10 Wonderful Books That Will Take You Back in Time
Whether you're interested in Eastern or Western culture, immersing yourself in a good historical tale can be not only entertaining, but insightful. Stories about people fighting disease, surviving war, or even just living their lives in the past can give you a new perspective on your own present-day circumstances. So why not dive into one of these great works of historical fiction today? When you click links from this website, we may receive advertising revenue to support our research. This video was made with Ezvid Wikimaker.
10 Wonderful Books That Will Take You Back in Time
Historical Fiction vs Non-Fiction
The books on this list can give you a better understanding of the past, but that doesn't make them history textbooks. Here are a few of the differences between historical fiction & non-fiction:
| Historical Fiction | Historical Non-Fiction | |
|---|---|---|
| About a by-gone era | ||
| May contain real historical figures | ||
| Can contain imaginary characters | ||
| Story crafted by the author | ||
| Contains only true facts | ||
| Loses credibility if untrue |
Popular Settings for Historical Fiction
10 Great Historical Films
- Schindler's List (1993)
- 12 Years a Slave (2013)
- Doctor Zhivago (1965)
- Milk (2008)
- Braveheart (1995)
- Lincoln (2012)
- Hotel Rwanda (2004)
- Bonnie and Clyde (1967)
- The King's Speech (2010)
- All the President's Men (1976)
What is History For?
In Depth
History is an important teacher, but many readers find that non-fiction works fail to hold their interest. If you want to learn about what life in the past was like without getting bogged down in dates and details, you should definitely dive into the world of historical fiction. From war dramas to poignant love stories, here are ten wonderful books that will take you back in time, listed in no particular order.
Starting off at #1 is "Unbound," which is set in 1548 China, when the Ming dynasty is being invaded by the Mongols. A year after he was taken from his home to work as a laborer at the Great Wall, Fan struggles to do his task with his declining health. Meanwhile, his wife, Meng, worries about his well-being and decides to go on a perilous journey to look for him. In a time where women are afraid to leave their homes, she disguises herself as a man and sets out on foot. John Shors brings Asian history to life with a love story that defines loyalty and bravery.
At #2 is "The Forgiving Kind," which depicts the social injustice and prejudice that existed in the 1950s. Donna Everhart presents a coming-of-age novel about familial love that takes place in North Carolina. It tells the story of twelve-year-old Sonny Creech, who inherits her father's talent of water divination, a useful gift for those who tend cotton farms. After her father dies in a tragic accident, her family finds themselves in a financial crisis. This forces Mrs. Creech to accept an offer from their rich neighbor, who has ulterior motives.
It tells the story of twelve-year-old Sonny Creech, who inherits her father's talent of water divination, a useful gift for those who tend cotton farms.
Coming in at #3 is "Moloka'i." Set in the 1950s, when there is no cure for leprosy, the book tells the story of seven-year-old Rachel, who is diagnosed with the disease and taken away from her family to live in a leper colony. Although the banished sufferers try to live a normal life, they are declared dead in their society. Eventually, she meets a fellow leper named Kenji. They marry and have a healthy baby daughter, whom they are forced to give up for adoption to prevent infection. Written by Alan Brennert, this harrowing story digs deep into the struggles of those who are stricken with a disease that means certain death.
Next, at #4 is "All That Is Solid Melts into Air." Darragh McKeon chronicles the collapse of the Soviet Union through a heartbreaking tale about the people who live around Chernobyl at the time of the 1986 nuclear disaster. Following several perspectives, the story focuses on Grigory, a surgeon who helps those who are affected by radiation poisoning. It also explores the viewpoints of a nine-year-old piano prodigy, a lady who hides her past, and a teenage boy in a rural village, as they narrate their harrowing experiences after the most disastrous power plant accident in history.
At #5 is "If the Creek Don't Rise." Set in a fictional mountain called Baines Creek, the tale revolves around the lives of people living in 1970s Appalachia. It tells the story of seventeen-year-old Sadie, who marries Roy Tupkin after getting pregnant. However, upon discovering Roy's violent behavior, Sadie devises a plan to escape her failed marriage. A preacher and teacher who arrive in town serve as a refuge to the young battered wife. Leah Weiss deftly tackles the issues of domestic abuse and religion in this insightful novel.
Set in a fictional mountain called Baines Creek, the tale revolves around the lives of people living in 1970s Appalachia.
At #6 is "The Wind Is Not a River." Penned by Brian Payton, this novel follows the gripping story of a husband and wife who are separated by World War II. Determined to do his patriotic duty, journalist John Easley leaves his wife to report about the war. However, his plane is shot down over the barren island of Attu, which is occupied by the Japanese. As he struggles to hide from the enemy in a beachside cave, his wife, Helen, joins a USO troupe that is assigned to Alaska in hopes of finding him.
Next up, at #7 is "The Paris Architect," which tells the story of Lucian Bernard, a French architect who helps the Jews in World War II. Struggling to make a living, Lucien risks his life by accepting a large sum of money from a wealthy Jewish man in exchange for designing a secret hiding place for the Jews. However, when one of his hiding places collapses, Lucien finds himself saving some of the victims, despite his personal circumstances. Charles Belfoure's historical novel gives readers a vivid depiction of heroism and survival.
At #8 is "Girl in Disguise." Greer Macallister features Kate Warne, the first female Pinkerton detective, bringing to life her suspenseful missions in 19th century Chicago. Widowed at the age of 23, Kate is discouraged by Allan Pinkerton when she tries to apply as a detective in his agency. However, thanks to her talent of persuasion, he eventually offers her a chance at being hired by giving her a case, which she solves successfully. The story follows Kate as she goes on multiple undercover operations, works on action-packed cases, and proves herself valuable in a man's world.
The story follows Kate as she goes on multiple undercover operations, works on action-packed cases, and proves herself valuable in a man's world.
Coming in at #9 is "The Secret Life of Anna Blanc" by Jennifer Kincheloe. Bank heiress Anna Blanc is determined to break free from the rigid social roles of early 19th century Los Angeles. Fascinated with mystery books, Anna manages to get away from her chaperone and apply as a police matron using an alias at their local police department. Upon learning about a case that no cop wants to solve, she disguises herself as a self-appointed detective to investigate it, risking her job, wealth, and personal relationships.
Finally, at #10 is "Free Men." Written by Katy Simpson Smith, it follows an unlikely trio who commit a murder in 1788 in the Southeast wilderness. Based on an 18th-century account of the killings at Murder Creek, the novel tells the stories of Bob, a slave who escapes his master, Cat, a white man who loses his wife and child during childbirth, and Istillicha, a Creek Indian who seeks vengeance. After a bloody encounter with another traveling group, a Frenchman who hunts them for their crime is determined to know what drives three diverse individuals to act in unison.
