The Greatest British "Historical fiction, War" Books of All Time

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 305 '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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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.

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  1. 1. Regeneration by Pat Barker

    "Regeneration" is a historical and anti-war novel set in a mental hospital during World War I. The narrative focuses on the experiences and interactions of a psychiatrist and his patients, most of whom are soldiers suffering from severe shell shock. The novel explores themes of masculinity, identity, and the psychological effects of war, while also critiquing the societal pressures and expectations that led many men to enlist and subsequently suffer from mental trauma.

    The 380th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. The Siege of Krishnapur by J. G. Farrell

    Set in India during the period of the British Empire, "The Siege of Krishnapur" is a historical novel that explores the events of the 1857 Sepoy Rebellion. The narrative focuses on the British residents of the fictional town of Krishnapur as they endure a prolonged siege by Indian soldiers. The story delves into the psychological, social, and physical challenges faced by the besieged, and the gradual disintegration of their Victorian-era beliefs and lifestyle. The novel is a commentary on the British Empire, colonialism, and the clash of cultures.

    The 406th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. Parade's End by Ford Madox Ford

    The novel chronicles the life of Christopher Tietjens, an officer in the British Army during World War I, and his complex relationships with two women: his adulterous wife Sylvia and a young suffragette named Valentine. The story is set against the backdrop of a changing society and the devastation of war, exploring themes of duty, honor, and the struggle between traditional values and modernism.

    The 551st Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. The Quiet American by Graham Greene

    Set during the French colonial war in Vietnam, this novel follows a British journalist and a young American idealist who become friends and find themselves in a love triangle with a Vietnamese woman. As the war escalates, the journalist becomes disillusioned with the American's naïve political views and the destructive impact of foreign intervention. The story is a critique of American involvement in Vietnam, exploring themes of love, friendship, and moral ambiguity.

    The 668th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. Birdsong by Sebastian Faulks

    "Birdsong" is a historical novel that explores the horrors of World War I through the eyes of Stephen Wraysford, a young Englishman. The narrative alternates between Stephen's passionate love affair with a married woman in pre-war France and his experiences in the trenches of the Western Front. The novel also includes a subplot set in the 1970s, where Stephen's granddaughter tries to unravel the mystery of her grandfather's past. The book is a poignant exploration of love, war, and the endurance of the human spirit.

    The 573rd Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. Shogun by James Clavell

    Set in the 17th century, this novel follows an English sailor who becomes a samurai in feudal Japan. The protagonist, shipwrecked and stranded in a foreign land, must navigate the complex political and cultural landscape of the time, filled with war, intrigue, honor, and love. The story is rich in historical detail, providing a vivid depiction of Japanese society during the Tokugawa Shogunate era.

    The 834th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. The Passion by Jeanette Winterson

    "The Passion" is a historical novel set during the Napoleonic Wars and told from the perspectives of two unique characters: a French soldier who serves in Napoleon’s army and a Venetian woman with webbed feet who works as a casino worker. The narrative explores themes of love, passion, identity, and fate as the two characters' lives intertwine in unexpected ways. The book is renowned for its magical realism and lyrical prose, offering a poetic exploration of human desire and the nature of love.

    The 859th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. Corelli's Mandolin by Louis de Bernières

    Set on the Greek island of Cephalonia during World War II, this novel explores the lives of the island's inhabitants as they experience the war's harsh realities. The narrative primarily focuses on the love story between a local woman and an Italian captain, who is part of the occupying forces. As the war progresses, the characters are forced to confront their beliefs, their relationships, and their identities, all while grappling with the devastating impacts of the conflict.

    The 1003rd Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. Empire of the Sun by J. G. Ballard

    "Empire of the Sun" is a semi-autobiographical novel that tells the story of a young British boy's experiences in Shanghai during World War II. After being separated from his parents during the Japanese invasion, he is forced to fend for himself in a world turned upside down by war. The novel vividly portrays the harsh realities of life in a Japanese internment camp, where the protagonist learns to adapt and survive amid the chaos and brutality.

    The 1020th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. The Return of the Soldier by Rebecca West

    "The Return of the Soldier" is a poignant story set during World War I, revolving around a British soldier suffering from shell shock-induced amnesia. Upon his return home, he does not remember his wife or his comfortable life of privilege, but instead, recalls his first love and the modest past they shared. The narrative explores the complex dynamics and emotional turmoil experienced by the soldier, his wife, his cousin, and his former sweetheart as they grapple with the consequences of war, memory, and class distinctions.

    The 1259th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. The Heat of the Day by Elizabeth Bowen

    Set in London during World War II, "The Heat of the Day" is a story about a love triangle between Stella Rodney, her lover Robert Kelway, and Harrison, a man who claims to be an intelligence agent. Harrison informs Stella that Robert is selling secrets to the enemy, and in exchange for his silence, he wants Stella all to himself. The novel explores themes of trust, deceit, and the complexities of love against the backdrop of a city under siege.

    The 1277th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. The Slaves of Solitude by Patrick Hamilton

    Set in England during World War II, the novel follows a middle-aged woman living in a boarding house, who spends her time navigating the petty squabbles and politics of her fellow residents. Her life takes a turn when she becomes entangled in a love triangle with a charming but manipulative American lieutenant and a young German woman. The book explores themes of loneliness, manipulation, and the struggle for personal freedom in a time of national crisis.

    The 1308th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 13. Moon Tiger by Penelope Lively

    "Moon Tiger" is a profound exploration of memory and history, narrated by a dying historian, Claudia Hampton, who decides to write a history of the world, but it turns out to be her own history as well. The narrative moves back and forth in time, reflecting Claudia's fragmented memories, and delves into her past relationships, particularly a passionate love affair in Egypt during World War II. The novel explores themes of love, war, the fluidity of time, and the subjective nature of history.

