--- {"type":"list","title":"My Top 10 Historical Fiction Books of All-Time","listId":94144,"canonicalUrl":"https://listium.com/@gloriazthompson/94144/my-top-10-historical-fiction-books-of-all-time","visibleItemTotal":10,"creator":{"id":"gloriazthompson","name":"Gloria Z Thompson","url":"https://listium.com/@gloriazthompson"},"stats":{"views":580,"likes":0,"followers":0},"category":"books & literature","publishedAt":"2023-11-14T04:09:55.198Z","updatedAt":"2023-12-13T04:52:31.688Z","fields":[{"id":0,"name":"Item","type":"PrimaryText"},{"id":1,"name":"Author","type":"Text","format":"short"},{"id":2,"name":"Overview","type":"Text","format":"long"},{"id":3,"name":"Sub-Genre","type":"Selection","multi":false},{"id":7,"name":"Setting","type":"Text","format":"short"},{"id":8,"name":"Historical Significance","type":"Text","format":"long"},{"id":4,"name":"My Take","type":"Text","format":"long"},{"id":5,"name":"Is the Book Part of a Series?","type":"Selection","multi":false},{"id":9,"name":"My Star-Rating","type":"Symbols","format":"star_rating"},{"id":12,"name":"Goodreads Rating","type":"Text","format":"short"},{"id":11,"name":"Book Cover","type":"Image"},{"id":13,"name":"Price","type":"Number","format":"currency"},{"id":14,"name":"Get It Here","type":"URL"},{"id":15,"name":"Video Comment","type":"Text"}]} --- # My Top 10 Historical Fiction Books of All-Time By [Gloria Z Thompson (@gloriazthompson)](https://listium.com/@gloriazthompson) 580 views · 0 likes · 0 followers Published 14 November 2023 · Updated 13 December 2023 Category: books & literature Explore History Through Riveting Tales: A Curated Historical Fiction List Inspired by my \[YouTube\](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0_yrM9_ZUQ) video, this list of historical fiction novels is a treasure trove for readers. Each book, carefully selected for its compelling narrative and historical depth, promises to transport you across different eras. From the heart-wrenching saga of 'The Book Thief' in Nazi Germany to the time-bending romance of 'Outlander' in 18th-century Scotland, these stories blend factual history with rich storytelling. Our table not only lists the titles and authors but also offers a glimpse into the setting, sub-genre, and the books' historical essence, complete with personal comments and star ratings. Ideal for both historical fiction enthusiasts and newcomers, this list is your gateway to experiencing history's most pivotal moments through the lens of fiction. Dive in and let these stories captivate your imagination and take you on an unforgettable journey through time! ## Items ### 1. [Where the Lost Wander](https://listium.com/@gloriazthompson/94144/my-top-10-historical-fiction-books-of-all-time/0/where-the-lost-wander) Item ID: `0` - Author: Amy Harmon - Overview: A family's perilous journey West on the Oregon Trail, filled with adventure, romance, and challenging themes. - Sub-Genre: Historical Romance - Setting: Oregon Trail, 1800s - Historical Significance: Depicts the challenges and experiences of pioneers traveling West during the 19th century. - My Take: This is one of my favorite books; its gripping narrative really captivated me. - Is the Book Part of a Series?: No - My Star-Rating: ★★★★★ - Goodreads Rating: 4.40 - Book Cover: ![Book Cover](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/r8baqy1uhnwwnxaeaxl5.png) - Price: $8.29 - Get It Here: [https://www.amazon.com/Where-Lost-Wander-Amy-Harmon/dp/1542017963](https://www.amazon.com/Where-Lost-Wander-Amy-Harmon/dp/1542017963?tag=listium03-20) - Video Comment: ```json { "start_time_mins": "1", "start_time_secs": "06", "stop_time_mins": "", "stop_time_secs": "", "video_location": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0_yrM9_ZUQ" } ``` ### 2. [Dear Mrs. Bird](https://listium.com/@gloriazthompson/94144/my-top-10-historical-fiction-books-of-all-time/1/dear-mrs-bird) Item ID: `1` - Author: AJ Pierce - Overview: Set during the London Blitz, a young woman's journey from aspiring war correspondent to advice column worker. - Sub-Genre: Historical Drama - Setting: London, WWII - Historical Significance: Explores life on the home front in London during World War II, particularly during the Blitz. - My Take: I love its blend of humor and emotion against a wartime backdrop. - Is the Book Part of a Series?: Yes - My Star-Rating: ★★★★☆ - Goodreads Rating: 3.79 - Book Cover: ![Book Cover](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/orta6cnrb4qzar8qayng.png) - Price: $11.29 - Get It Here: [https://www.amazon.com/Dear-Mrs-Bird-AJ-Pearce/dp/1501170074](https://www.amazon.com/Dear-Mrs-Bird-AJ-Pearce/dp/1501170074?tag=listium03-20) - Video Comment: ```json { "start_time_mins": "2", "start_time_secs": "12", "stop_time_mins": "", "stop_time_secs": "", "video_location": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0_yrM9_ZUQ" } ``` ### 3. [City of Thieves](https://listium.com/@gloriazthompson/94144/my-top-10-historical-fiction-books-of-all-time/2/city-of-thieves) Item ID: `2` - Author: David Benioff - Overview: In WWII Leningrad, two boys embark on a daring quest for eggs, combining harsh realities with a tale of friendship. - Sub-Genre: Historical Adventure - Setting: Leningrad, WWII - Historical Significance: Centers around the Siege of Leningrad, highlighting the struggles and resilience of its inhabitants. - My Take: Described as fast-paced, with a mix of hard content and humor. - Is the Book Part of a Series?: No - My Star-Rating: ★★★★☆ - Goodreads Rating: 4.29 - Book Cover: ![Book Cover](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/xccvm28nlplvbhxg4dmd.png) - Price: $11.21 - Get It Here: [https://www.amazon.com/City-Thieves-Novel-David-Benioff/dp/0452295297](https://www.amazon.com/City-Thieves-Novel-David-Benioff/dp/0452295297?tag=listium03-20) - Video Comment: ```json { "start_time_mins": "2", "start_time_secs": "58", "stop_time_mins": "", "stop_time_secs": "", "video_location": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0_yrM9_ZUQ" } ``` ### 4. [Salt to the Sea](https://listium.com/@gloriazthompson/94144/my-top-10-historical-fiction-books-of-all-time/3/salt-to-the-sea) Item ID: `3` - Author: Ruta Sepetys - Overview: The tragic tale of the Wilhelm Gustloff ship, told through four intertwining lives during WWII. - Sub-Genre: Historical Fiction - Setting: WWII, Wilhelm Gustloff Ship - Historical Significance: Focuses on the sinking of the MV Wilhelm Gustloff, one of the deadliest maritime disasters in history. - My Take: Commended for its unique WWII perspective and emotional depth. - Is the Book Part of a Series?: No - My Star-Rating: ★★★★★ - Goodreads Rating: 4.36 - Book Cover: ![Book Cover](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/xka9cgcqntxejvdzbaow.png) - Price: $7.68 - Get It Here: [https://www.amazon.com/Salt-Sea-Ruta-Sepetys/dp/0142423629](https://www.amazon.com/Salt-Sea-Ruta-Sepetys/dp/0142423629?tag=listium03-20) - Video Comment: ```json { "start_time_mins": "3", "start_time_secs": "38", "stop_time_mins": "", "stop_time_secs": "", "video_location": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0_yrM9_ZUQ" } ``` ### 5. [The Nature of Fragile Things](https://listium.com/@gloriazthompson/94144/my-top-10-historical-fiction-books-of-all-time/4/the-nature-of-fragile-things) Item ID: `4` - Author: Susan Meissner - Overview: A mail-order bride in 1906 San Francisco faces a massive earthquake and a unraveling mystery. - Sub-Genre: Historical Mystery - Setting: San Francisco, 1906 - Historical Significance: Set against the backdrop of the great San Francisco earthquake and fire of 1906. - My Take: Engaging mystery elements intertwined with historical events. - Is the Book Part of a Series?: No - My Star-Rating: ★★★★☆ - Goodreads Rating: 4.26 - Book Cover: ![Book Cover](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/keqoiomdkw6el8c6zppz.png) - Price: $11.99 - Get It Here: [https://www.amazon.com/Nature-Fragile-Things-Susan-Meissner-ebook/dp/B08816XHX4](https://www.amazon.com/Nature-Fragile-Things-Susan-Meissner-ebook/dp/B08816XHX4?tag=listium03-20) - Video Comment: ```json { "start_time_mins": "4", "start_time_secs": "43", "stop_time_mins": "", "stop_time_secs": "", "video_location": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0_yrM9_ZUQ" } ``` ### 6. [As Bright As Heaven](https://listium.com/@gloriazthompson/94144/my-top-10-historical-fiction-books-of-all-time/12/as-bright-as-heaven) Item ID: `12` - Author: Susan Meissner - Overview: Set during the 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic in Philadelphia, this story explores themes of loss, resilience, and family bonds - Sub-Genre: Historical Drama - Setting: Philadelphia, 1918 - Historical Significance: The historical significance of "As Bright As Heaven" lies in its portrayal of the 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic and its impact on American families, particularly in Philadelphia. This book offers a personal and intimate view into one of the deadliest pandemics in history, which claimed millions of lives worldwide. - My Take: A book with a profound story that I am eager to read and expect to be a favorite. - Is the Book Part of a Series?: No - My Star-Rating: ★★★★☆ - Goodreads Rating: 4.10 - Book Cover: ![Book Cover](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/xwn899cszjbad48kp5h8.png) - Price: $13.94 - Get It Here: [https://www.amazon.com/Outlander-Starz-Tie-Diana-Gabaldon/dp/0553393707](https://www.amazon.com/Outlander-Starz-Tie-Diana-Gabaldon/dp/0553393707?tag=listium03-20) - Video Comment: ```json { "start_time_mins": "5", "start_time_secs": "30", "stop_time_mins": "", "stop_time_secs": "", "video_location": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0_yrM9_ZUQ" } ``` ### 7. [Outlander](https://listium.com/@gloriazthompson/94144/my-top-10-historical-fiction-books-of-all-time/5/outlander) Item ID: `5` - Author: Diana Gabaldon - Overview: A time-travel romance set in Scotland, following the lives of Claire and Jamie. - Sub-Genre: Historical Fantasy - Setting: Scotland, 18th Century - Historical Significance: Integrates elements of the Jacobite risings and life in 18th-century Scotland. - My Take: Deeply engaging characters and rich narrative. - Is the Book Part of a Series?: Yes - My Star-Rating: ★★★★☆ - Goodreads Rating: 4.26 - Book Cover: ![Book Cover](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/pdl2mibfrhsgojvatze7.png) - Price: $12.99 - Get It Here: [https://www.amazon.com/Outlander-Starz-Tie-Diana-Gabaldon/dp/0553393707](https://www.amazon.com/Outlander-Starz-Tie-Diana-Gabaldon/dp/0553393707?tag=listium03-20) - Video Comment: ```json { "start_time_mins": "5", "start_time_secs": "45", "stop_time_mins": "", "stop_time_secs": "", "video_location": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0_yrM9_ZUQ" } ``` ### 8. [The Nightingale](https://listium.com/@gloriazthompson/94144/my-top-10-historical-fiction-books-of-all-time/6/the-nightingale) Item ID: `6` - Author: Kristin Hannah - Overview: A poignant tale of two sisters in France during WWII, exploring themes of survival and resistance. - Sub-Genre: Historical Drama - Setting: France, WWII - Historical Significance: Highlights the role and experiences of women in the French Resistance during World War II. - My Take: Initially loved by the reviewer; due for a re-read. - Is the Book Part of a Series?: No - My Star-Rating: ★★★★★ - Goodreads Rating: 4.61 - Book Cover: ![Book Cover](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/qsgwiv5gpde4nm3n4ybd.png) - Price: $9.40 - Get It Here: [https://www.amazon.com/Nightingale-Novel-Kristin-Hannah/dp/1250080401](https://www.amazon.com/Nightingale-Novel-Kristin-Hannah/dp/1250080401?tag=listium03-20) - Video Comment: ```json { "start_time_mins": "6", "start_time_secs": "48", "stop_time_mins": "", "stop_time_secs": "", "video_location": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0_yrM9_ZUQ" } ``` ### 9. [The Book Thief](https://listium.com/@gloriazthompson/94144/my-top-10-historical-fiction-books-of-all-time/7/the-book-thief) Item ID: `7` - Author: Markus Zusak - Overview: Set in WWII, narrated by Death, focusing on a young girl's life in Nazi Germany. - Sub-Genre: Historical Drama - Setting: Nazi Germany, WWII - Historical Significance: Provides a unique perspective on life in Nazi Germany, emphasizing the power and importance of books and stories. - My Take: A memorable read, to be revisited for reassessment. - Is the Book Part of a Series?: No - My Star-Rating: ★★★★★ - Goodreads Rating: 4.39 - Book Cover: ![Book Cover](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/eoawmbhaltw9hetyqxso.png) - Price: $7.83 - Get It Here: [https://www.amazon.com/Book-Thief-Markus-Zusak/dp/0375842209](https://www.amazon.com/Book-Thief-Markus-Zusak/dp/0375842209?tag=listium03-20) - Video Comment: ```json { "start_time_mins": "7", "start_time_secs": "46", "stop_time_mins": "", "stop_time_secs": "", "video_location": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0_yrM9_ZUQ" } ``` ### 10. [Number the Stars](https://listium.com/@gloriazthompson/94144/my-top-10-historical-fiction-books-of-all-time/8/number-the-stars) Item ID: `8` - Author: Lois Lowry - Overview: A WWII story about the escape of a Jewish family from Copenhagen, crucial to the understanding of the Holocaust. - Sub-Genre: Historical Drama - Setting: Copenhagen, WWII - Historical Significance: Centers on the rescue of Danish Jews during World War II, highlighting Denmark's efforts to save its Jewish population. - My Take: It's the book that started my love for historical fiction. - Is the Book Part of a Series?: No - My Star-Rating: ★★★★☆ - Goodreads Rating: 4.18 - Book Cover: ![Book Cover](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/j4zccyl53dpyblervyae.png) - Price: $7.10 - Get It Here: [https://www.amazon.com/Number-Stars-Lois-Lowry/dp/0547577095](https://www.amazon.com/Number-Stars-Lois-Lowry/dp/0547577095?tag=listium03-20) - Video Comment: ```json { "start_time_mins": "8", "start_time_secs": "34", "stop_time_mins": "", "stop_time_secs": "", "video_location": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0_yrM9_ZUQ" } ```