Historical Books That Read Like Fiction

Orange Lightning

Each of these books blends historical facts with the immersive style of fiction, making them compelling for readers who enjoy narrative-driven stories.

1

The Devil in the White City

Larson weaves together the tales of architectural genius Daniel Burnham and the cunning murderer Holmes.

2

Wolf Hall

Mantel's vivid prose and complex characters bring the Tudor court to life with the intensity and depth of  a novel.

3

The Nightingale

Hannah’s emotionally charged writing and strong characters make it feel like a dramatic and personal story.

4

Catherine the Great

Massie crafts Catherine’s transformation from a young princess to a powerful ruler with the vividness and psychological depth of a novel.

5

The Killer Angels

This Pulitzer Prize-winning book recreates the tension and complexity of the battle through the eyes of key figures.

6

Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee

Brown’s compassionate storytelling about the injustices faced by Native Americans reads more like a heartbreaking novel.

7

The Paris Wife

McLain's narrative captures the romance and heartbreak of Hemingway’s early years as if it were a fictional love story.