10 Best Historical Fiction Books of All Time, According to Forbes

We may not be able to travel back in time, but historical fiction is probably the next best thing.

There is something special about opening a novel and being transported to another era. Whether it is wartime Europe, the Great Depression, ancient civilizations, or moments of political upheaval, historical fiction allows readers to experience the past through unforgettable characters and compelling stories. The best novels in the genre do more than simply recreate history—they make it feel alive.

That is why historical fiction continues to be one of the most popular genres among readers. It combines the emotional depth of great storytelling with the fascinating details of real historical events. When done well, it can teach us about the past while delivering a reading experience that is every bit as entertaining as it is informative.

Forbes recently highlighted some of the greatest historical fiction books ever written, and the list features a mix of modern classics, award-winning novels, and powerful stories that have resonated with readers around the world.

If you are looking for your next historical fiction read, these books are a great place to start.

What Makes a Great Historical Fiction Novel?

Historical fiction is one of the most challenging genres for an author to master.

Unlike contemporary novels, writers cannot simply create a setting from their imagination. They must carefully research the time period they are writing about, from clothing and transportation to politics, language, and social customs. Even the smallest historical inaccuracies can pull readers out of the story.

The best historical fiction novels make the setting feel like a living, breathing part of the narrative. The era becomes just as important as the characters themselves. Readers are immersed in a different world and gain a deeper understanding of the people who lived through those events.

The books on this list excel at doing exactly that. They transport readers across decades and continents while telling deeply personal stories that remain relevant today.

The 10 Best Historical Fiction Books of All Time

• The War That Saved My Life By Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
• I Must Betray You By Ruta Sepetys
• Orphan Monster Spy By Matt Killeen
• Rose Under Fire By Elizabeth Wein
• Iqbal By Francesco D’Adamo
• All the Light We Cannot See By Anthony Doerr
• The Boy in the Striped Pajamas By John Boyne
• The Girl with the Red Balloon By Katherine Locke
• Code Talker: A Novel About the Navajo Marines of World War Two By Joseph Bruchac
• The Fountains of Silence By Ruta Sepetys

10. The Fountains of Silence by Ruta Sepetys

Ruta Sepetys has built a reputation for writing exceptional historical fiction, and The Fountains of Silence is one of her most ambitious novels.

Set in 1957 Spain during Francisco Franco’s dictatorship, the novel follows an American teenager who visits Madrid and slowly uncovers the realities hidden beneath the country’s carefully controlled public image.

Sepetys is known for bringing overlooked periods of history to life, and this novel is no exception. Through rich historical detail and compelling characters, she explores themes of truth, censorship, family, and justice.

It is a powerful reminder that some of history’s most important stories remain largely untold.

9. Code Talker: A Novel About the Navajo Marines of World War Two by Joseph Bruchac

Many readers are familiar with World War II, but fewer know about the Navajo Code Talkers who played a crucial role in the Pacific Theater.

Joseph Bruchac’s Code Talker tells the story through the eyes of a young Navajo Marine who helps create and use the secret code that became instrumental to American military success.

The novel provides valuable insight into Native American history while highlighting a remarkable chapter of World War II that deserves far more recognition.

Bruchac combines historical accuracy with engaging storytelling, making this a memorable and educational read for readers of all ages.

8. The Girl with the Red Balloon by Katherine Locke

Historical fiction often blends with other genres, and The Girl with the Red Balloon is a perfect example.

The novel follows Ellie Baum, who unexpectedly finds herself transported back to East Berlin during the Cold War. What begins as a seemingly magical premise quickly develops into a thoughtful exploration of history, identity, and family.

Locke uses the unique concept to examine the realities of life behind the Berlin Wall while creating a story that feels both imaginative and emotionally grounded.

Readers looking for historical fiction with a speculative twist will find plenty to enjoy here.

7. The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne

Few historical fiction novels have sparked as much discussion as The Boy in the Striped Pajamas.

Set during World War II, the novel follows Bruno, the young son of a Nazi officer, who forms an unlikely friendship with a Jewish boy living on the other side of a fence.

The story is told through a child’s perspective, which gives the novel much of its emotional power. Bruno’s innocence contrasts sharply with the horrific realities unfolding around him.

While the book has generated debate among historians and educators regarding its portrayal of certain historical events, its impact on readers is undeniable. It remains one of the most widely read historical fiction novels of the twenty-first century.

