The Greatest "Historical fiction, Fiction, Frontier and pioneer life" Books Since 1950

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 300 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

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Genres

Historical fiction

Historical fiction is a genre of literature that combines fictional stories with real historical events, settings, and characters. These books often take place in a specific time period and are based on research and factual information, but also include imaginative elements to create a compelling narrative. Historical fiction allows readers to experience the past in a unique and engaging way, while also providing insight into the social, cultural, and political issues of the time.

Fiction

Frontier and pioneer life

Frontier and pioneer life is a category of books that focuses on the experiences of individuals and communities who lived on the edge of civilization during the expansion of the United States in the 19th century. These books typically explore the challenges and triumphs of settlers as they established new homes, farms, and towns in the wilderness, often facing harsh weather, dangerous wildlife, and conflicts with Native American tribes. The genre also includes stories of explorers, fur traders, and other adventurers who ventured into uncharted territories, as well as memoirs and biographies of notable figures who played a role in shaping the American West.

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  1. 1. Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry

    The book tells the story of two retired Texas Rangers who embark on a perilous cattle drive from Texas to Montana in the 1870s. The narrative focuses on the duo's adventures and the characters they meet along the way, including a variety of outlaws, Indians, and settlers. This epic tale of the Old West explores themes of friendship, unrequited love, and the harsh realities of frontier life.

    The 518th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier

    "Cold Mountain" is a novel set during the American Civil War, following a wounded Confederate soldier who deserts the army to make a perilous journey back home to his beloved. The narrative alternates between his arduous trek and the struggles of the woman he left behind as she tries to maintain their North Carolina homestead. The novel explores themes of love, survival, and the destructive impact of war on the human spirit.

    The 702nd Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. Angle of Repose by Wallace Stegner

    This novel follows the story of a retired historian, wheelchair-bound due to a degenerative disease, as he explores the lives of his pioneering grandparents in the late 19th and early 20th century American West. Through letters, he pieces together their struggles, triumphs, and the impact of their relationship on their surroundings. The historian parallels his own life and failed marriage with that of his grandparents, leading to a deep exploration of the concepts of stability, perseverance, and the "angle of repose."

    The 882nd Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. Remembering Babylon by David Malouf

    The novel explores the life of a young man who, after being shipwrecked, is raised by Aboriginals in 19th century Australia. After sixteen years, he attempts to reintegrate into European society, but is met with suspicion and hostility due to his adopted culture and lifestyle. The book delves into themes of identity, belonging, and the clash between Aboriginal and European cultures.

    The 1849th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. Patience And Sarah by Isabel Miller

    This novel is a historical romance set in the nineteenth-century United States, telling the story of two women who defy the conventions of their time. The narrative follows a farmer's daughter and a painter who fall in love and dream of a life together. Despite societal pressures and the challenges posed by their families and community, the couple embarks on a journey to find a place where they can live openly and build a future. The book explores themes of love, gender roles, and the pursuit of personal freedom, as the protagonists navigate the obstacles of their era to carve out a space for themselves.

    The 2235th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. The Crossing by Cormac McCarthy

    "The Crossing" is a novel set in the late 1930s and early 1940s that follows a young man named Billy Parham and his brother Boyd. The story primarily revolves around their adventures in the United States and Mexico, including their encounters with a wolf, horse traders, and a Mexican outlaw. The narrative explores themes of loss, survival, and the harsh realities of life, set against the backdrop of the American West and the Mexican wilderness.

    The 3410th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. The Dollmaker by Harriette Arnow

    The novel follows the story of Gertie Nevels, a strong-willed and talented woman from the Kentucky hills, who is uprooted from her rural home when her husband finds work in Detroit during World War II. As a skilled woodcarver and a devoted mother, Gertie struggles to maintain her family's Appalachian values and way of life amidst the harsh realities of urban industrial society. Her dream of buying back her family's homestead is challenged by the demands of her new environment, leading to a poignant exploration of identity, resilience, and the clash between rural and urban cultures during a time of societal change.

