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I’m a bit of a history buff. I guess I come by it naturally; my dad had a passion for history. My brother is very knowledgeable about history as well. And it’s being passed on through the generations to my own son and to my nephews.
One era of history that particularly fascinates me and many others is World War II. The horror of that time, as well as the heroism displayed in the face of great evil, captures interest and makes us want to learn more.
From thrilling, to poignant, to romantic, to heartbreaking, there are so many novels available to the WWII history buff.
Here is a list of historical novels that will bring to life some of the events and people surrounding that time in history.
(Please be aware that these books should be read with discernment. Not all the content in all the books is easy to take in. Considering the subject matter, some of the details and incidents in many of these books may be disturbing or graphic.)
This is not a comprehensive list by any means. It’s just a few recommendations to get you started, if you’re interested. Choose a book or two (or more!) from this list and allow yourself to be immersed in this major turning point in modern history.
World War II Historical Novels
The Nightingale by Kristen Hannah
Two sisters make decisions and live with the consequences in this war-time story set in France.
All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
A poignant tale that will stay with you long after you finish reading it.
Number the Stars by Lois Lowry
If you didn’t have to read this one in school, you should read it now. It may be considered YA, but like most good books, it has value for a large range of ages.
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
This is an imaginative and somewhat quirky novel that gives a taste of live on the German-occupied British isle of Guernsey during the war. Oh, and it’s about people who like books.
Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly
Several women from different background struggle to survive a Nazi concentration camp.
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
A young girl finds hope and beauty in the midst of tragedy and the horror of war.
The Sisters of St. Croix by Diney Costeloe
A beautifully told tale of the lives of people in an occupied French village.
The Violin of Auschwitz by Maria Angels Anglada
This haunting story shows the strength of hope and the power of beauty in the face of atrocities.
Jacob Have I Loved by Katherine Patterson
This isn’t a novel about World War II per se. It is a coming-of-age story set during the war and gives a glimpse of life for families on the home front.
The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom
Not a novel, but well written and highly recommended. Arguably the best on the list. Corrie Ten Boom tells the story of what happened to herself and her sister when her family hid several Jews in their home.
Go ahead, immerse yourself in the reading and learning!
