10 historical fiction books I wish I’d written
Do you ever finish a historical novel and think, ‘Wow, this is so good, why didn’t I write this?’
I’m an enthusiastic historical fiction reader and writer, and I wanted to share some of the novels in this genre that have resonated with me the most (and perhaps even left me wishing that I was the author because they were so good)! 😂
Featuring books from authors such as Maggie O’Farrell, Stacey Halls and Stephen Lawhead, we’ll explore what their books are about, and then unpick what makes them so powerful.
1. CALIGULA by Simon Turney
Image credit: Orion
What it’s about
Rome, 37AD. As Caligula’s family rises to become an imperial dynasty, he must transform into a shrewd, calculating young man to survive. When emperor Tiberius dies suddenly, Caligula can take power. But slowly, allies, friends and family attempt to betray him, and Caligula descends into a spiral of paranoia. History remembers him as a tyrant. But is that entirely true?
Why I love it
This is the first book in the Damned Emperors series. Usually depicted as a mindless villain, here, we see Caligula in a vulnerable state, shaken by betrayal, deaths and poisonings. We slowly understand what it must have been like to rule a corrupt Roman empire, where murders, plots and conspiracies were an everyday occurrence. Even in a position of ultimate power, Caligula was never safe. And to survive, he was forced to greater and greater extremes. Simon Turney adds a human element to the story, which makes us pause and wonder, "Would I have been any better if I were in that position?"
2. FLED by Meg Keneally
Image credit: Zaffre
What it’s about
South Cornwall, 1783. Jenny Trelawney stalks the roads as a highwaywoman, until one day when she is caught and sentenced. Transported to Australia, Jenny is thrown into a harsh land, where only those with the strongest will can survive. When her colony is hit by famine, she leads an escape on a small boat… onto the open ocean.
Why I love it
First off, this is an incredible adventure story, with so many twists and turns that I could never anticipate what would happen next! We see a raw, hostile new world unfold before Jenny’s eyes, and we understand her grit as she fights to do whatever it takes to survive. I admire Meg Keneally for not portraying Jenny as the stereotypical wild convict or martyr-like victim. Instead, she presents Jenny as a mother, a provider and a leader, who makes a daring escape from one of the first Australian colonies.
3. THE GOOD PEOPLE by Hannah Kent
Image credit: Picador, Main Market edition
What it’s about
County Kerry, Ireland, 1825. Nóra Leahy lives alone with her four-year-old grandson, Micheál, who cannot walk or speak. Nóra keeps him hidden, fearful of those who might suspect interference from the Otherworld. With the aid of her servant, Mary, and a mysterious old woman, Nance Roche, Nóra consorts with The Good People for the return of her true grandson, in place of the changeling in her house.
Why I love it
It’s easy to be dismissive of the power of folklore, but in times past, it was of paramount importance. In a haunting masterpiece that blurs the lines between superstition and reality, Hannah Kent takes us deep into the wilds of Ireland and creates a powerful story that is both harrowing and achingly beautiful. And through this story, we begin to understand why belief in the Good People meant so much at the time… as well as the dire consequences.
4. HOOD by Stephen Lawhead
Image credit: Atom; New Ed edition
What it’s about
The Normans have defeated England, but in a hidden forest in Wales, Bran ap Brychan seeks revenge. His only choice is to become the Raven King, a creature steeped in myth, lurking in the darkest shadows of the woods. This is a Robin Hood retelling, set in the Celtic mythology and intrigue of medieval Britain.
Why I love it
Stephen Lawhead takes all the classic elements of the Robin Hood story, before adding his own unique twist, from the tyrannical Norman lords taking over Wales, to Bran fighting to protect his kingdom using forest warfare tactics! There are threads of Celtic legend woven throughout, which adds to the atmosphere of this book. I found myself totally immersed in the whole adventure. This book is the first in the King Raven trilogy, which is one of my favourite historical fiction series.
5. THE BURNING CHAMBERS by Kate Mosse
Image credit: Pan; Main Market edition
What it’s about
The first in the series depicting the Huguenot persecutions in 16th-century France, THE BURNING CHAMBERS tells the story of Minou Joubert who receives a mysterious note in her father’s bookshop. Before she can decipher it, her path crosses with Piet Reydon, a young Huguenot convert, and they become swept up in a war of religion that brings them to the heart of Toulouse. Friends will become enemies, secrets will be uncovered, and the world will never be the same.
Why I love it
I didn’t know a lot about the French Wars of Religion until I picked up this series, and I love how Kate Mosse gives such a balanced view of what happened, featuring characters from both sides of the conflict. Everyone has their own motivation for doing what they do, and we fully understand each character’s reasoning as they get swept along in the tide of events. There’s an ongoing thread of mystery and a hint at a connection between generations, and I can’t wait to see where the rest of this series takes us (the second book, CITY OF TEARS, is on my reading list)!
