Best Historical Fiction
This is my collection page for the best historical fiction books, which I will be adding to over time. You’ll find curated reading lists, short summaries, interpretive essays for great reads.
What’s inside:
- Freshly updated “top 10 must read historical fiction books” roundups
- Interpretive Essays
- Author spotlights and context pieces
- Links to to the books themselves, many of which are available for free from Project Gutenberg and elsewhere
Tolstoy's War: The Chill of Napoleon's False Shadow
Leo Tolstoy (1828-1910) was a Russian author widely regarded as one of the greatest writers of all time. His epic novels War and Peace and Anna Karenina are masterpieces of realist fiction that explore the depths of human nature, society, and moral philosophy.
Historical Fiction Books, Essays, and Recommendations by Paul Jariabek
Welcome to Paul Jariabek's historical fiction—novels, short stories, essays, and behind‑the‑scenes notes from my work-in-progress. I try to fuse rigorous research and period art to evokes the past. Explore my curated lists of the best historical fiction books and historical fiction book recommendations. Settle in, lose yourself in a book, and find a transformative reading experience worth sharing.
Historical Fiction of Paul Jariabek
Step aboard the blood-soaked decks of an Elizabethan ship where Francis Drake's exploits shaped the birth of the English naval empire. Stroll through the seedier parts of the London waterfront. Experience the personal devastation wrought by Henry VIII's Dissolution of the Monasteries.
Best Historical Fiction Books
I've divided this list into two sections that reflect how I think about best historical fiction. The first features my favorite classical masters, generally writing before 1900. I segment these out because the experience of reading them—their language, point-of-view, and the actions of the characters—allows for full immersion, truly removing us from our modern world. The second list showcases modern voices from 1900 onward, who've brought fresh perspectives to historical storytelling. These books have shaped my perspective as well, though not necessarily through moving me to a time long past.