Hey there, fellow explorer of stories and centuries! Have you ever felt a sudden urge to step back in time—to walk the Medieval European countryside, cobbled streets of Victorian London, XIX century Europe or listen to whispers from ancient civilisations? That’s the magic of historical fiction. It’s not just a genre; it’s a bridge connecting us to the past—an immersive experience where history comes alive through gripping stories, vivid characters, and richly detailed worlds.
If you’re someone who’s endlessly curious about how people lived, loved, fought, and thrived through the ages, then you’re in the right place. Today, I’m going to share some of the must-read historical fiction books that will satisfy your inquisitive mind, thrill your senses, and deepen your understanding of our shared human journey—some from my personal collection, and some acclaimed gems everyone loves.
Why Does Historical Fiction Fascinate the Curious Mind?
There’s something deeply compelling about stories rooted in real history—yet told through the lens of imagination. It’s like holding a treasure chest of human experiences, unlocking secrets of ancient civilisations, war, empire, resistance, and everyday life, with each chapter revealing more about who we are today.
And here’s the thing: while fact can sometimes feel sterile or distant, fiction injects heart and soul into history. It makes us feel the triumphs and tragedies, evoke empathy for strangers, and wonder if we would’ve made the same choices. Whether it's an acclaimed bestseller or a hidden gem from an independent publisher like CYBIRDY, these stories are your gateway to understanding history from a new, personal perspective.
Top Must-Read Titles That Will Transport You Back in Time
1. The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas
Imagine living in post-Revolutionary France, where betrayal, revenge, and justice collide. The Count of Monte Cristo is a masterclass in storytelling, weaving history with adventure. You’ll follow Edmond Dantès, wrongfully imprisoned and desperate for vengeance, as he navigates a treacherous political landscape. Every twist reveals secrets of justice and resilience, all set within the tumult of 19th-century Europe. I recommend this to anyone eager to understand the complexities of morality and human endurance—a true historical epic.
2. Ariel: A Shelley Romance by André Maurois
Ever wondered what life was like for one of the world’s most rebellious romantic poets, Percy Shelley? This exquisite biography feels more like a novel—full of passion, revolution, and poetic ideals. It sheds light on the Romantic era, a time of great change and upheaval. It’s perfect if you’re curious about the personal stories behind mighty historical movements.
4. Notre Dame by Victor Hugo
More commonly known as The Hunchback of Notre-Dame, Victor Hugo's Romantic novel of dark passions and unrequited love is set up in the XIX century Paris. In the vaulted Gothic towers of Notre-Dame Cathedral lives Quasimodo, the hunchbacked bellringer. Mocked and shunned for his appearance, he is pitied only by Esmerelda, a beautiful gypsy dancer to whom he becomes completely devoted.
5. Moby-Dick, the Whale by Herman Melville
“Call me Ishmael”, So begins Herman Melville's masterpiece, one of the greatest works of imagination in literary history. As Ishmael is drawn into Captain Ahab's obsessive quest to slay the white whale Moby-Dick, he finds himself engaged in a metaphysical struggle between good and evil. More than just a novel of adventure, more than an paean to whaling lore and legend, Moby-Dick is a haunting social commentary, populated by some of the most enduring characters in literature; the crew of the Pequod, from stern, Quaker First Mate Starbuck, to the tattooed Polynesian harpooner Queequeg, are a vision of the world in microcosm, the pinnacle of Melville's lifelong meditation on America. Written with wonderfully redemptive humour, Moby-Dick is a profound, poetic inquiry into character, faith, and the nature of perception.
6. War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy(for those who want a sweeping saga)
This massive tome takes you into the heart of Russian society during the Napoleonic Wars, revealing the intricacies of aristocratic life and personal turmoil against the backdrop of European conflict. It’s a window into the complexities of human nature and the turbulent history of the early 19th century. It’s not just a book; it’s an experience.
