Here are 15 epic historical fiction novels that will make you travel the world. This is a personal list of recommendations inspired by my own passion for traveling and learning more about other cultures through reading. Some of these books were my favorite reads of 2025, while others are on my 2026 TBR. I will continue updating this post with personal rankings as my reading progresses.

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15 Epic Historical Fiction Novels That Will Make You Travel the World

Why I Love Historical Fiction: Escaping to the Past Through Books

Historical fiction is one of my all-time favorite genres. As someone who loves to travel, I find that this genre effortlessly transports me to different places and eras while also educating me along the way. Whether I’m preparing for a trip to a new country or reminiscing about a past adventure, I often turn to historical fiction novels to provide cultural context in a way that nonfiction can’t always do. Nonfiction books often dive deep into historical facts, which can sometimes feel a bit dry. With the constant hustle of kids, work, and travel, I rarely have the quiet time needed to fully immerse myself in something too fact-heavy or disengaging.

For me, historical fiction is the perfect blend of captivating storytelling, rich historical details, and character-driven plots. These novels not only introduce me to new places and moments in history but also allow me to connect with relatable characters. I also think they make fantastic holiday reads, as many of them feature meaningful, immersive stories that feel like time well spent. (Not that I don’t love romances too, but I tend to read those when my attention span isn’t as focused!) There’s no better way to get in the travel spirit than by diving into a story set in a faraway place on the map you’ve never visited.

In this blog post, I’ll share 15 epic historical fiction books that will make you feel like you’re embarking on a journey across the globe. These books focus on top-rated authors and fascinating places where not everyone can just pack up and go right away, making armchair travel the next best thing.

Some of the books in this post I’ve recently read and highly recommend, while others are on my 2026 reading list. As I run a BookTok @1001_books_club and BookTube @1001BoooksClub channel, I’m always keeping an eye on what’s trending and what others are loving.

Explore New Cultures: 15 Historical Fiction Novels to Read in 2026

1. The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon (Maine,USA 1789)

Set during the harsh winter of 1789 in Maine, USA, The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon weaves a gripping tale of small-town life, a strong female protagonist, and a murder mystery. The book’s rich historical details and magical winter setting instantly caught my attention. After seeing the rave reviews on Goodreads, I couldn’t resist picking it up, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it during the winter months – especially since it had all the elements I usually love: inspired by a true story, a strong female character, and a beautiful landscape full of winter vibes.

If you love atmospheric settings and complex characters, this is a great historical fiction novel to dive into. That said, it’s not exactly a page-turner, so it’s best suited for slow reading on quiet winter evenings.

Other popular historical fiction picks by Ariel Lawhon are Code Name Hélène, When We Had Wings, and I Was Anastasia.

2. The Rose Code by Kate Quinn (England, World War II)

A historical fiction bestseller that I can’t wait to dive into, The Rose Code by Kate Quinn is on my priority 2026 TBR. It follows three women recruited to break German military codes during World War II. Set in England, this novel promises to be a gripping page-turner full of suspense, strong female characters, and historical intrigue. Additionally, my mom gave me this book for Christmas, and she has the best intuition for epic reads!

Other popular historical fiction bestsellers by Kate Quinn include: The Alice Network, The Briar Club, and The Diamond Eye.

3. Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See (China, 1930s-1950s)

Lisa See’s Snow Flower and the Secret Fan takes us to 20th-century China and explores the intricacies of female friendship, family bonds, and historical upheaval. After reading The Bonesetter’s Daughter by Amy Tan last year – which introduced me to vivid depictions of China – I knew I wanted to explore more Chinese historical fiction in 2026. Lisa See is widely recognized as one of the best authors for exploring Chinese-American heritage.

By chance, while book-shopping in Madrid recently, I bought her book Dreams of Joy and only realized back home that it wasn’t a standalone but part two of Shanghai Girls. Now I’m planning to read all three books by See in 2026, and I can’t wait to see how they deepen my understanding of Chinese history and culture – a culture I’ve found fascinating and stunning ever since my time living in Hong Kong. So much so that I’ve recently returned to learning Chinese, and I hope to visit China soon!