    The 3451st Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. Days Without End by Sebastian Barry

    "Days Without End" is a historical fiction novel that follows the life of an Irish immigrant who enlists in the U.S. Army in the 1850s. The protagonist's experiences include fighting in the Indian Wars and the Civil War, as well as falling in love with a fellow soldier. The novel explores themes of identity, love, and survival in a brutal and unforgiving era of American history.

    The 4370th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. School At The Frontier by Géza Ottlik

    "School at the Frontier" is a novel set in a military academy in Hungary during the interwar period, where a group of boys navigates the complexities of adolescence against the backdrop of a strict and often oppressive educational system. The narrative delves into the intricate relationships, hierarchies, and unspoken codes that govern the lives of the students, as they form alliances, confront authority, and grapple with the looming shadow of the outside world's political turmoil. Through the lens of the protagonist's experiences, the story explores themes of loyalty, friendship, and the loss of innocence, painting a poignant picture of youth and the formative experiences that shape one's identity.

    The 4447th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. Centennial by James A. Michener

    "Centennial" is a sweeping historical novel that traces the history of the plains of northeast Colorado from prehistoric times to the 1970s. The narrative intertwines the stories of the land's various inhabitants over the centuries, including Native Americans, French fur trappers, English nobles, American pioneers, and others. The novel explores themes of love, war, and the challenge of the frontier, all set against the backdrop of the American West's breathtaking landscapes.

    The 4580th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. Train Dreams by Denis Johnson

    The novella captures the life of Robert Grainier, a day laborer in the American West during the early 20th century. Through a series of vignettes, it traces Grainier's experiences from his work on railroads and bridges to his personal tragedies, including the loss of his family and the profound changes in his way of life. Set against the backdrop of a rapidly transforming America, the narrative delves into themes of isolation, the ruggedness of the frontier, and the impact of industrialization on the natural world and the human soul. Grainier's story is one of quiet endurance and the haunting beauty of the landscape amidst the relentless march of time.

    The 4859th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. Follow the River by James Alexander Thom

    "Follow the River" is a historical novel based on the true story of Mary Ingles, a woman who was captured by Shawnee Indians in 1755 during the French and Indian War. After being taken to Ohio, Mary, who was pregnant at the time of her capture, gives birth and is subsequently separated from her baby. Despite the harrowing circumstances, she manages to escape with another woman. The narrative follows her perilous 1,000-mile journey through the wilderness, back to her home in Virginia, showcasing her resilience, courage, and unwavering determination.

    The 5314th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 13. Ganado Red: A Novella And Stories Of The Southwest by Susan Lowell

    This collection presents a tapestry of tales set in the American Southwest, blending the region's rich cultural heritage with its rugged landscape. The novella and accompanying stories weave together the lives of diverse characters, from cowboys and Native Americans to modern-day women, all navigating the challenges and triumphs of life in this unique part of the United States. The narratives explore themes of identity, tradition, and resilience, painting a vivid portrait of the Southwest and the indomitable spirit of its inhabitants.

    The 5393rd Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 14. The Bronc People by William Eastlake

    Set on a Navajo reservation during World War II, "The Bronc People" explores the complex relationships and cultural tensions between the Native American inhabitants and the white government officials. The story is centered on a young Navajo man who is torn between his traditional lifestyle and the modern world. The book provides a deep insight into the Navajo culture, their spiritual beliefs, and their struggle to preserve their identity amid external influences.

    The 5693rd Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 15. The Good Lord Bird: A Novel by James McBride

    The novel is a fictional account of the life of notorious abolitionist John Brown, told from the perspective of a young, freed slave named Henry Shackleford. Disguised as a girl for his own safety, Henry becomes a member of Brown's motley family of abolitionist soldiers, and finds himself in the historic 1859 raid on the U.S. Armory at Harpers Ferry. The book blends historical facts with imaginative storytelling, providing a humorous yet poignant exploration of race, religion, and identity in America.

