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Best historical fiction about World War II
Captivating bestsellers about bravery, betrayal, and survival set in WWII.
Published on July 12, 2023
All the Light We Cannot See: A Novel
Anthony DoerrDoerr’s Pulitzer Prize–winning novel is sensational — the rare book that takes a well-worn subject and adds an unforgettable spin. It follows the twin narratives of Marie-Laure, a blind French girl, and Werner, a German orphan recruited to the military, at the height of WWII. The story is haunting, the imagery of war-torn France beautiful, and the characters so rich in depth that devouring every page feels inevitable.
The Rose Code: A Novel
Kate QuinnQuinn (“The Alice Network,” “The Huntress”), master of World War II historical fiction, brings to life the true story of the Enigma code breakers in the forms of Osla, Mab, and Beth — three very different women who must unite to uncover a spy in post-war Britain. Quinn’s account of the activities of Bletchley Park is well-researched, riveting, and combines drama, mystery, and history.
The Tattooist of Auschwitz: A Novel
Heather MorrisA moving story of love and hope amid atrocities based on the real-life experiences of a Holocaust survivor forced to tattoo fellow prisoners at Auschwitz. “The Tattooist of Auschwitz” has been a perpetual bestseller since its release in 2018.
The Librarian of Auschwitz
Antonio IturbeAfter her family is transferred to the Auschwitz-Birkenau camp, 14-year-old Dita acquires a unique title as the librarian of a clandestine school. It’s a role that puts Dita’s life at risk as she secretly ferries eight books around the camp to her fellow prisoners. These books, as precious few as they were, allowed others to hold onto shreds of humanity and hope amidst the harsh and unforgiving environment of the camp.
Beneath a Scarlet Sky: A Novel
Mark Sullivan“Beneath the Scarlet Sky” is based on a true story of one normal Italian teen thrown into extraordinary circumstances as a spy for the Allies during WWII. It’s full of action, adventure, and courage, and it’s set to have a movie adaptation starring Tom Holland.
The German Girl: A Novel
Armando Lucas CorreaIf you’ve already read “All the Light We Cannot See” and loved it, you definitely need to check out this timely debut novel about the refusal by many countries to accept Jewish refugees during World War II.
Schindler's List
Thomas KeneallyThe bestselling Booker Prize recipient and source material for the award-winning 1993 screen adaptation is based on the true story of Oskar Schindler, a German factory director credited with saving the lives of over 1,200 Jews during the Holocaust. Keneally thoroughly explores the courage, brilliance, and determination required to do good in the face of unspeakable horrors.
Everyone Brave is Forgiven
Chris CleaveInspired by the real-life love story between his grandparents, Cleave wrote this story about people who hope and endure even as London breaks apart from bombings during the Blitz. The stark realities of war are rendered in achingly beautiful prose.
Once We Were Brothers: A Novel
Ronald H. BalsonBusiness bigwig Elliot Rosenweig enjoys a reputation as a respected civic leader and generous philanthropist. However, his life is put on hold after Ben Solomon publicly accuses him of being Otto Piatek, a brutal Nazi officer responsible for the death of Polish Jews. Not only that, Ben insists that Elliot is the same man the Solomons took in as a child who then later betrayed their trust and sentenced them to death. Attorney Catherine Lockhart takes Ben’s case to prove his allegations. In doing so, she unravels a heart wrenching tale of brotherhood and deception that spans 60 years and two countries and dramatically unfolds in a Chicago courtroom.
The Women in the Castle: A Novel
Jessica ShattuckHow did ordinary people become complicit in the Nazi regime? Three very different German women meet and start to piece their lives together through the fall of Nazi Germany. Author Jessica Shattuck breaks the usual mold of World War II historical novels with stunning success.
The Physicists' Daughter
Mary Anna EvansOn the homefront of the United States in 1944, wartime efforts are well underway and women have taken up factory work while the men are overseas. Justine, the daughter of a pair of brilliant physicists, works on the assembly line in a plant that produces boats for the war. Sudden machinery breakdowns lead Justine to suspect the work of a German spy hidden amongst the plant workers. Intrigue and suspense keep readers on their toes in this WWII mystery novel.
The Book of Lost Names
Kristin HarmelNew York Times bestselling author Harmel speaks to the power of librarians and the importance of preserving knowledge. Dual timelines follow two Evas: present-day Eva who works as a librarian in Florida, and Eva of 1942, a young Polish Jew forced to flee her home. Determined to help Jewish children flee the invading Nazis, she helped forge documents and preserved their real identities in a book encrypted with a secret code — the very same book that’s resurfaced in the present day.
Sarah's Key: A Novel
Tatiana de RosnayIn July 1942, the Nazis commissioned Parisian policemen to arrest thousands of Jews in an event known as the Vel' d'Hiv Roundup. Deported to Auschwitz, many of these men, women, and children were systematically murdered upon arrival. De Rosnay’s dual timeline novel follows the arrest of 10-year-old Sarah in 1942 and Julia Jarmond, a journalist tasked with writing an article about the 60th anniversary of one of France’s darkest days. Emotionally intense, “Sarah’s Key” serves as a haunting reminder of long-forgotten atrocities committed by ordinary French people against their fellow citizens.
The Lines Between Us
Amy Lynn GreenGreen’s (“Things We Didn’t Say”) exceptional sophomore novel sheds light on the conscientious objectors of WWII who chose to fight wildfires in Oregon rather than enlist. One such man, Jack, is constantly at odds with his sister, Dorie, a member of the Women’s Army Corps. However, after a suspicious accident leaves Jack injured, Dorie teams up with Jack’s friend, Gordon, to investigate. As the mystery progresses, each character grapples with their beliefs and moral obligations.