If you are someone who is fascinated by the past and loves to immerse yourself in stories that transport you to different eras, then historical fiction and alternate history books are the perfect genre for you. These books offer a unique blend of fact and fiction, allowing readers to learn about the past while also being entertained by a gripping narrative. As we look towards the year 2025, here are the top 10+ historical fiction and alternate history books that you must add to your reading list.
1. “The Nightingale” by Kristin Hannah
Set in Nazi-occupied France during World War II, “The Nightingale” follows the lives of two sisters, Vianne and Isabelle, as they navigate through the horrors of war. With its powerful storytelling and strong female characters, this book has become a beloved favorite among readers.
2. “The Book Thief” by Markus Zusak
Narrated by Death itself, “The Book Thief” is a hauntingly beautiful story set in Nazi Germany. It follows the life of Liesel Meminger, a young girl who develops a love for books and uses them as a way to cope with the turmoil around her.
3. “The Help” by Kathryn Stockett
Set in 1960s Mississippi, “The Help” tells the story of three women – two African American maids and a young white woman – who come together to write a book that exposes the racism and discrimination faced by black domestic workers. This book is a poignant and moving portrayal of the struggle for equality during the civil rights movement.
4. “The Underground Railroad” by Colson Whitehead
Winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, “The Underground Railroad” is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that reimagines the historical network of secret routes and safe houses used by African Americans to escape slavery in the 19th century.
5. “The Great Alone” by Kristin Hannah
Set in the 1970s, “The Great Alone” is a gripping tale of survival and resilience. It follows the story of the Allbright family who move to Alaska in search of a fresh start but are faced with the harsh realities of living in the wilderness.
6. “The Time Traveler’s Wife” by Audrey Niffenegger
Combining elements of science fiction and romance, “The Time Traveler’s Wife” is a unique and heart-wrenching story that follows the lives of Henry and Clare – a man with a rare genetic disorder that causes him to time travel and his wife who is left to deal with the consequences.
7. “The Night Watch” by Sarah Waters
Set in London during World War II, “The Night Watch” is a moving story of love and loss. It follows the lives of four characters whose paths intersect in unexpected ways during the war and its aftermath.
8. “The Plot Against America” by Philip Roth
In this alternate history novel, Philip Roth imagines a world where Franklin D. Roosevelt loses the 1940 presidential election to Charles Lindbergh. Set in Newark, New Jersey, this book explores the consequences of this outcome on the lives of a Jewish family.
9. “11/22/63” by Stephen King
In this time-travel tale, Stephen King takes us on a journey back to the year 1958 when a man discovers a way to go back in time and attempts to prevent the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. With its blend of historical events and fantasy, this book is a page-turner that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
10. “The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood
Set in a dystopian future, “The Handmaid’s Tale” has become a modern classic that continues to be relevant today. It follows the story of Offred, a handmaid in the Republic of Gilead, where women are treated as property and used for reproductive purposes.
11. “The Helpless” by Barbara Gowdy
Set in the 19th century, “The Helpless” is a story of love, loss, and revenge. It follows the life of May, a young girl who is orphaned and forced to work as a servant in a wealthy household. As she tries to uncover the secrets of her past, she discovers a shocking truth that changes her life forever.
12. “The Far Field” by Madhuri Vijay
This debut novel is a powerful and