Books to Read About World War II
When it comes to historical fiction, there is no shortage of fascinating books about WWII. These captivating narratives transport the reader to a time of global turmoil, where ordinary individuals were thrust into extraordinary circumstances. From the battlefields to the home front, these books about WWII serve as poignant reminders of the triumphs and tragedies that shaped the modern era. Through harrowing tales of heroism, sacrifice, and resilience, the novels I am sharing here are riveting historical fiction set against the backdrop of World War II.
The Little Wartime Library by Kate Thompson
Based on a true story, Kate Thompson’s The Little Wartime Library follows the highs and lows of an underground library founded during World War II. With powerful emotions throughout the tale, both elated and devastating, Kate Thompson brings a large cast of characters to life as they work to survive while living and working underground in the unused Bethnal Green tube station in East London.
In short, The Little Wartime Library by Kate Thompson is a must-read for historical fiction lovers. Plus, it will certainly make you want to support your local library in the process!
Read my full review of The Little Wartime Library by Kate Thompson here.
The Little Wartime Library is available on Amazon and Bookshop.org.
The Lost English Girl by Julia Kelly
A quick, emotional read, The Lost English Girl by Julia Kelly will pull at your heart and keep you up wanting to know more. Viv, the protagonist, is a remarkably contemporary woman. She makes her way as best she can as essentially a single-mother in WWII Liverpool.
As far as books about WWII go, this historical novel tells a fascinating, heart-wrenching story of what happened with children evacuated from cities during the war. This is an aspect of WWII I knew nothing about. In all, this is a great read, and I am eager to try more of author Julia Kelly’s historical novels!
Read more of my thoughts on The Lost English Girl by Julia Kelly here.
The Lost English Girl is available from Amazon and Bookshop.org.
The Alice Network by Kate Quinn
Kate Quinn never ceases to amaze me with her gripping, female-driven historical fiction. Seriously, this woman can write amazing novels about just about any period in history, from Ancient Rome to Renaissance Italy, to World War II Belgium.
Alternating between two women’s stories — one in 1947, the other in 1915 — surrounding World Wars I and II, The Alice Network is a gripping novel of espionage, familial devotion, and the endurance of human strength. Really, this book has it all. I could hardly put it down!
The Alice Network by Kate Quinn is available from Amazon and Bookshop.org.
P.S. learn more about Kate Quinn’s earlier historical fiction, The Empress of Rome series, here and her duology The Borgia Chronicles, set in Renaissance Italy, here!
Atonement by Ian McEwan
With beautiful writing and heart-wrenching twists of fate, Ian McEwan’s Atonement is a haunting account of life during World War II.
This is, without a doubt, one of the best historical fiction books set in England about World War II. Delving into issues of class and childhood trauma, Atonement is at once a historical novel and utterly timeless.
Atonement by Ian McEwan is available through Amazon and Bookshop.
This post is a part of my What to Read series, where I share themed reading lists and book guides based on genre, time period, theme, or author.
You can peruse more of my What to Read reading guides here!
If you are interested in more great historical fiction,
be sure to check out my guide to the genre here!
I love historical fiction and WW2 fiction is my favourite. I have the Little Wartime Library on my TBR and looking forward to reading it, especially after reading your review. I loved Atonement. Putting the others on my list. Thanks for the recommendations.
Atonement was so good! I think you’ll love The Little Wartime Library — such an emotive and impressive novel! Thanks so much for stopping by 🙂