33 Gripping Historical Fiction Books That Will Transport You Through Time

Are you and your book club ready to travel through time? Historical fiction is perfect genre that allow you to explore different times and places. It’s also one of the reasons I love reading them. So if you are looking for some incredible novels let me help you. I’ve put together a list of 33 gripping historical fiction books that will take you on unforgettable journeys. These books are great for sparking deep talks and seeing things from new angles. Plus, I’ve included some general questions to help guide your book club’s conversations.

Best Historical Fiction For Your Book Club

The Book of Lost Names by Kristin Harmel 

Home going by Yaa Gyaasi 

The Shadow of the Wind  by Carlos Ruiz Zafón

The Alice Network by Kate Quinn 

The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles

The Last Bookshop in London by Madeline Martin 

Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly 

The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver

Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier

Alias Grace by Margaret Atwood

The Girl You Left Behind by Jojo Moyes

The Things We Cannot Say by Kelly Rimmer 

All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

The Women by Kristin Hannah

Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate

The House of Eve by Sadeqa Johnson

The Secret Book of Flora Lea by Patti Callahan Henry

The Paris Daughter by Kristin Harmel

Lady Tan’s Circle of Women by Lisa See

The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters

The River We Remember by William Kent Krueger

Only the Beautiful by Susan Meissner

The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner

Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr

City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert

The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson

Let Us Descend by Jesmyn Ward

The Stationery Shop by Marjan Kamali

The Hidden Life of Cecily Larson by Ellen Baker

Fall of Giants by Ken Follett

The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris

The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah

Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell

20 General Historical Fiction Book Club Questions 

Setting and Time Period:

How well did the author capture the historical period in which the book is set?

What are some specific details that made the setting feel authentic or believable?

Characters:

Which characters stood out the most to you, and why?

How do the characters’ actions reflect the social norms and values of their time?

Plot and Historical Events:

How did the historical events shape the plot and characters’ decisions?

Were there any historical events or facts you found surprising or particularly interesting?

Themes and Messages:

What are the main themes of the book, and how do they relate to the historical context?

Are there any messages or lessons that you think are relevant today?

Author’s Research and Accuracy:

How well-researched does the book seem to be?

Did you notice any historical inaccuracies or artistic liberties taken by the author? How did these affect your reading experience?

Writing Style and Narrative:

How did the author’s writing style contribute to the story’s atmosphere and setting?

Did the narrative structure (e.g., multiple timelines, flashbacks) enhance or detract from your understanding of the historical period?

Personal Connection and Reflection:

Did you learn anything new about the historical period from reading this book?

How did the book change your perspective or understanding of that time in history?

Comparisons:

Have you read other books set in the same historical period? How does this one compare?

How do the themes and characters in this book compare to those in other historical fiction you’ve read?

Imagining the Future:

If the book were set in a different time period, how do you think the story would change?

How might the characters’ lives be different if they lived in today’s world?

Additional Research:

Did the book inspire you to do any additional research on the historical period or events depicted?

What other books or resources would you recommend for someone interested in this historical period?

Conclusion:

There you have the list of amazing historical fiction book club suggestions and great book club questions.

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