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10 Best Historical Fiction Books 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

The Women: A Novel

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,257
Historical Period
Setting
Characters

Most important from
253065 reviews

Historical Period
Hannah's depiction of the Vietnam War and the treatment of female veterans is eye-opening and heart-wrenching.
Setting
The Women vividly describes the horrors of war while also highlighting the dedication and love for the country by those who served.
Characters
The protagonist's transformation from a naive young girl to a rockstar combat nurse is something many in the medical field can relate to.
Plot
The Women gives The Nightingale a run for its money with its emotional rollercoaster ride.
Writing Style
Kristin Hannah's writing is magical, hooking you from page one and transporting you into the world she creates.

The Women: A Novel is a historical fiction audiobook set to be released on February 6, 2024, by Macmillan Audio. Narrated by Julia Whelan and Kristin Hannah, this book promises an engaging listening experience. The novel is ranked highly across various categories, indicating its popularity and quality. It is especially notable in Coming of Age Fiction and Historical Fiction genres, suggesting that it combines the personal growth of characters with a rich historical backdrop.

The listening length is nearly 15 hours, making it a substantial and immersive experience for readers who enjoy lengthy narratives. Kristin Hannah is known for her ability to recreate vivid and believable environments. The characters are expected to be well-developed, given Hannah's reputation for creating relatable and emotionally resonant figures. The plot probably intertwines historical events with personal stories, drawing readers into both the larger historical context and the intimate lives of the characters.

Hannah's writing style is generally accessible and emotionally charged, which suits both seasoned and new readers to historical fiction. Some might find the nearly 15-hour length daunting and a potential barrier to completion. This audiobook version benefits from Whispersync for Voice, allowing seamless switching between reading and listening, though users must have compatible devices. The Women: A Novel seems to be a strong contender for fans of historical fiction, combining an engaging plot, rich historical context, and a compelling narrative style. It might particularly appeal to those interested in coming-of-age stories set against a historical backdrop.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,257
Historical Period
Setting
Characters

Most important from
253065 reviews

Historical Period
Hannah's depiction of the Vietnam War and the treatment of female veterans is eye-opening and heart-wrenching.
Setting
The Women vividly describes the horrors of war while also highlighting the dedication and love for the country by those who served.
Characters
The protagonist's transformation from a naive young girl to a rockstar combat nurse is something many in the medical field can relate to.
Plot
The Women gives The Nightingale a run for its money with its emotional rollercoaster ride.
Writing Style
Kristin Hannah's writing is magical, hooking you from page one and transporting you into the world she creates.
#2

The Frozen River: A GMA Book Club Pick: A Novel

Rating
9.8
Historical Period
Setting
Characters

Most important from
62195 reviews

Historical Period
The novel immerses the reader in post-revolutionary Maine, vividly depicting the life and challenges of Martha and her family.
Setting
The author's descriptive storytelling makes the places and events come alive, making it easy to follow and engaging.
Characters
The characters are strong and well-developed, particularly Martha, whose life is both hard and rewarding.
Plot
The murder mystery elements unfold slowly but deliver a satisfying conclusion, adding an extra layer of intrigue.
Writing Style
The author's descriptive storytelling makes the places and events come alive, making it easy to follow and engaging.

The Frozen River: A GMA Book Club Pick: A Novel is set in an evocative historical period that provides a rich backdrop for the story. The setting enhances the narrative, immersing the reader in a time and place that feels authentic and tangible. The characters are well-developed, each with distinct personalities and backgrounds that contribute to the depth of the novel.

The plot weaves together various elements of intrigue, drama, and historical detail, keeping the reader engaged throughout the 448 pages. The writing style is accessible yet eloquent, making it suitable for a wide range of readers, including those who might not be hardcore history buffs but still enjoy a good, well-told story.

At 448 pages, the novel might feel a bit lengthy for some readers, and the pacing could have been more consistent in certain parts. Additionally, while the historical details are rich, they can sometimes overshadow the plot, making the narrative feel a bit dense. Despite these minor drawbacks, The Frozen River is a compelling read for anyone interested in historical fiction, especially those who appreciate a well-crafted story set against a meticulously researched historical backdrop.

