Historical books are no less than any fiction novels. It transports readers to different eras with different stories of the past. These books make the past feel real in a way textbooks never could. If you’re looking for which book is good, here we’re going to explore the best historical fiction books of all time that you must read.

Timeless Classics

Let’s start with the big ones – the historical fiction books that have been around for ages but still pack a punch:

• War and Peace: Tolstoy’s massive novel about Napoleon’s invasion of Russia. Yes, it’s long, but it shows war from both the battlefield and the ballroom.
• A Tale of Two Cities: Dickens takes you to the French Revolution with his classic tale of lookalikes, love, and the guillotine.
• I, Claudius: Imagine being the “stupid” member of a crazy royal family in ancient Rome. That’s Claudius’ story, told with wicked humor.

Modern Favorites

Now for some newer books that already feel like classics:

• Wolf Hall – Hilary Mantel makes Thomas Cromwell, Henry VIII’s right-hand man, surprisingly fascinating. The politics feel shockingly modern.
• The Book Thief – A girl steals books in Nazi Germany, with Death himself telling the story. It’s sad but beautiful.
• Homegoing – Follows two African sisters’ descendants through generations, from slavery to modern times. Each chapter feels like its own powerful short story.

Historical Fiction Books That Meet The Standards

1. Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell (1936)

The book explores love, loss, and resilience in a war-torn society.

2. Pachinko by Min Jin Lee (2017)

This epic novel follows a Korean family across generations, starting in early 1900s Korea and moving to Japan. It’s also adapted in a Kdrama, Pachinko, that has 2 seasons, starring Lee Min-ho, who is considered one of the top Hallyu stars. Based on this novel, the series premiered on Apple TV+ in 2022.

3. Beloved by Toni Morrison (1987)

Based on true events, Beloved follows Sethe, a former enslaved woman haunted by her past.

4. The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett (1989)

Set in 12th-century England, this novel revolves around the construction of a cathedral.

5. All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr (2014)

Set in WWII, this Pulitzer Prize-winning novel follows a blind French girl and a German boy whose paths cross during the war.

What Makes Historical Fiction Novels So Special?

Good historical novels does two things really well:

• It teaches you about the past without feeling like a lesson.
• It also makes you care about people who lived very different lives.

The best historical fiction books in this genre don’t just describe historical events – they make you feel what it was like to live through them. You’ll finish these books knowing more about history than you learned in school, but you won’t feel like you’ve been studying.

Where to Buy Historical Books?

In Pakistan, you’ve got options:

• Big bookstores like Liberty usually carry these
• Online shops like Urdu Bazar often have cheaper copies
• Some might be in your local library (though English selections can be limited)

Prices vary, but expect to pay between Rs. 1,000-2,500 for new copies of the popular titles.

A Quick Tip

If you’re new to historical fiction, don’t start with the thickest book on the shelf. Try something shorter like The Book Thief first. Once you’re hooked, you’ll be ready for the bigger ones.
What’s great about these books is that they’re not just for history buffs. They’re for anyone who likes good stories about real people in extraordinary times. And honestly, after reading a few, you might find yourself looking up the actual history behind them – that’s how good historical fiction books are at making the past interesting.

RELATED ARTICLES:

Top 5 Popular and Highly-Rated Fiction Books
Best Novels Turned into Blockbuster Movies