Top Historical Fiction Picks for Adults

One of my favorite genres to read is historical fiction. There are many amazing middle grade authors of historical fiction like Jennifer A Nielsen and Kimberly Brubaker Bradley for the younger generations, but today I’m focusing on two favorites for YA and beyond!

I have two books to add to your TBR pile. One is definitely known all over the world and referenced in newer books, and the other is slightly lesser known, more of a hidden gem, but just as good!

Historical fiction books are an engaging way to educate yourself on past events without the boring classes and lectures. Anyone can enjoy this genre, as long as they choose the right story.

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

This book is what I like to call a modern-day classic. Zusak’s writing is so melodic, poetic, and his unique story hits you in an unexpected way. And what’s more, the way it is narrated adds a whole other layer of mystery and suspense.

The Book Thief is set in Nazi Germany. When a girl named Liesel comes across a book called The Gravediggers Handbook, her love of words and books is born. That day was the first time she ever stole something- a book full of words so powerful and strange to her ears was an opportunity she could not miss. That was the beginning of her book thievery.

Liesel’s foster family is also keeping a secret hidden, hiding away something that no other person could know about.

This book is full of suspense and will keep you hooked until the very last page. The Book Thief is an absolute page turner.

Content/triggers- Loss, grief, war, violence, trauma, abuse, suicide, profanity including b*tch and as*hole

I Must Betray You by Ruta Sepetys

This book is the hidden gem I previously mentioned.

I Must Betray You was the first book I ever held by Ruta Sepetys and it did not disappoint.

Before reading this novel, I had never read or even heard of Sepetys’ novels, but one thing led to another, and now I have read several.

I Must Betray You is about a young man named Cristian set in Communist Russia. His dream is to be a writer, but living in a war-torn home where people are not even free to dream, he has little hope. He lives in a place controlled by fear and isolation, and he is eventually blackmailed into becoming an informer.

This unforeseen turn of events turns his life upside down. Cristian is thrust into a position where he is no longer in control of the little he previously did. Nothing is in his own hands anymore, and he knows that neither of the choices he has left are an easy escape route.

Choice 1: Betray everything. Betray everyone.

Choice 2: Dangerously find a way to unmask the truth behind the cruel and evil dictator.

Which will he choose? This is another story that will capture your attention and leave you wishing for more.

Content/triggers- Violence, references to torture, death, mild profanity

Both of these remarkably told stories are ones I recommend for adults. If you are looking for a unique story full of twists and turns throughout the way, The Book Thief and I Must Betray You are auto-reads.

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