6 Great Reads for Historical Fiction Fans

Helen Dunmore, 2012

The Greatcoat by Helen Dunmore is a captivating read because it masterfully blends historical fiction with elements of the supernatural, creating an eerie and atmospheric narrative. Set in post-World War II England, the novel captures the tension and austerity of the time while weaving in a ghostly tale of love and loss. Dunmore's writing is beautifully evocative, pulling readers into the protagonist’s unsettling world as she unravels the mysteries surrounding an old RAF greatcoat. The novel's haunting mood, psychological depth, and vivid portrayal of post-war life make it an engaging and memorable experience.

Charlotte Rogan, 2012

The Lifeboat by Charlotte Rogan is a compelling read because it explores the harrowing moral dilemmas faced by a group of survivors stranded at sea after a shipwreck in 1914. The novel’s gripping premise, set in a lifeboat with limited resources and increasing desperation, raises questions about human nature, survival, and the lengths people will go to stay alive. Rogan’s writing is tense and atmospheric, drawing readers into the psychological unraveling of the characters as they navigate the fine line between cooperation and betrayal. The story’s suspenseful pacing and thought-provoking ethical conflicts make it an unforgettable and thrilling read.

Yann Martel, 2010

Beatrice and Virgil by Yann Martel is a fascinating read because it uses allegory and symbolism to explore deep and complex themes, particularly the Holocaust and human cruelty. The novel's unique structure, blending fiction, drama, and philosophical dialogue, challenges readers to think critically about memory, trauma, and storytelling itself. Through the interactions between a writer and a taxidermist, along with the titular characters—a donkey and a howler monkey—the novel offers profound reflections on suffering, empathy, and the moral choices people face. Martel's inventive narrative style and thought-provoking subject matter make Beatrice and Virgil a deeply contemplative and original work. I read this book after enjoying Martel’s more famous novel The Life of Pi, but this book is completely different.