Best historical novels of the 21st century

This sweeping multigenerational saga traces the descendants of two half-sisters in Ghana, one sold into slavery and the other remaining in Africa. It powerfully explores the legacy of slavery across centuries.

Set in France during World War II, this popular and emotionally resonant novel tells the story of two sisters' struggle to survive and resist the German occupation. It explores themes of courage, sacrifice, and sisterhood.

This novel offers a unique and powerful perspective on American history by exploring the lives of Black slave owners in antebellum Virginia. It won the Pulitzer Prize and is recognized as one of the best books of the 21st century.

This Booker Prize-winning novel reimagines the rise of Thomas Cromwell in the court of Henry VIII with exceptional prose and psychological depth. It redefined the historical fiction genre and remains a critically acclaimed work.

This #1 New York Times Bestseller and Pulitzer Prize winner reimagines the Underground Railroad as a literal railway. It offers a powerful and resonant exploration of freedom and systemic injustice in the antebellum South.

Set during World War II, this Pulitzer Prize-winning novel beautifully intertwines the lives of a blind French girl and a German boy. Its lyrical writing and moving story explore themes of survival and the human spirit.

This powerful story is set against the tumultuous events in Afghanistan, from the fall of the monarchy through the Soviet invasion and the rise of the Taliban. It explores themes of guilt, betrayal, and redemption.

Narrated by Death, this unique novel tells the story of a young girl living in Nazi Germany who finds solace and rebellion in stealing books. It's praised for its poignant friendships and themes of survival.

Set in Nigeria during the Biafran War, this novel vividly explores the impact of the conflict on its characters, delving into themes of love, race, and war. It offers a powerful depiction of resilience in post-independence Africa.

This novel imagines the family life of William Shakespeare and Anne Hathaway, focusing on their relationships after the death of their son, Hamnet. It won the Women's Prize for Fiction for its poignant portrayal of a historical family.

This critically acclaimed novel retells the Greek myth of Circe, the goddess-witch, from her perspective. It brings ancient mythology to life with a fresh, feminist viewpoint, exploring themes of power and self-discovery.

Based on the true story of America's first giraffes' cross-country road trip in 1938, this heartwarming novel brings a little-known historical event to life. It's also a compelling coming-of-age story.

This 2025 Gold Winner of the IBPA Book Award for Historical Fiction compellingly portrays the passionate and tumultuous journey of young Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin and Percy Bysshe Shelley in 1814. It explores their love, tragedy, and literary creations.

A 2025 Silver Winner of the IBPA Book Award for Historical Fiction, this novel offers a poignant story of immigration and resilience. It follows a thirteen-year-old Irish girl traveling alone to America in 1886, facing prejudice and searching for belonging.