The Best Historical Fiction Books of the Last 13 Years
Goodreads Choice award-winning books in the historical fiction genre
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You're going to enjoy this if you enjoy historical fiction.
I’ve read some amazing stories in this genre come to life over the past 13 years. I've put up a list of the top historical fiction novels from 2011 to 2023 based on Goodreads Choice Award winners.
Every book offers a different viewpoint. Many have strong female characters and unforgettable stories that span decades and even continents.
Whether you've always loved historical fiction or not, this list will help you in finding your next great read.
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Best Historical Fiction Books
2011 – The Paris Wife by Paula McLain
The Paris Wife shows us Ernest Hemingway's world.
It is through his first wife, Hadley Richardson. Set in 1920s Paris, this book captures the glamour and struggles of the Lost Generation.
McLain paints a brilliant picture of love, ambition, and heartbreak. She does so with perfect historical context.
What stood out for me was Hadley’s strength as well as her weakness. Her story is both heart-wrenching and empowering. It gives a voice to a woman often dwarfed by a famous figure.
2012 – The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman
The Light Between Oceans is set on a remote Australian island.
It is an emotional story of love, loss, and moral dilemmas. Stedman's emotional writing reminds us of the lighthouse's beauty and isolation. It is where the story unfolds.
The choices the characters face are gut-wrenching, and the consequences are manifold. This book stayed with me after I finished it. It shows the depth of human emotions and decisions.
2013 – Life After Life by Kate Atkinson
Life After Life is a brilliant look at fate and time.
It searches for life's endless possibilities. Ursula Todd’s life resets each time she dies, giving her multiple chances to live differently. Atkinson's storytelling is clever and thought-provoking. It mixes history with a unique twist on storytelling.
The book is a fascinating read for history buffs. It shows one woman's resilience during major 20th-century events. It also calls to those intrigued by life's "what-ifs."
2014 – All The Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
All The Light We Cannot See is a stunning WWII novel. It follows a blind French girl and a German soldier whose lives cross paths. Doerr's writing is beautiful, almost poetic. It describes the war's devastation and humanity.
The characters feel real, their struggles and desires deeply personal. What impressed me was the way Doerr showed that even in the darkest times, light can find a way to shine through.
2015 – The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
The Nightingale is a tribute to the women of the French Resistance in World War II.
Hannah's stories are always gripping and emotional. They have unforgettable characters and a thrilling plot.
The relationship between the two sisters, Vianne and Isabelle, is the heart of the book. Their bravery and sacrifices are inspiring. This novel reminds us that, in extraordinary times, even ordinary people can be strong.
2016 – The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead
Whitehead's The Underground Railroad reimagines the historical Underground Railroad. It was a real, underground train. It mixes history with fantasy.
The story follows Cora, a young enslaved woman. She escapes from a plantation and begins a dangerous journey to freedom. Whitehead’s writing is powerful and steadfast. It makes this a compelling, but hard read.
The novel impressed me. It shows the horrors of slavery. It also celebrates the human spirit's resoluteness.
2017 – Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate
Inspired by real events, Before We Were Yours is about children stolen from their families by a corrupt adoption agency.
Wingate writes together two timelines. It follows characters in the past and present as they uncover long-buried secrets.
This story has incredible emotional depth. It highlights a dark, rarely discussed chapter in American history. The strength and stability of the characters make this a moving read.
Best Historical Fiction of The Decade
2018 – The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah
Set in the harsh Alaskan wilderness, The Great Alone is a story of survival. It is a fight against nature and a troubled family.
Hannah's brilliant descriptions of the Alaskan landscape make you feel you are with the characters, battling the elements.
The book also talks about the difficulties of love, trauma, and healing. I loved the novel's portrayal of a young girl's growth. She grows up in a harsh, unpredictable environment.
2019 – Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Daisy Jones & The Six is a unique take on historical fiction, set in the 1970s rock music scene.
The novel, in an interview format, feels like a documentary. Each character shares their view on a fictional band's rise and fall. Reid’s storytelling is so engaging, and the book perfectly captures the era’s vibe.
What makes this book stand out is how real the characters feel—they’re flawed, messy, and so very human. You almost forget they’re not real people.
2020 – The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett
The Vanishing Half explores race, identity, and family. It follows twin sisters from a small, southern Black community. They choose to live very different lives—one as a Black woman and the other passing as white.
Bennett's writing is both expressive and insightful. It makes you think deeply about the impact of decisions and the difficulties of identity.
Her adding multiple generations into the mix adds richness. The search for identity was both personal and powerful.
2021 – Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Reid's Malibu Rising takes us to 1980s Malibu. The famous Riva siblings throw an epic end-of-summer party on its sunny beaches. But, beneath the glamour, there’s high family drama and secrets. Tensions remain unsolved.
Reid perfectly captures the era. Her characters are bright and complex. I was struck by her take on fame, family, and parents' painful legacies.
2022 – Carrie Soto Is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid
In Carrie Soto Is Back, Reid tells of a retired tennis star. She decides to return for one last shot at glory. This book is about ambition, perseverance, and the costs of greatness.
What I love about Carrie Soto is her fierce determination and unapologetic attitude. Reid makes you root for the character. She’s not always likable, but she’s compelling. It’s a story about second chances and reclaiming your place in the world.
2023 – Weyward by Emilia Hart
Weyward is a mystical tale of three generations of women. They are linked by a mysterious inheritance and its powers. Hart's writing is immersive. It mixes history, magic, and feminism into a story that spans centuries.
The novel talks about empowerment, family, and survival against abuse. I found it compulsive. Each woman's story is unique. Yet, they are united by their shared strength and powers.
As I look back over this list, a few things stand out.
Many of these books feature strong female characters, often at the heart of the story. Readers are drawn to these narratives.
It's no surprise that authors like Kristin Hannah and Taylor Jenkins Reid have appeared multiple times. Their skill in creating engaging stories has related to readers year after year.
These books remind us that historical fiction isn't just about the past. It's about the people, especially women, who shaped history in big and small ways.
If you’re looking for the best historical fiction, these books are a great place to start.
Happy Reading!
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