20 Best Historical Fiction Books
20 Best Historical Fiction Books About Real Women
I want to note that I do not get paid to do these posts, I just love authors and the book industry. However, they do take time and energy to create. If you want to donate a few dollars to my coffee fund, which keeps this blog going, you can do so here: https://venmo.com/AshleyHasty or here: http://paypal.me/hastybooklist.
Historical fiction is a genre that blends the factual backdrop of history with the imaginative storytelling of fiction. It transports readers to different times and places, recreating past events, cultures, and societies while often incorporating fictional characters and narratives. What makes historical fiction unique is its ability to intertwine the real with the imagined, offering a rich tapestry of historical accuracy and creative storytelling.
One fascinating aspect of historical fiction is its capacity to shed light on the lives of real women throughout history. While traditional historical narratives have often overlooked the contributions and experiences of women, historical fiction provides a platform to explore their stories in depth. From queens and warriors to ordinary women navigating extraordinary circumstances, these novels offer a glimpse into the lives of women from various backgrounds and time periods.
Many historical fiction books are inspired by the lives of real women, whether they be prominent figures like Cleopatra or Joan of Arc, or lesser-known individuals whose stories have been overshadowed by history. Authors often research extensively to capture the essence of these women, blending historical facts with imaginative interpretations to bring their stories to life.
Reading historical fiction based on the lives of real women can be a rewarding experience on multiple levels. It not only provides insight into the challenges and triumphs faced by women in the past but also offers a fresh perspective on historical events and periods. Through the eyes of fictionalized characters, readers can immerse themselves in different eras, cultures, and societies, gaining a deeper understanding of the human experience across time.
Moreover, historical fiction has the power to humanize historical figures, portraying them as complex individuals with hopes, fears, and flaws. By weaving personal stories into the fabric of history, these novels make the past relatable and relevant to contemporary readers, fostering empathy and understanding across generations.
In essence, historical fiction based on the lives of real women offers a captivating blend of history and imagination, providing a window into the past while celebrating the resilience, intelligence, and agency of women throughout history. Whether it's a tale of romance, adventure, or intrigue, these novels invite readers on a journey through time, where the lives and experiences of women take center stage.
Below I am sharing a round up of the best historical fiction books about real women and their struggles and successes. If you want more deeply moving historical fiction, you might enjoy this post on the best Historical Fiction Authors. If historical fiction isn’t your thing, you might like this list of contemporary fiction books.
Best Historical Fiction Books About Real Women
The following list of books is based on, inspired by, or about real women in history.
"The Other Boleyn Girl" by Philippa Gregory
Expect intrigue and drama in the Tudor court as the story follows Mary Boleyn, sister of Anne Boleyn, and her relationship with King Henry VIII.
"Circe" by Madeline Miller
Author Interview with Madeline Miller.
This novel reimagines the story of Circe, the enchantress from Greek mythology, offering a feminist perspective on her life and adventures.
"The Paris Wife" by Paula McLain
Author Interview with Paula McLain.
Readers will be transported to 1920s Paris as they follow the tumultuous marriage of Ernest Hemingway and his first wife, Hadley Richardson.
"The Invention of Wings" by Sue Monk Kidd
Based on the life of Sarah Grimké, an abolitionist and women's rights advocate in the 19th century, this novel explores her complex relationship with her slave, Handful.
"Alias Grace" by Margaret Atwood
Based on the true story of Grace Marks, a convicted murderer in 19th-century Canada, this novel delves into her mysterious past and questions of guilt and innocence.
"The Aviator's Wife" by Melanie Benjamin
Author Interview with Melanie Benjamin.
Readers will learn about Anne Morrow Lindbergh, wife of famed aviator Charles Lindbergh, and her struggles with marriage, motherhood, and her own identity.
"The Queen's Vow" by C.W. Gortner
Isabella of Castile, one of the most powerful women in history, is brought to life in this novel that chronicles her rise to power and her tumultuous reign.
"The Lost Queen" by Signe Pike
Based on the life of Languoreth, a forgotten queen of sixth-century Scotland, this novel explores her journey to reclaim her identity and protect her people.
"The Girl with a Pearl Earring" by Tracy Chevalier
Inspired by the famous Vermeer painting, this novel imagines the life of Griet, a young maid who becomes the muse of the Dutch artist.
"Girl with a Gun" by Kari Bovee
Based on the true story of Annie Oakley, this novel explores her rise to fame as a sharpshooter in Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show and her fight for independence in a male-dominated world.
"Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald" by Therese Anne Fowler
Author Interview with Therese Anne Fowler.
Readers will be captivated by this fictionalized account of the life of Zelda Fitzgerald, wife of F. Scott Fitzgerald, as she navigates the highs and lows of the Jazz Age.
“Lady Codebreaker” by K.D. Alden
Fans of Kate Quinn and Kristina McMorris will love this gripping historical novel based on the true story of the woman who used her codebreaking skills to bring down Prohibition gangsters and WWII Nazis, and who ultimately helped found the present-day CIA.
“The Woman with No Name” by Audrey Blake
sed on a true story, The Woman With No Name is a gripping story of secrets, spies, and the women behind the Resistance, from USA Today bestselling author Audrey Blake.
“The Underground Library” by Jennifer Ryan
Drawing from the true story of the Bethnal Green Library in London—whose collection was largely moved underground into Tube stations for those taking shelter during the Blitz in WWII—Ryan tells the story of three young women who must use their fighting spirit to save the community’s beloved library.
Veil of Doubt by Sharon Virts
Based on a shocking true story, Veil of Doubt is part true-crime thriller, part medical and legal procedural. Perfect for fans of Margaret Atwood’s Alias Grace and filled with rich period detail gleaned from exhaustive research, Veil of Doubt delves into the darkness of the South during Reconstruction, exposing intrigue, deception, and death.
All You Have To Do Is Call by Kerri Maher
Author Interview with Kerri Maher.
A dramatic and inspiring novel based on the true story of the Jane Collective and the brave women who fought for our right to choose, from the USA Today bestselling author of The Paris Bookseller.
The Stockwell Letters by Jacqueline Friedland
From USA Today best-selling and multi-award-winning author Jacqueline Friedland comes a gripping work of fiction based on the true story of female abolitionist Ann Phillips and her connection to Anthony Burns, a young man who briefly escaped American slavery and rocked the nation with his astoundingly heroic story.
The Last Masterpiece by Laura Morelli
Inspired by the incredible true story of the Monuments Women, the Fifth Army WACs, and the looted Florentine art collections during World War II, the latest historical novel by USA Today bestselling author and art historian Laura Morelli plunges readers into the heart of war-torn Italy.
The Cherokee Rose by Tiya Miles
Three women uncover the secrets of a Georgia plantation that embodies the intertwined histories of Indigenous and enslaved Black communities—the fascinating debut novel, inspired by a true story, of the National Book Award-winning and New York Times bestselling author of All That She Carried, now featuring a new introduction.
To Die Beautiful by Buzzy Jackson
Historian and award-winning author of three nonfiction books Buzzy Jackson brings to life the incredible true story of World War II hero Hannie Schaft in this debut, TO DIE BEAUTIFUL. Following Hannie’s harrowing journey as a member of the Dutch Resistance from 1940-1945, the novel is a riveting tale of love, loyalty, and the limits we confront when our deepest values are tested.
The Secrets of Mary Bowser by Lois Leveen
Based on the remarkable true story of a freed African American slave who returned to Virginia at the onset of the Civil War to spy on the Confederates.
Bring up the Bodies by Hilary Mantel
The sequel to Wolf Hall, Hilary Mantel's 2009 Man Booker Prize winner and New York Times bestseller, Bring Up the Bodies delves into the heart of Tudor history with the downfall of Anne Boleyn.
This post is in honor of International Women’s History Month.
International Women's History Month is an annual observance dedicated to celebrating the achievements, contributions, and struggles of women throughout history and across the globe. Held every March, it serves as a time to recognize and honor the pivotal roles women have played in shaping societies, cultures, politics, science, literature, and countless other fields.
During International Women's History Month, various events, activities, and initiatives are organized to raise awareness about women's issues, promote gender equality, and highlight the accomplishments of women from diverse backgrounds. These may include panel discussions, lectures, film screenings, art exhibitions, performances, and community gatherings.
The month also provides an opportunity to reflect on the progress that has been made in advancing women's rights and empowerment, as well as the work that still needs to be done to address gender inequality and discrimination. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for gender justice and the importance of amplifying women's voices and experiences.
International Women's History Month is not only a time to celebrate the achievements of individual women but also a call to action for creating a more inclusive and equitable world where all people, regardless of gender, have equal opportunities and rights. It encourages individuals and organizations to advocate for gender equality, challenge stereotypes and biases, and support initiatives that promote the empowerment of women and girls globally.
