If you’re a fan of historical fiction, you’ll love these five novels that transport you to different eras and bring the past to life.
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah, a heart-wrenching story set in France during World War II. The novel follows two sisters, Vianne and Isabelle, as they navigate life under German occupation and fight to survive.
The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco, a murder mystery set in a 14th-century Italian monastery. The protagonist, a Franciscan friar named William of Baskerville, must solve the murder of a fellow monk while navigating the political and religious tensions of the time.
The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett, an epic tale set in 12th-century England. The novel follows the construction of a cathedral in the fictional town of Kingsbridge and the lives of the people involved in its building.
The Memoirs of Cleopatra by Margaret George, a sweeping historical novel that tells the story of the famous Egyptian queen. The novel spans Cleopatra’s life from her early years to her relationships with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony.
Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel, a fictionalized account of the rise of Thomas Cromwell in the court of King Henry VIII. The novel provides a fascinating glimpse into Tudor England and the intrigue and politics of the time.
Which historical era will you choose to explore first? Happy reading!