Other popular historical fiction bestsellers by Lisa See include: Lady Tan’s Circle of Women, The Island of Sea Women, and The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane.

4. Yo, Julia & I Am Rome by Santiago Posteguillo (Ancient Rome)

Santiago Posteguillo is one of the most famous contemporary writers in Spain, especially known for his epic stories set in Ancient Rome. Considering my obsession with Roman ruins, it’s surprising that I still haven’t read any of his books. His most famous work is I Am Rome, an epic that captures the grandeur and intrigue of the Roman Empire. Although Yo, Julia – the book on my Spanish writers 2026 reading list – has not yet been translated into English, I was drawn to it because it features a strong female character, something I always gravitate toward.

5. The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes (Kentucky, 1930s)

The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes takes us back to 1930s Kentucky, where a group of women, known as the Packhorse Librarians, are tasked with bringing books to rural, isolated communities. This historical fiction pick is perfect for anyone who loves books about books and the way stories can transform lives.

The novel is based on a true story, and after reading The Girl You Left Behind and Silver Bay by Moyes, I knew I had to read The Giver of Stars – and I really enjoyed it. I think it’s one of her best novels, featuring strong female friendships and women supporting women no matter what. I’d say Jojo Moyes blends historical fiction with romance, creating moments full of emotion and unspoken feelings. She’s truly known for her heartfelt, emotionally rich storytelling.

Other popular picks by Jojo Moyes include: The Last Letter from Your Lover and The Ship of Brides.

6. The Sweetness of Forgetting by Kristin Harmel (Paris, France)

The Sweetness of Forgetting by Kristin Harmel is an unputdownable historical fiction novel that features two intertwined storylines, spanning generations: one set in the United States and the other in Paris during World War II, where most of the key events and secrets unfold. I read this book in 2025, and it was one of my favorite reads of the year – I still think about it often.

Kristin Harmel’s writing is emotionally rich and evocative, and the heartbreaking yet heartwarming love story at the center of this book will stay with you long after you finish it. I highly recommend it if you’re looking for a blend of family saga, Parisian setting, and historical romance that is both heartfelt and unforgettable.

Other popular historical fiction novels by Kristin Harmel include: The Book of Lost Names, The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau, and The Room on Rue Amelie.

7. The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah (Alaska, 1970s)

Kristin Hannah’s The Great Alone is set in the unforgiving wilderness of Alaska in the 1970s. The story follows a family attempting to escape the shadows of their past, only to confront the harsh realities of life in an isolated, wild landscape. While The Nightingale remains her most famous and beloved novel – and was one of my recent favorites that sparked my love for historical fiction – I have a feeling The Great Alone will be just as impressive. It’s on my 2026 TBR, and I look forward to sharing my impressions soon.

Other popular picks by Kristin Hannah include: Winter Garden, The Women, and The Four Winds.

8. The House of Special Purpose by John Boyne (Russia, Early 1900s)

John Boyne is best known for The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, but since I had seen the movie before reading the book, I started with The House of Special Purpose and found it absolutely stunning – both in terms of writing and historical research. Set during the fall of the Romanov royal family and the Russian Revolution, this novel explores a period of history I knew very little about. Boyne weaves so many intriguing historical details into the story that I found myself constantly googling events and people mentioned in the book. Even though it’s a work of historical fiction, the accuracy of the details about the Romanov family is impressive.

My mother was born in St. Petersburg, and visiting the royal palaces there as a child (though I was only seven and remember little) made me even more curious about this story.

Other popular historical fiction picks by John Boyne include: The Boy at the Top of the Mountain, Next of Kin, and Mutiny: A Novel of the Bounty.

9. As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow by Zoulfa Katouh (Syria, 2010s)

As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow by Zoulfa Katouh is a heartbreaking yet hopeful story set during the Syrian Revolution. Although I’ve seen mixed reviews from Syrians, the novel was highly educational for me, especially since I know very little about the war in Syria beyond news reports. It deepened my understanding of the human experience during wartime and made me reflect on the cities mentioned in the book beyond Damascus, as I located them on a map of Syria. This story was definitely a memorable historical fiction read for me.