    The 1681st Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 14. Men At Arms by Evelyn Waugh

    "Men At Arms" is a satirical novel set during World War II, following the misadventures of a group of British soldiers. The story revolves around the absurdities and incompetence within the military hierarchy, as well as the clash between the old-fashioned traditions and the modern realities of war. Through dark humor and witty dialogue, the book explores themes of heroism, loyalty, and the futility of war, painting a vivid picture of the chaotic and often farcical nature of armed conflict.

    The 1864th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 15. The Eagle Has Landed by Jack Higgins

    In this gripping World War II thriller, a group of German paratroopers is given a secret mission to kidnap Winston Churchill from a remote village in England. As they meticulously plan their operation, tensions rise within the team, and unexpected alliances are formed. With a race against time and the fate of the war hanging in the balance, the paratroopers must navigate treacherous obstacles and face their own inner demons to complete their daring mission.

    The 2055th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 16. The Ghost Road by Pat Barker

    "The Ghost Road" is a historical novel set during World War I that follows the experiences of a British army officer undergoing treatment for shell shock at a mental hospital. The narrative alternates between his perspective and that of his psychiatrist, who is fascinated by the psychological effects of war. The novel explores themes of trauma, memory, and the brutal realities of war, while also delving into the psychiatrist's own past experiences with a headhunting tribe in the South Pacific.

    The 2255th Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 17. The Singapore Grip by J. G. Farrell

    "The Singapore Grip" is a satirical historical novel set in Singapore during the Second World War. The story revolves around a British family who owns a successful trading company and their experiences as the Japanese invasion looms. The book explores themes such as colonialism, greed, love, and the fall of the British Empire, providing a critical and humorous commentary on the era's socio-political landscape.

    The 2800th Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 18. Master Georgie by Beryl Bainbridge

    "Master Georgie" by Beryl Bainbridge is a historical novel set in the mid-19th century during the Crimean War. The story revolves around the life of George Hardy, a talented but troubled surgeon, and the people who are drawn into his orbit. Through the perspectives of different characters, the book explores themes of love, war, and the complexities of human relationships. The narrative unfolds through a series of vivid and haunting images, capturing the harsh realities of war and the emotional struggles of the characters.

    The 4879th Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 19. The Eye in the Door by Pat Barker

    "The Eye in the Door" is a historical novel set during World War I. The story follows a British army officer suffering from shell shock, as well as his psychologist, as they navigate the traumas of war and the tumultuous political climate. The book explores themes of mental illness, homosexuality, and the societal pressures of the time, all against the backdrop of the war and its effects on those involved.

    The 5510th Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 20. A Place of Greater Safety by Hilary Mantel

    This historical novel centers around the French Revolution and explores the lives and relationships of three of its key figures: Georges Danton, Maximilien Robespierre, and Camille Desmoulins. The story delves into their political and personal struggles, their rise to power, and their eventual downfall. The novel provides a detailed and vivid account of the tumultuous period, highlighting the chaos, violence, and upheavals of the revolution, while also giving an intimate portrayal of the characters' lives, friendships, and rivalries.

    The 5656th Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 21. The Deceivers by John Masters

    "The Deceivers" is a historical novel set in 1825 India, focusing on the British colonial rule and the practice of Thuggee, a secret cult of mass murderers. The protagonist is a British officer who infiltrates the cult to expose and eradicate them. The narrative is a thrilling blend of suspense, adventure and romance, offering a profound exploration of British colonialism, Indian culture and the clash between the two.

    The 5920th Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 22. Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein

    "Code Name Verity" is a gripping historical fiction novel set during World War II. The story follows two best friends, a British spy and a pilot, as they navigate the dangerous world of espionage and warfare. When their plane crashes in Nazi-occupied France, their friendship and loyalty are tested as they face interrogation, betrayal, and the harsh realities of war. Through alternating perspectives and a complex web of secrets, the book explores themes of bravery, sacrifice, and the enduring power of friendship.

    The 6272nd Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 23. Day by A. L. Kennedy

    "Day" is a powerful novel about a World War II veteran who returns to the scene of his former imprisonment as an extra on a film set. The protagonist is haunted by his experiences as a tail gunner and a prisoner of war, and the narrative alternates between his time in the stalag and his present day experiences on the set. As he grapples with his past, he also seeks to reconnect with a woman he once loved, adding a poignant layer to his journey of self-discovery and healing.

    The 6948th Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 24. A Ship Of The Line by C S Forester

    In "A Ship Of The Line" by C.S. Forester, the story follows the adventures of Captain Horatio Hornblower as he commands the HMS Sutherland, a powerful ship of the line, during the Napoleonic Wars. As Hornblower faces various challenges, including battles at sea, political intrigue, and personal dilemmas, he must rely on his intelligence, resourcefulness, and leadership skills to navigate through the dangerous waters of war and emerge victorious. With vivid descriptions and compelling characters, the novel offers a thrilling and immersive glimpse into the world of naval warfare in the early 19th century.

    The 7960th Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 25. Poor Man's Tapestry by G. Oliver Onions

    In "Poor Man's Tapestry" by "G. Oliver Onions," the story unfolds in a small English village where the lives of several characters intersect. As secrets and hidden desires come to light, the delicate balance of the community is disrupted, leading to unexpected consequences. Through vivid descriptions and compelling storytelling, the author explores themes of love, betrayal, and the complexities of human relationships, leaving readers captivated until the final page.

    The 7960th Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

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