If you are a bookworm, then historical fiction might not be new to you. But if you are new to reading, then the phrase might not ring a bell. Historical fiction is a popular literary genre that features a tale set in the past, usually on an important period of time. In this genre, the indication of time is integral for the creation of its setting and even on the whole story. Other elements might also carry a great importance on the entire tale, such as fictional characters deemed to be a popular historical figures or a blend of the two.
Since it is still under fiction, authors are free to use their artistic license so that they can write and present the story with substantial theme perfectly. However, the said license should not tamper, in any way, the established events in the history. So, if you are looking for great reads under historical fiction, then here are the titles that you should check out.
Bannack: A Growing Up Story In The Vigilante West by Jerry Delaney
Bannack: A Growing Up Story In The Vigilante West by Jerry Delaney is a story filled with adventure set in the period of the Civil War and vigilante violence. It follows the story of Billy Mayfair, a teenager who got casted away from his house in Illinois. After being kicked out by his father, he starts to seek for gold in a distant mining camp in what would turn out to be the Montana Territory. When he got to St. Louis, Billy’s financial resources drain out and he loses his virginity. But his misfortunes didn’t stop there, because he got in a fight that leads him to jail. With all these events, he manages to get back on his feet and land on a job in a Union hospital. He continues to pan for gold, so he lives in the wild town of Bannack, where he sees the severe vigilante violence in the history of America.
Scourged Souls by Keith Niles Corman
Although Corman’s Scourged Souls is also categorized as sci-fi, it is still considered as historical fiction for it has elements representing some events in the history — such as its setting. Scourged Souls, moreover, is a story that takes place during the American Civil War and focuses on the lives of different individuals. The characters were living different lives but got entangled with one another after a horrific battle broke. One defining thing about this book is that it captured and featured the innocence of each character and their way of living. They also have personal reflections, as well as the principles and schemes, which are all highlighted in the book.
Great Circle by Maggie Shipstead
This New York Times bestseller and Today Show #ReadWithJenna Book Club Pick was penned by Maggie Shipstead and published by Knopf last May of this year, 2021. It follows the story of two rescued babies, Marian and Jamie Graves, after an ocean liner sank in 1914. They were raised by their decadent uncle in Missoula, Montana. Marian fell in love with flying, so she dropped out of school to pursue her dreams of becoming a pilot no matter what it takes. After how many years, an actress named Hadley Baxter was picked to star in a movie that revolves around the disappearance of Marian Graves in Antarctica. Hadley was determined to perfect the role. Would there be any connection that will happen between Marian and Hadley? Read more to find out.
The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba by Chanel Cleeton
Chanel Cleeton’s historical and family saga fiction book titled The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba was published in May 2021 by Berkley. It instantly became a bestseller and recognized as among 2021’s Most Anticipated Historical Novels and Best Beach Reads by many platforms. The story centers on two families whose lives were intertwine. In Gilded Age New York City, a feud between William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer emerged. In the middle of that competition and feud, a girl named Grace Harrington got a job at Hearst’s newspaper business in 1896. She must to her job well because one story can either make or break her career. However, the story of an eighteen-year-old girl who’s prisoned in Cuba emerged; it made big changes in her life.
Oliver’s Twist 