6. THE TAMING OF THE QUEEN by Philippa Gregory
Image credit: Simon & Schuster UK; UK ed. edition
What it’s about
Kateryn Parr is a thirty-year-old widow with a secret lover. When Henry VIII commands her to marry him, she has no choice but to accept him, despite the fact that he’s already buried four wives. She quickly works to unite the royal family, create a radical study circle at court, lead religious reform and publish her own writings. But her work cannot save the Protestants, under threat for their faith, and Henry’s dangerous gaze soon turns to her, and her independent mind…
Why I love it
To be honest, I love all of Philippa Gregory’s books and it was so hard to pick just one! But I especially love this one as it draws us into a stunning world of Tudor intrigue, portraying Kateryn Parr as she struggles to cultivate freedom of speech in the face of her tyrannical husband—even when it put her life on the line. I love the parallels between this explosion of literature and learning which Kateryn encouraged, coupled with the constant threat of violent suppression.
7. THINGS IN JARS by Jess Kidd
Image credit: Canongate Books, Main edition
What it’s about
In this spellbinding Gothic mystery, Bridie Devine, a female detective, must locate a kidnapped child with mysterious powers. Working through the sooty streets of Victorian London, Bridie searches with the help of her companions: a 7-foot tall housemaid, a tattoo-covered ghost, and a strange apothecary. But the more Bridie digs, the more she realises that nothing is as it seems. And if she wants to find the child, she will have to uncover a past she would rather have left buried.
Why I love it
Jess Kidd has such a delicious way of writing. Each of her characters is vivid, alive, with hilarious quirks that bring the whole mysterious world to life. From the first page, I felt like I was reading a Gothic fairytale, with a female “Sherlock Holmes” figure at the centre of it all. It’s a true reflection of people trying to do the right thing, during a time in history that could be particularly inhumane.
8. THE BEAR AND THE NIGHTINGALE by Katherine Arden
Image credit: Del Rey Publishing, 1st edition
What it’s about
The first book in The Winternight Trilogy, this stunning book tells the story of Vasilisa, a girl living at the edge of the Russian wilderness. Her stepmother forbids them from honouring the household spirits, but Vasilisa sense that the rituals mean more than anyone else realises. As misfortune creeps into the village, Vasilisa must go against the people she loves and call upon her hidden gifts which she has long concealed.
Why I love it
This is one of my favourite historical fantasies, bringing up the beauty and folklore of medieval Russia. Katherine Arden has gathered ancient fairytales and woven them into the fabric of true historical events, creating a story that is both mesmerising and achingly beautiful. I’d definitely recommend the whole trilogy—I couldn’t put it down!
9. THE FAMILIARS by Stacey Halls
Image credit: Zaffre
What it’s about
When Fleetwood Shuttleworth learns the devastating news that she will not survive her pregnancy, she enlists the help of Alice Gray, a young midwife. Alice promises to help her prove the physicians wrong. But Alice is soon caught up in accusations of witchcraft, and Fleetwood risks everything by trying to help her. But is there more to Alice than meets the eye?
Why I love it
Stacey Halls brings this 1612 world to life, exploring how witch hunts could begin; from the starving, desperate children who accused their own families, to the superstitious neighbours who jumped at their own shadows, and the power-hungry leaders who wanted to advance their careers. It’s all told through the eyes of 17-year-old Fleetwood Shuttleworth, and there are plenty of surprising twists and turns to keep you on your toes!
10. HAMNET by Maggie O’Farrell
Image credit: Tinder Press
What it’s about
On a summer's day in 1596, a young girl in Stratford-upon-Avon goes to bed with a high fever. Her twin brother, Hamnet, goes out to look for help. Their mother, Agnes, is growing medicinal herbs. Their father is working as a playwright in London. Neither parent knows that one of the children will not survive the week.
Why I love it
This is the most vivid historical novel that I have ever read. Every detail is so well-researched that you are completely immersed in the daily life of Tudor England, and I often had to put the book just to reflect on how beautifully each sentence was constructed. The ending brought tears to my eyes, and I can truly say that Maggie O’Farrell deserves the 2020 Women’s Prize for Fiction that she won for this stunning historical novel.
Happy reading!
There are so many wonderful historical fiction books out there that I really struggled to pick just 10! But I hope some of these titles jumped out at you and maybe even gave you some inspiration for your TBR list.
Shameless plug: If you enjoy conversations about all things historical fiction, then you might also enjoy the Writing The Past podcast, a space where hist-fic authors share their experiences and advice on bringing the past to life.
Have you come across any other historical fiction books that you loved? Post it in the comments, and we can all start exchanging book recommendations!