British historical fiction has always been a genre that brings together captivating storytelling and significant events from the past. The genre offers an immersive experience, transporting readers to different eras in British history while weaving complex characters and rich plots around actual events. Whether it’s the grandeur of the Tudor court, the aftermath of the English Civil War, or the trials of everyday life in the Victorian era, British historical fiction spans a wide variety of time periods and subjects.
In this article, we’ll explore 15 of the best British historical fiction books, each offering a unique perspective on different periods in British history. These books are not only well-written but have also become staples in the genre, revered for their accurate depictions of history, strong character development, and their ability to engage readers in the rich tapestry of the past.
15 Must-Read British Historical Fiction Books You Can’t Miss
1. Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel
The first book in Hilary Mantel’s Thomas Cromwell trilogy, Wolf Hall offers a compelling portrayal of one of the most powerful and controversial figures of Tudor England. The novel follows Thomas Cromwell, a lawyer who rises from humble beginnings to become a trusted advisor to King Henry VIII. Mantel’s intricate portrayal of the period’s political intrigue, power struggles, and the dynamics of the royal court is one of the best examples of historical fiction in recent memory.
The book delves into Cromwell’s complex personality, his relationships with the king, Thomas More, Anne Boleyn, and others. Wolf Hall won the Man Booker Prize and has been adapted into a successful television series.
2. The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory
Philippa Gregory’s The Other Boleyn Girl centers around Mary Boleyn, the lesser-known sister of Anne Boleyn, and her affair with King Henry VIII. Set during the 16th century, this novel explores the Boleyn family’s ambitious rise to power and their tragic downfall. Gregory’s portrayal of Mary Boleyn as a complex character caught in the political machinations of the court is a key strength of this novel.
Gregory’s attention to detail in depicting the social and political atmosphere of the time is both educational and entertaining. The novel was adapted into a film, further cementing its place in popular culture.
3. The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett
Ken Follett’s The Pillars of the Earth is an epic novel set in 12th-century England during the tumultuous period of The Anarchy, a civil war between the forces of King Stephen and Empress Matilda. The story revolves around the construction of a cathedral in the fictional town of Kingsbridge, a setting that serves as the backdrop for a sprawling cast of characters.
Follett’s ability to weave together historical events with the personal lives of his characters is remarkable. The book covers themes of power, religion, and the struggle for survival, and it has become one of the most beloved works in the genre. The novel’s massive success led to two sequels, World Without End and A Column of Fire.
4. The English Patient by Michael Ondaatje
Set during the aftermath of World War II, The English Patient by Michael Ondaatje is a beautifully written novel that explores themes of love, loss, and identity. The story is centered on a severely burned man known as the English patient, who is being cared for in an Italian villa by a nurse named Hana. As the story unfolds, the patient’s past, which involves espionage and romance during the war, is revealed.
Ondaatje’s writing is poetic, and the novel’s evocative descriptions of the landscape, along with its sensitive portrayal of the emotional and physical scars of war, make it an outstanding work of historical fiction.
5. Atonement by Ian McEwan
In Atonement, Ian McEwan examines the complexities of guilt, redemption, and the impact of war on personal lives. The novel is set before, during, and after World War II, focusing on the lives of Briony Tallis, her sister Cecilia, and Robbie Turner, the man Cecilia loves. A tragic mistake leads to a devastating separation, and Briony spends the rest of her life trying to atone for her actions.
McEwan’s use of unreliable narrators and his exploration of the consequences of wartime trauma make Atonement a profound and poignant work of fiction. The novel won numerous literary awards and was adapted into an Oscar-winning film.
6. The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
Though it involves a touch of science fiction, The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger is firmly grounded in historical fiction. The story follows the relationship between Clare, a woman who meets her husband Henry, a man who uncontrollably travels through time. The narrative spans multiple time periods, including the 1980s, 1990s, and earlier, with historical events influencing the characters’ lives in unexpected ways.
Niffenegger’s novel delves into themes of love, fate, and the passage of time, all while weaving in historical details to add depth to the story. The novel’s emotional resonance and its unique premise have made it a beloved work of fiction.
7. The Crimson Petal and the White by Michel Faber
Set in Victorian London, Michel Faber’s The Crimson Petal and the White is a gritty, atmospheric novel that takes the reader deep into the underbelly of 19th-century society. The novel follows Sugar, a prostitute with aspirations of a better life, as she becomes entangled with William Rackham, a wealthy man seeking to escape his own troubles. The novel examines the lives of the poor and the privileged, and the complex relationships that bind them.