Rating
9.8
Historical Period
Setting
Characters

Most important from
62195 reviews

Historical Period
The novel immerses the reader in post-revolutionary Maine, vividly depicting the life and challenges of Martha and her family.
Setting
The author's descriptive storytelling makes the places and events come alive, making it easy to follow and engaging.
Characters
The characters are strong and well-developed, particularly Martha, whose life is both hard and rewarding.
Plot
The murder mystery elements unfold slowly but deliver a satisfying conclusion, adding an extra layer of intrigue.
Writing Style
The author's descriptive storytelling makes the places and events come alive, making it easy to follow and engaging.
#3

The Nightingale

Rating
9.6
Historical Period
Characters
Plot

Most important from
354190 reviews

Historical Period
The book beautifully portrays the harsh realities of life for women in France during WWII and the journey of two sisters as they navigate survival and freedom.
Characters
Vianne and Isabelle's wartime experiences were vastly different, yet both were inspiring and heartbreaking.
Plot
An epic and powerful story that truly makes you reflect on your own life and the freedoms we enjoy each day.

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah is set during World War II, specifically focusing on the Nazi occupation of France. This historical period is well-chosen, offering rich and dramatic conflict that serves as a compelling backdrop for the story. The setting is vividly depicted, transporting listeners to the harsh realities of war-torn France. Characters are deeply developed, with strong, dynamic female leads that drive the narrative.

The plot is engaging and emotionally charged, exploring themes of survival, resistance, and the complexities of human relationships during wartime. Kristin Hannah's writing style is eloquent and evocative, making the 17-hour listening experience immersive and impactful. Narrator Polly Stone adds depth to the characters with her expressive narration, enhancing the experience.

However, some listeners might find the length of the audiobook daunting, and there are moments where the pacing may feel slow. Additionally, while the story is powerful, it can be emotionally intense, which might not be suitable for all audiences. This audiobook is ideal for those interested in World War II historical fiction, especially those who appreciate strong character development and intricate storytelling.

Rating
9.6
Historical Period
Characters
Plot

Most important from
354190 reviews

Historical Period
The book beautifully portrays the harsh realities of life for women in France during WWII and the journey of two sisters as they navigate survival and freedom.
Characters
Vianne and Isabelle's wartime experiences were vastly different, yet both were inspiring and heartbreaking.
Plot
An epic and powerful story that truly makes you reflect on your own life and the freedoms we enjoy each day.

Buying Guide for the Best Historical Fiction Books

Choosing the right historical fiction book can be a delightful journey into the past. Historical fiction books blend real historical events with fictional characters and stories, providing both entertainment and education. To find the best fit for you, consider the following key aspects: the historical period, the setting, the characters, the plot, and the writing style. Each of these elements can greatly influence your reading experience, so it's important to understand what you enjoy most in a book.
Historical PeriodThe historical period is the specific time frame in which the story is set. This is important because it shapes the context and events of the narrative. Historical periods can range from ancient civilizations to the 20th century. If you have a particular interest in a certain era, such as the Victorian era or World War II, look for books set in that time. For those new to historical fiction, starting with a well-known period can make the story more relatable and engaging.
SettingThe setting refers to the geographical location where the story takes place. This is crucial as it influences the culture, customs, and daily life depicted in the book. Settings can vary from bustling cities to rural villages, and from well-known landmarks to obscure locales. Consider what type of setting you find most intriguing or what you want to learn more about. A vivid and well-researched setting can transport you to another place and time, enhancing your reading experience.
CharactersCharacters are the people who inhabit the story, and their development is key to a compelling narrative. In historical fiction, characters can be entirely fictional, based on real historical figures, or a mix of both. Think about whether you prefer stories with strong, relatable protagonists or those that explore the lives of historical figures. Well-developed characters can make the historical context come alive and help you connect emotionally with the story.
PlotThe plot is the sequence of events that make up the story. In historical fiction, the plot often intertwines with real historical events, providing a backdrop for the characters' personal journeys. Plots can range from epic sagas to intimate dramas. Consider what type of story you enjoy – whether it's a sweeping adventure, a romantic tale, or a political intrigue. A well-crafted plot will keep you engaged and make the historical setting more immersive.
Writing StyleThe writing style is the author's unique way of telling the story, including their use of language, tone, and pacing. This is important because it affects how easily you can get into the book and how enjoyable the reading experience is. Writing styles can vary from richly descriptive and detailed to straightforward and fast-paced. Think about what kind of writing you prefer – do you enjoy lush, poetic prose or a more direct, action-driven narrative? Choosing a book with a writing style that resonates with you will enhance your overall enjoyment.

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