Bookle reading guide: Historical fiction
⏱️ 4 min read
Love stepping into another time?
Historical fiction lets us experience the past through unforgettable characters and compelling stories. Whether you’re fascinated by ancient civilisations, royal courts, wartime courage or ordinary people living through extraordinary events, historical fiction brings history vividly to life.
In this guide you'll discover:
- The most popular types of historical fiction
- What makes each one unique
- Which style best matches your reading taste
- Popular authors and books to start with
Whether you’re drawn to sweeping historical epics or intimate stories set against real events, there’s a historical novel waiting to transport you to another era.
1. Ancient world
Travel back to the worlds of Ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome, where emperors ruled, armies conquered and legends were born.
Perfect for readers who enjoy:
- Ancient civilisations
- Mythology
- Political intrigue
- Epic adventures
Main feature: Stories set in the ancient world.
Tone: Grand, adventurous and immersive.
Examples:
- Colleen McCullough (Masters of Rome)
- Robert Graves (I, Claudius)
- Christian Jacq (Ramses)
2. Medieval fiction
Castles, knights, kings and queens fill these stories set during the Middle Ages.
Perfect for readers who enjoy:
- Medieval Europe
- Chivalry
- Royal intrigue
- Battles
Main feature: Stories set during the medieval period.
Tone: Dramatic and atmospheric.
Examples:
- Ken Follett (The Pillars of the Earth)
- Sharon Kay Penman
- Ellis Peters (The Cadfael Chronicles)
3. Tudor & royal fiction
If you enjoy powerful queens, court politics and royal scandals, this subgenre is for you.
Perfect for readers who enjoy:
- Royal families
- Court intrigue
- Powerful women
- English history
Main feature: Real historical monarchs and royal courts.
Tone: Rich, dramatic and character-driven.
Examples:
- Philippa Gregory
- Alison Weir
- Jean Plaidy
4. World War fiction
Some of the most moving historical novels are set during the First or Second World Wars, following ordinary people caught in extraordinary circumstances.
Perfect for readers who enjoy:
- Wartime courage
- Family stories
- Resistance movements
- Human resilience
Main feature: Stories set during wartime.
Tone: Emotional, gripping and often inspiring.
Examples:
- Kristin Hannah (The Nightingale)
- Anthony Doerr (All the Light We Cannot See)
- Markus Zusak (The Book Thief)
5. Historical mystery
History and mystery combine to create gripping investigations in fascinating historical settings.
Perfect for readers who enjoy:
- Mysteries
- Historical settings
- Clever detectives
- Rich atmosphere
Main feature: Solving crimes in another era.
Tone: Suspenseful and immersive.
Examples:
- C.J. Sansom (Shardlake)
- Lindsey Davis (Falco)
- Anne Perry
📚 Where to find it on Bookle: You’ll find historical mysteries in our Suspense category.
6. Historical romance
Love stories set against richly detailed historical backdrops, where changing social expectations shape every relationship.
Perfect for readers who enjoy:
- Romance
- Period settings
- Family sagas
- Emotional journeys
Main feature: Romance within historical settings.
Tone: Romantic and nostalgic.
Examples:
- Georgette Heyer
- Julia Quinn
- Diana Gabaldon
📚 Where to find it on Bookle: You’ll find historical romance in our Historical romance category.
7. Family sagas
These sweeping novels follow families across generations as history shapes their lives.
Perfect for readers who enjoy:
- Multi-generational stories
- Family drama
- Historical change
- Rich character development
Main feature: Families living through changing historical periods.
Tone: Emotional and immersive.
Examples:
8. South African historical fiction
Experience South Africa’s rich and complex past through stories rooted in local history, cultures and landscapes.
Perfect for readers who enjoy:
- South African history
- Local settings
- Cultural heritage
- Historical drama
Main feature: Stories set during important periods of South African history.
Tone: Authentic, thought-provoking and immersive.
Examples:
- Wilbur Smith
- Dalene Matthee
- Bryce Courtenay (The Power of One)
9. Historical literary fiction
These beautifully written novels blend historical settings with rich character studies and thoughtful themes.
Perfect for readers who enjoy:
- Literary fiction
- Beautiful prose
- Character-driven stories
- Award-winning novels
Main feature: History explored through literary storytelling.
Tone: Reflective and emotionally rich.
Examples:
- Hilary Mantel (Wolf Hall)
- Sarah Waters (Fingersmith)
- Geraldine Brooks (March)
Looking for Afrikaans historical fiction?
South African history has inspired many unforgettable stories. Whether you’re fascinated by the Anglo-Boer War, early Cape history, frontier life, or family sagas set against real historical events, explore books by:
- Dalene Matthee
- F.A. Venter
- Piet van Rooyen
- Christoffel Coetzee
- Hans du Plessis
What kind of historical fiction reader are you?
Historical fiction offers far more than lessons from the past. Whether you’re captivated by royal intrigue, inspired by wartime courage or fascinated by ancient civilisations, there’s a historical novel that will transport you somewhere unforgettable.
Once you discover the historical periods and stories you love most, you’ll find yourself travelling through history one book at a time.
Continue exploring
📚 Browse historical fiction books on Bookle
Discover preloved historical fiction, from timeless classics to modern bestsellers.
📖 Read another reading guide
Love beautifully written stories? Explore our Bookle reading guide: Literary fiction and discover the rich, character-driven novels that stay with you long after the final page.
💬 Join the conversation
Which historical period do you most enjoy reading about? We’d love to hear your recommendations in the Bookle – Let’s Talk Books Facebook group.