As both a history major with a concentration in war and violence and an avid reader, historical fiction has been one of my favorite genres ever since I can remember. Not only does it draw attention to real events (albeit with creative liberties), but it also allows the reader to connect emotionally with the past, truly bringing the story to life.
World War novels that revolve around conflict and violence serve to highlight the darker aspects of human nature. Politics, power, and morality play a huge role in these books. However, there is a certain category of World War historical fiction that focuses on another very important theme: hope.
Resilience, faith, and love contrasted against brutality, depravity, and fear. This powerful comparison is enough to send anyone into an emotional spiral. Honestly, this kind of persistent humanism in literature gets me every time. That is why I have compiled this short list of popular World War historical fictions that place an emphasis on humanism and goodness’ enduring might through times of darkness.
All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel tells the stories of Marie-Laure, a blind French girl, and Werner, an orphan turned German soldier. Marie-Laure flees to live with her veteran uncle in Saint-Malo. Meanwhile, Werner’s knack with radios lands him in an academy for Hitler Youth. As they grow older, Marie-Laure aids the French Resistance while Werner is tasked with hunting it down. Doerr also introduces a mystical aspect to his novel, allowing history, intrigue, curses, and superstition to intertwine.
The plot may seem slow-moving at first, but trust me, it is so worth it. At first, I did not expect to be so moved by these characters. By the time I closed the book, I felt gutted. Doerr paints a grim, hopeless world ravaged by war and its costs. Yet he emphasizes the enduring existence of hope within the chaos.
Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys
Not counting the American Girl Doll books, Between Shades of Gray was my first ever historical fiction. Sepetys remains one of my longtime favorite authors. While this novel is not strictly a World War II novel, it occurs during the same period. Sepetys tells the tale of a Lithuanian girl, Lina, who is deported with her family to a Siberian gulag.
At the labor camp, Lina and the other deportees survive terrible cruelties and injustices. Not to mention the brutal conditions. Yet through the suffering, Lina’s mother is adamant that they relentlessly extend kindness and grace to everyone, even in the most unthinkable of circumstances. This message, as well as the characters’ fierce will to live, is one of the most powerful themes throughout the novel.
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
The Book Thief is where poetry and prose intersect. I love Zusak’s rich use of language as well as his unique narration style. He writes from the perspective of Death, who marvels at the nature of humanity as he observes Liesel, a young girl living in Nazi Germany.
After the death of her brother, Liesel is left to live with foster parents Hans and Rosa Hubermann. While World War II looms heavily over their daily lives, Liesel finds solace in books. Amidst Hitler’s propaganda and book burnings, she finds ways to steal her precious words back. And despite crushing losses, Death is constantly astonished by humanity’s haunting capacity for strength.
Lovely War by Julie Berry
I first read Lovely War entirely by chance. I had traveled across the country to see family for the summer. And at a bookstore, I spotted a single torn copy hiding in the corner. For some reason, I picked it up — and I couldn’t put it down.
Set during the heat of World War II, Berry opens the novel with a retelling of Greek mythology. To defend her case, Aphrodite, with the help of several other gods, tells the story of four young adults in World War I. Despite the horrors of war, the goddess’s message is clear: love overcomes all. In fact, humanity’s capacity for love is augmented and beautified by mortality and transience.
As someone who does not typically enjoy romance, the two love stories Berry wrote were deep and compelling. The characters’ individuality was endearing. I also loved the narration style, split between gods and mortals as they explore the intersection between love and war.
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
The Nightingale follows the lives of two sisters, Vianne and Isabelle, as they navigate the dangerous waters of German-occupied France. While Isabelle’s fiery spirit has always landed her in trouble, Vianne is far more cautious, preferring to play it safe. Hannah focuses on the women’s perspective during war. Vianne struggles to support her family within close proximity to the enemy, hopeful that her husband will return from the Front. Meanwhile, Isabelle’s fiery spirit thrusts her into the heart of the Resistance.
One of the reasons I love Kristin Hannah’s writing is that, regardless of the setting, her books are always incredibly family-centric. Strained relationship dynamics, complex histories, and conflicting emotions — these are some of Hannah’s greatest strengths. Because, despite whatever baggage her characters carry, they always hold relentless love for their family members regardless. Perhaps that is what makes her books so relatable and compelling.
The Rose Code by Kate Quinn
The Rose Code is both a historical fiction and a mystery. Quinn follows the lives of three women who answer the summons to Bletchley Park. There, they train to break German military codes for Britain. While their undercover occupation draws Osla, Mab, and Beth together, eventually the job’s secrets turn friends into bitter enemies.
Years later, the war is over, but the secrets from Bletchley Park remain. Despite their ruined friendship, Osla, Mab, and Beth must reconcile to unearth a traitor.
Once again, there is a heavy focus on interpersonal relationships, loss, and struggle. It also gives readers a glimpse into the underground life of World War II codebreakers, something that has always fascinated me. This book is filled with so much suspense and intrigue. If you enjoy mystery, I could not recommend it more.
Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys
In my opinion, Ruta Sepetys is truly the queen of historical fiction. Salt to the Sea takes place at the end of World War II, in the same universe as Between Shades of Gray. The story revolves around four main characters, all of whom are travelers and refugees. Joana is a nurse (and Lina’s cousin), Florian is a runaway restoration artist, Emilia is a Polish orphan, and Alfred a Nazi. As always, Sepetys’ characters have depth, personality, and incredibly moving backstories. Readers find themselves fully immersed in each character’s perspective.
The culminating scene of the book takes place on the Wilhelm Gustoff, a real ship struck by Russian torpedoes. This tragedy resulted in thousands of deaths and is the deadliest maritime disaster in history. Yet it is rarely talked about at all. This book acts as a tribute and voice to the Lithuanian people and also won Sepetys a Carnegie Medal.
Spiral Away
And there you have it! These seven books are historical fiction classics set during World War II. So if you’re curious about the genre or have only read a couple of these before, now is the perfect time to dive in! Just make sure to brace yourself to experience every single emotion on the spectrum. While you read, you’ll surely be forced to ponder the big questions regarding human nature, perseverance, and morality. Spiral away!
What are some of your favorite historical fictions? Comment down below with your thoughts!
Barbara
June 18, 2025 at 2:41 am
This is a compelling and thoughtfully curated list that highlights the emotional depth and historical richness of World War II fiction. Each recommendation invites readers to engage with the era’s complexity through powerful storytelling. For anyone seeking a recommended novel set in World War II, this article serves as a valuable guide to some of the most impactful literature in the genre. Well done on presenting these selections with such clarity and insight.