Best Historical Fiction Novels

 

    Historical Fiction, I truly believe, is a important genre. Ever heard of the phrase"History Repeats Itself"? Well, in order to prevent ourselves from repeating the mistakes of the past, we need to remember and books are a powerful way of doing that. Here is a list of historical fiction novels that you need to check out.  

1.) The Book Thief 

    The Book Thief won the Michael L. Printz Award in 2007 and if you have read this book, you will understand why. The Book Thief tells the tale of Liesel Meminger, a girl living under Nazi rule, told through the eyes of Death. The Book Thief is unlike most World War II novels. It takes a closer look at the civilians who were forced to under air raids, food shortages, and loss of family and friends. The Book Thief is a beauitfully written book and is the type of story that lingers with you forever. If you haven't read this book, you simply must.

2.) All the Light We Cannot See

    All the Light We Cannot See tells the story of a blind French girl and a german orphan boy who lives interweave and connect in ways we didn't expect. The writing in this book is on another level. Doerr is a master with a pen. He is able transports you to another world by simply writing a sentence. This is a emotional and haunting story of two lives that are ruined by the monster that is war. This is an amazing book. A beautiful story told by a writer who knows what he is doing. If you are looking for a World War II novel to read, then I highly recommend this book.

3.) The Song of Achilles

    The Song of Achilles is one of my favorite novels ever and is perhaps one of the best books written in the 2000s. The Song of Achilles is a retelling of the story of Achilles and the Trojan War but told through the perspective of Patroclus, Achilles's best friend and lover. Everytime I read this book I cry. Like ugly cry. The Song of Achilles is the story of a impending tradegy with only one ending. It's so sad but yet so hauntingly beauitful at the same time. Madeline Miller is also an amzaing writer. Her words are like poetry and the Song of Achilles is a masterpiece. If love Greek Mythology, then you must read this book. 

4.) Burial Rites 

    Burial Rites tells the story of Agnes Magnúsdóttir, a servant in northern Iceland who was condemned to death after the murder of two men, one of whom was her employer, and became the last woman put to death in Iceland. However, in Hannah Kent's words, Agnes is not your typical callous murder. Instead, she is a hard-working and intelligent women who is worthy of friendship. Yet, because of her status of being bastard born out of wedlock, she is condemned to live her life alone and poor in the cold environment of Iceland. Burial Rites is a beautiful and haunting story. It gives a face to the women who condemned and villanized.  Read this book if you haven't yet. 

5.) City of Girls

    City of Girls tells the story of Vivan Morris as she tries to explain her life and connection to her dead friend's daughter. City of Girls is a coming-of-age story. We follow Vivan from the time she drops out of college to her designing dresses on broadway to her opening her own dress shop. Vivan is a fascinating protagnist. She does things her own way and owns it. She's not a perfect protagnist by any means. She makes many mistakes throughout the novel but that makes her human and she never lets her mistakes define who she is. City of Girls is Elizabeth Gilbert's masterpiece. It's a beauitful story of a women finding her place in the world. If you haven't read this book, then you must.