6. All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

Anthony Doerr’s Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpiece has become one of the defining historical fiction novels of modern times.

The novel alternates between two protagonists: Marie-Laure, a blind French girl living in occupied France, and Werner, a gifted German boy whose talents lead him into the Nazi military system.

Their stories gradually move toward one another against the backdrop of World War II.

What makes All the Light We Cannot See so remarkable is Doerr’s writing. His prose is beautiful without feeling excessive, and he captures both the horrors and humanity of war with extraordinary skill.

This is one of those rare novels that lives up to the immense praise it receives.

5. Iqbal by Francesco D’Adamo

Inspired by the true story of child labor activist Iqbal Masih, Francesco D’Adamo’s Iqbal delivers an emotional and unforgettable reading experience.

The novel follows a group of children working in brutal conditions in a carpet factory. Their lives begin to change when Iqbal arrives and challenges the system that keeps them trapped.

Although the story is aimed at younger readers, its themes are universal. It explores courage, justice, friendship, and the power of standing up against oppression.

It is a moving novel that leaves a lasting impression long after the final page.

4. Rose Under Fire by Elizabeth Wein

Elizabeth Wein’s Rose Under Fire is a gripping World War II novel that deserves far more attention.

The story follows Rose Justice, an American pilot who is captured by the Nazis and sent to Ravensbrück concentration camp.

What follows is a harrowing account of survival, resilience, and friendship under unimaginable circumstances.

Wein’s extensive research is evident throughout the novel. The historical details never overwhelm the story but instead deepen the emotional impact of Rose’s journey.

This is historical fiction at its most powerful.

3. Orphan Monster Spy by Matt Killeen

Matt Killeen delivers one of the most unique entries on this list with Orphan Monster Spy.

The novel follows Sarah, a Jewish teenager recruited by British intelligence during World War II. Her mission is almost impossible: infiltrate an elite Nazi boarding school and gather intelligence from the highest levels of the regime.

The premise alone is enough to grab readers, but Killeen backs it up with excellent execution.

The tension remains high throughout the novel, and the historical setting feels authentic and immersive. Sarah is also a fantastic protagonist whose courage and determination make her easy to root for.

It is a thrilling blend of espionage and historical fiction that stands out in a crowded genre.

2. I Must Betray You by Ruta Sepetys

Ruta Sepetys appears on this list twice, which speaks volumes about her talent as a historical fiction writer.

Set in 1989 Romania during the final days of Nicolae Ceaușescu’s dictatorship, I Must Betray You follows seventeen-year-old Cristian Florescu as he navigates a society built on fear and surveillance.

The novel explores what life was really like under an oppressive regime and examines the difficult choices people make when survival is at stake.

Sepetys has a gift for uncovering lesser-known historical events and making them accessible to modern readers. This novel is both educational and emotionally impactful, making it one of the strongest historical fiction books published in recent years.

1. The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

Topping Forbes’ list is The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley.

First published in 2015, the novel tells the story of Ada, a young girl born with a clubfoot who has spent most of her life isolated and abused by her mother.

When World War II forces children to evacuate London, Ada escapes alongside her younger brother and finds refuge in the English countryside.

What follows is a remarkable story of healing, resilience, and self-discovery.

Bradley expertly balances the realities of wartime England with Ada’s deeply personal journey. Readers watch her gradually gain confidence, independence, and hope as she learns that she is capable of far more than she ever imagined.

The novel has earned countless accolades and remains a favorite among readers of all ages. It is easy to see why Forbes ranked it as the best historical fiction book on their list.

Final Thoughts

Historical fiction has a unique ability to connect us with the past in ways that textbooks rarely can. The best novels in the genre allow readers to step into another time and experience history through the eyes of unforgettable characters.

What stands out about Forbes’ selections is their diversity. While several books focus on World War II, others explore Cold War Germany, Francoist Spain, Communist Romania, Native American history, and real-world social justice movements. Together, they demonstrate just how broad and fascinating historical fiction can be.

Whether you are new to the genre or a longtime fan, these ten novels represent some of the very best historical fiction has to offer. They entertain, educate, and remind us why stories set in the past continue to resonate with readers today.

And if there is one thing these books prove, it is that while we cannot travel back in time, a great historical fiction novel can make it feel like we have. Until next time, happy reading!

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