10. The Stationery Shop of Tehran by Marjan Kamali (Iran, 1950s-1970s)

Iran has been on my travel bucket list for ages, and The Stationery Shop of Tehran by Marjan Kamali absolutely destroyed me emotionally – in the best possible way. The novel follows a young woman’s coming-of-age journey, weaving a deeply personal story of love and loss into the political turbulence of Iran. It beautifully captures the hope many Iranians once had for democracy and a better life under Prime Minister Mossadegh – and how the country’s upheaval ultimately forced many to leave, shattering dreams and futures. I was ugly crying by the end, something that hasn’t happened to me in years.

What I especially appreciated was the rich historical context. After finishing the book, I found myself watching several documentaries about Iran. If you’re not very familiar with its history, I highly recommend exploring the period from the 1950s to the 1980s beforehand (or even after reading). The country’s past is complex and layered, and understanding the key events and figures made the story even more powerful and immersive for me.

Other popular historical fiction book by Marjan Kamali is The Lion Women of Tehran.

11. The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón (Barcelona, Post Spanish Civil War)

Set in post-Spanish Civil War Barcelona, The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón is a haunting and mysterious novel filled with family secrets, intrigue, and vivid depictions of the city. I absolutely loved this book and always recommend it to anyone seeking novels set in Barcelona. It also sparked my interest in exploring more of Zafón’s work. If you enjoy stories set in European cities, with complex narratives, rich atmosphere, and a touch of mystery and family drama, this novel should definitely be on your reading list.

Other notable books by Carlos Ruiz Zafón worth exploring include: The Angel’s Game, The Prisoner of Heaven, and Marina.

12. What the Wind Knows by Amy Harmon (Ireland, Early 1900s)

During my last trip to Ireland, I fell in love with the country, and now I want to explore more historical fiction set there. What the Wind Knows by Amy Harmon is a time-travel romance that blends history with heart. I hope to enjoy this book, as I’ve previously read popular books by Irish authors or set in Ireland and loved them – such as the romance Jewels of the Sun by Nora Roberts, Woman on the Bridge by Sheila O’Flanagan, and Year of Lost and Found by Felicity Hayes-McCoy (both of which I randomly picked up in a local bookshop while visiting Ireland).

Other popular historical fiction bestsellers by Amy Harmon you might love are: Where the Lost Wander, A Girl Called Samson, and The Unknown Beloved.

13. The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi (India, 1950s)

India has long been a country I’ve wanted to explore, and The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi is one of the books set in India that I’ve been eager to read. In 2026, I’m finally planning to dive into her Jaipur Trilogy.

Set in post-independence India, The Henna Artist  follows a young woman who becomes a skilled henna artist while navigating societal expectations and personal desires. It’s on my list because it offers insight into the cultural and historical changes of that period, and I hope it will be a five-star read – I’ll share my thoughts soon!

Other popular historical fiction novel by Alka Joshi is Six Days in Bombay.

14.The Gown by Jennifer Robson (post-World War II London & Canada)

The Gown by Jennifer Robson is another book on my 2026 historical fiction reading list. I feel like this might be a great pick for fans of series like The Crown, as it delves into the fascinating world of post-World War II Britain, exploring the lives of ordinary women caught up in the royal wedding preparations for Queen Elizabeth II. The novel offers a behind-the-scenes look at the craftsmanship and history behind the iconic wedding gown, so I think it might be a unique read.

Other popular historical fiction books by Jennifer Robson are: Goodnight from London, Our Darkest Night, and Somewhere in France.

15. The Lioness by Chris Bohjalian (Tanzania, 1960s)

Set in 1964 Tanzania, The Lioness by Chris Bohjalian is an exhilarating blend of adventure, historical fiction, and thriller. The story follows a group of American tourists on a safari in East Africa, where their trip takes a deadly turn. I am particularly curious about the author, as beyond this novel set in an exotic location, he has many other highly rated historical fiction books.

Other bestsellers by Chris Bohjalian include: The Jackal’s Mistress, Hour of the Witch, The Sandcastle Girls, and Midwives.

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