If you are interested in buddy reading any of these, leave a comment below 🙂

Happy reading!