7. The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck
Shocking and controversial when it was first published in 1939, The Grapes of Wrath is Steinbeck's Pultizer Prize-winning epic of the Joad family, forced to travel west from Dust Bowl era Oklahoma in search of the promised land of California. Their story is one of false hopes, thwarted desires and powerlessness, yet out of their struggle Steinbeck created a drama that is both intensely human and majestic in its scale and moral vision.
8. All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
Written in 2014 and Set during WWII, this novel follows a blind French girl and a German boy whose paths eventually cross. It’s a haunting yet hopeful story about the resilience of ordinary people caught in the devastation of war. It masterfully explores how individual lives are shaped by historic events.
9. The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
This compelling account of two sisters navigating WWII France highlights the often overlooked stories of women’s resilience during war. It’s emotional, inspiring, and utterly gripping, perfect for anyone wanting to understand the quiet heroism in history.
10. "The Pillars of the Earth" by Ken Follett
Set amidst the turbulent times of medieval England, this sprawling epic offers a vivid tapestry of faith, power, and craftmanship. You’ll feel the rough stone of cathedral walls, hear the clash of armies, and meet characters driven by ambition and hope. It’s history brought to life in a way that makes you feel every triumph and tragedy.
From the World’s Bestsellers to Cybirdy collection
Beyond these must reads, we have some hidden gems from our own collection that we believe every curious reader should explore:
“ The Porridge of the countess Berthe”
This first ever translation which speaks to the modern anglophone audience is a must read of a unique goblin tale from Alexandre Dumas, the famous author of The Three Musketeers and The Comte of Monte Cristo. A divine hidden gem from the imagined medieval Europe for the amusement of readers whatever their age and wherever they are.
“Ariel Percy Bysshe Shelley”, the remake of Ariel: A Shelley Romance by André Maurois. The language of Alix Daniel new translation is altogether more accessible than Ariel: A Shelley Romance, the previously available translation from the 1930s. Strongly recommended and especially for anyone new to Shelley‘s life story and poetry. It makes a great portal to the Romantics. The cover and the strikingly apt contemporary black and white Illustrations are another plus.
"Letters to You, to Her, to No One" by Vasilena Spasova
This small still breathtaking collection of letters from a girl in a Bulgarian orphanage offers a deeply personal window into societal upheaval and resilience. It’s raw, emotional, and unflinchingly honest—a masterclass in storytelling that takes you From Cybirdy Book Collection to the World’s Bestsellers
Why Are These Books Perfect for the Curious?
Because they are much more than stories—they’re immersive journeys through time and human nature. They make history tangible, visceral, and personal. Whether you’re a history buff or new to the genre, these books ignite a spark of curiosity that might have been dimmed by textbooks or distant documentaries. Plus, they’re written by masters—authors who know how to craft stories that resonate and brighten your understanding of the past.
How Do You Choose Which One to Read Next?
That’s simple—trust your interests. Are you drawn to tales of rebellion and revolution? Or perhaps you want to walk the roads less travelled, exploring societal struggles and personal triumphs? Whatever your curiosity, there’s a story waiting to unlock a new chapter of understanding.
Pro tip: Mix classics with hidden gems. Read one book that everyone recommends, then explore a lesser-known story from an indie publisher (like those we curate for CYBIRDY). This way, you’ll get a broad spectrum of stories—some famous, some rare—that will satisfy your curiosity and deepen your love for history’s rich tapestry.
I Leave You With This…
Your journey into history doesn’t end here. Each of these stories is a key—opening doors to new worlds, lost civilizations, and timeless human truths. The beauty of best books historical fiction lies in its ability to teach, inspire—and most importantly—connect us to our shared human story.
So why wait? We invite you to explore my curated collection at CYBIRDY—each book picked with passion and care to satisfy your inquisitiveness and fuel your love for history. Dive into these stories, lose yourself in the past, and emerge enlightened, inspired, and hungry for more.
Remember: History’s greatest stories are waiting to be uncovered. Start your adventure today.
Are you ready to turn the page? Your journey into the past begins now.