Faber’s ability to bring the Victorian era to life, with its class divisions, industrial revolution, and the sexual politics of the time, makes this a standout work in historical fiction.
8. Life After Life by Kate Atkinson
Kate Atkinson’s Life After Life is a novel that explores the concept of alternate lives and the choices that define our destiny. The story follows Ursula Todd, a woman who is repeatedly born and dies under different circumstances, with each life taking place during pivotal moments in 20th-century British history, including both World Wars.
The novel’s structure is both inventive and thought-provoking, examining themes of fate, history, and the possibility of changing one’s future. Atkinson’s skillful blending of history and speculative fiction creates a unique narrative that challenges the reader’s perception of time and existence.
9. The Last Kingdom by Bernard Cornwell
The Last Kingdom by Bernard Cornwell is the first book in the Saxon Stories series, which chronicles the Viking invasions of England during the 9th and 10th centuries. The novel follows Uhtred of Bebbanburg, a Saxon nobleman who is captured by the Vikings and raised as one of their own. As he becomes a warrior, Uhtred must navigate the treacherous political landscape of both the Saxons and Vikings.
Cornwell’s vivid descriptions of battles, his knowledge of the historical period, and his ability to craft memorable characters make The Last Kingdom an exciting and engaging read for fans of historical fiction.
10. The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro
Kazuo Ishiguro’s The Remains of the Day is set in post-World War II England and follows Stevens, an aging butler, as he reflects on his life of service to Lord Darlington, a wealthy aristocrat with Nazi sympathies. The novel explores themes of duty, loyalty, and the consequences of blind obedience, as Stevens contemplates the choices he made during his years of servitude.
Ishiguro’s delicate prose and exploration of the emotional cost of loyalty and regret make The Remains of the Day a poignant and deeply human historical novel.
11. The Night Watch by Sarah Waters
Set in London during and after World War II, Sarah Waters’ The Night Watch follows the lives of several characters whose fates are intertwined in unexpected ways. The novel deals with the impact of the war on personal lives, exploring themes of love, loss, and the complexities of identity.
Waters’ portrayal of 1940s London is rich and atmospheric, and her skillful examination of the lives of women during this period of history is a standout aspect of the book.
12. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Although set in Nazi Germany, The Book Thief by Markus Zusak offers a unique perspective on the Second World War through the eyes of a young girl named Liesel Meminger. The novel is narrated by Death itself, offering a darkly poetic and poignant view of the war and the lives affected by it.
The novel’s ability to blend historical events with the personal growth of its characters and its distinctive narrative voice make The Book Thief an unforgettable work of historical fiction.
13. The Tea Rose by Jennifer Donnelly
Set in Victorian London, The Tea Rose by Jennifer Donnelly follows the story of Fiona Finnegan, a young woman who is determined to rise above her station and escape the hardships of her working-class life. As Fiona navigates the dangers of the industrial revolution and the class divisions of the time, she discovers love, betrayal, and the resilience of the human spirit.
Donnelly’s vivid depiction of Victorian London and her exploration of themes like ambition, love, and revenge make The Tea Rose a captivating and engaging novel.
14. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
Set in the aftermath of World War II, this charming and heartwarming novel takes place on the island of Guernsey, which was occupied by the Germans during the war. The story is told through letters exchanged between Juliet Ashton, a London-based writer, and the residents of Guernsey, who have formed a literary society to cope with the hardships of the war.
The novel blends historical fiction with humor and humanity, offering a heartfelt portrayal of the effects of war on everyday lives and the power of books to bring people together.
15. The Winds of War by Herman Wouk
Herman Wouk’s The Winds of War is a sweeping historical novel set during the lead-up to and the early years of World War II. The novel follows the lives of several characters, including American naval officer Victor “Pug” Henry, as they navigate the tumultuous events of the 1930s and 1940s.
Wouk’s thorough research and vivid depiction of both the political and personal dramas of the time make this a must-read for fans of World War II history.
Conclusion
These 15 books represent some of the best British historical fiction across various time periods, offering readers a chance to explore significant events, powerful characters, and richly depicted settings. Each book offers a unique perspective on history, with authors taking the time to immerse themselves in the details of the past to create engaging and compelling narratives. If you’re a fan of historical fiction, these novels are a great place to start your journey.