    The 6869th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 16. Half Broke Horses: A True Life Novel by Jeannette Walls

    Half Broke Horses is a novel based on the life of the author's grandmother, Lily Casey Smith, who grew up in the early 1900s on a ranch in Texas. The book follows Lily's journey from a young girl with a thirst for adventure to a strong-willed woman who becomes a teacher, a rancher, and a mother. Despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks, Lily remains determined and resilient, forging her own path in a world that often tries to limit her. The book is a tribute to the indomitable spirit of one remarkable woman and a celebration of the American West.

    The 7906th Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 17. Dominion by Calvin Baker

    "Dominion" is a thought-provoking novel that weaves together the lives of four individuals across different time periods, from the American Revolution to the modern era. The narrative explores the complex tapestry of American identity, delving into themes of race, freedom, and the enduring struggle for equality. Through the interconnected stories of its characters, the book examines the historical and ongoing impact of colonialism and slavery on the United States, offering a reflective look at the nation's past and its influence on the present and future. The novel serves as a poignant commentary on the quest for personal and collective sovereignty in a country still grappling with the consequences of its foundational injustices.

    The 8955th Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 18. The Town by Conrad Richter

    "The Town" is the final installment in a trilogy depicting the pioneering American spirit. It follows Sayward Wheeler, the daughter of a pioneer, as she witnesses the transformation of the Ohio wilderness into a bustling town. She experiences the joy and pain of motherhood, the comfort and loneliness of marriage, and the satisfaction and despair of building a home, all while observing the encroachment of civilization on the wilderness she loves. The novel explores themes of progress, change, and the cost of civilization.

    The 10098th Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 19. The Travels of Jaimie McPheeters by Robert Lewis Taylor

    "The Travels of Jaimie McPheeters" is a historical fiction novel that follows the journey of a 14-year-old boy and his father as they join a wagon train heading for California during the Gold Rush in 1849. The narrative is filled with humor and adventure, as the pair encounter a variety of colorful characters and dangerous situations along the way. The boy's father is a doctor with a penchant for gambling, which often lands them in trouble, but also provides opportunities for the young protagonist to grow and learn about life, human nature, and himself.

    The 10098th Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 20. In The Distance by Hernan Díaz

    The novel follows the epic journey of a young Swedish immigrant named Håkan Söderström, who is separated from his brother during their voyage to America. Stranded in California, Håkan embarks on a quest to reunite with his sibling, traveling eastward through an unrecognizable and often hostile American frontier. Along the way, he encounters a diverse cast of characters and experiences the harsh realities of the Gold Rush era, transforming from an innocent boy into a mythic figure. His odyssey is marked by moments of profound isolation and violence, as well as encounters that challenge his understanding of the world and his place within it.

    The 10175th Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 21. Inland by Téa Obreht

    Set in the arid American West of the late 1800s, the novel weaves together the lives of two remarkable characters: a frontierswoman awaiting the return of her sons and husband to their drought-ridden homestead, and an outlaw on the run from his past, haunted by visions of lost camels and a mysterious boy. Their stories converge in a desolate town, where their fates intertwine through a series of events that encompass both the supernatural and the deeply human. The narrative explores themes of survival, myth, and the intersection of different cultures against a backdrop of a harsh and unforgiving landscape.

    The 10343rd Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 22. Shadow Country by Peter Matthiessen

    Shadow Country is a historical novel that explores the life of outlaw and entrepreneur Edgar J. Watson, a notorious figure in the late 19th and early 20th century American South. The narrative delves deep into Watson's complex character, his violent deeds, and the mystery surrounding his death, providing a panoramic view of the lawless frontier life in Florida's Everglades. The story is told from multiple perspectives, each revealing a different aspect of Watson's life and the era he lived in, making it a compelling study of human nature and the American frontier.

    The 10657th Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 23. The Tenderness of Wolves by Stef Penney

    Set in the 1860s, the novel tells the story of a small Canadian town rocked by the brutal murder of a French trapper. When a local woman's adopted son becomes the prime suspect, she embarks on a perilous journey through the wilderness to clear his name. Along the way, she uncovers a complex web of deceit and corruption within her community, while also coming to terms with her own past. The narrative is a gripping blend of mystery, adventure and historical fiction.

    The 10973rd Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

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