BVBook Verdict

The past in fiction

Essential Historical Fiction Reading Guides

The most-discussed historical novels — from medieval England to the 20th century — each with a full book club guide with themes and discussion questions.

Wolf Hall Hilary Mantel · 2009 Editor's Choice Get it on Amazon →
Bring Up the Bodies Hilary Mantel · 2012 Recommended Get it on Amazon →
The Mirror & the Light Hilary Mantel · 2020 Essential Read Get it on Amazon →
All the Light We Cannot See Anthony Doerr · 2014 Essential Read See details →
Birdsong Sebastian Faulks · 1993 Essential Read See details →
The Pillars of the Earth Ken Follett · 1989 Essential Read See details →
The Name of the Rose Umberto Eco · 1980 Essential Read See details →
Schindler's Ark Thomas Keneally · 1982 Essential Read See details →
HHhH Laurent Binet · 2010 Essential Read See details →
Suite Francaise Irene Nemirovsky · 2004 Essential Read See details →
Alias Grace Margaret Atwood · 1996 Essential Read See details →
Hamnet Maggie O'Farrell · 2020 Essential Read See details →
The Marriage Portrait Maggie O'Farrell · 2022 Essential Read See details →
Lincoln in the Bardo George Saunders · 2017 Essential Read See details →
Regeneration Pat Barker · 1991 Recommended See details →
An Officer and a Spy Robert Harris · 2013 Essential Read See details →

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