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

Click to learn how this list is calculated.

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.

Filter by: Genres Dates Countries
Follow on:

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.

World War II

The category of "World War II" books encompasses a wide range of literature that focuses on the events, people, and consequences of the global conflict that took place between 1939 and 1945. This category includes historical accounts, memoirs, biographies, and fiction that explore the political, social, and cultural aspects of the war, as well as its impact on individuals and societies around the world. From the Holocaust to the Pacific theater, from the home front to the battlefields, "World War II" books offer readers a deep understanding of one of the most significant and devastating events in human history.

Add additional genre filters

Countries

British

Add additional country filters

Date Range

Filter

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

Download

If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download
  1. 1. The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie by Muriel Spark

    The novel is set in 1930s Edinburgh and follows the story of six girls under the tutelage of an unconventional teacher, Miss Jean Brodie. Miss Brodie, in her prime, takes it upon herself to educate the girls about life, love, politics, and art, often disregarding the traditional curriculum. The narrative explores the influence of Miss Brodie on the girls, the consequences of her nonconformist teachings, and the ultimate betrayal that leads to her downfall.

    The 191st Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. Atonement by Ian McEwan

    Atonement is a powerful novel that explores the consequences of a young girl's false accusation. The narrative follows the lives of three characters, the accuser, her older sister, and the sister's lover, who is wrongly accused. This false accusation irrevocably alters their lives, leading to the accused's imprisonment and eventual enlistment in World War II, while the sisters grapple with guilt, estrangement, and their own personal growth. The novel is a profound exploration of guilt, forgiveness, and the destructive power of misinterpretation.

    The 209th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. A Dance to the Music of Time by Anthony Powell

    "A Dance to the Music of Time" is a twelve-volume cycle that follows the life of the protagonist, a man from the upper-middle class in England, from his school days to his old age. The series provides a detailed and satirical depiction of British society and its changes over several decades, from the 1920s to the 1970s. The narrative is filled with a rich cast of characters from different social classes and backgrounds, whose lives intersect in various ways over time.

    The 358th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. 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
  5. 5. 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
  6. 6. Goodbye to Berlin by Christopher Isherwood

    This novel is a semi-autobiographical account of the author's experiences in 1930s Berlin. The protagonist, a young Englishman, observes and documents the lives of a wide range of characters, from the working class to the upper class, all against the backdrop of the rising Nazi regime. The book offers a vivid and poignant portrayal of Berlin and its inhabitants during a time of great political and social upheaval.

    The 1025th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. The Girls of Slender Means by Muriel Spark

    The novel is set in London, 1945, during the final days of World War II. It revolves around a group of young women living in the May of Teck Club, a hostel for "the Pecuniary Convenience and Social Protection of Ladies of Slender Means below the age of Thirty Years." The narrative primarily focuses on their daily lives, their relationships, and their struggles to secure suitable husbands or lovers. The story is punctuated by a tragic event that leaves a lasting impact on the lives of these women.

    The 1085th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. A Town Like Alice by Nevil Shute

    "A Town Like Alice" is a novel about a young Englishwoman, who is captured by Japanese forces during World War II and forced to march with other women and children across Malaya. During her ordeal, she meets an Australian prisoner of war, whom she later seeks out in Australia after the war. With the help of an unexpected inheritance, she uses her entrepreneurial spirit to transform a desolate Australian town into a thriving community, similar to a quaint English village she once knew, hence creating a 'town like Alice'.

    The 1176th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. 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
  10. 10. 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
  11. 11. Life After Life by Kate Atkinson

    "Life After Life" follows the story of Ursula Todd who is born and dies repeatedly in February 1910. Each time Ursula dies, her life restarts, with each successive life bringing different circumstances and decisions. The novel explores themes of fate, free will, and the infinite possibilities of existence. Through Ursula's many lives, the narrative provides different perspectives on significant historical events, including both World Wars.

    The 1684th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. 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
  13. 13. 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
  14. 14. Goodnight Mister Tom by Michelle Magorian

    Set during World War II, the story follows a young evacuee from London named William Beech who is sent to live in the English countryside with a gruff but kind elderly man named Tom Oakley. As William adjusts to rural life and overcomes his abusive past, he forms a deep bond with Tom. The novel explores themes of friendship, the impact of war, and the power of love and kindness to heal emotional wounds.

    The 2315th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 15. 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
  16. 16. Spies by Michael Frayn

    In the novel, two boys, Stephen and Keith, live in a quiet English suburb during World War II. Keith's mother becomes the object of their spy games when they suspect her of being a German spy. As the boys delve deeper into their espionage, they uncover secrets that change their understanding of their families, their neighborhood, and themselves. The story is a poignant exploration of childhood innocence, friendship, and the loss of innocence that comes with knowledge.

    The 6545th Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 17. 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
  18. 18. A God in Ruins by Kate Atkinson

    "A God in Ruins" is a novel that tells the story of Teddy Todd, a World War II bomber pilot, and his life before, during, and after the war. The narrative alternates between different time periods, exploring Teddy's childhood, his experiences in the war, and his later life as a husband, father, and grandfather. The book delves deep into the effects of war, the passage of time, and the complexities of family relationships, offering a poignant exploration of a man's life and the historical events that shape it.

    The 7127th Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 19. The Siege by Helen Dunmore

    "The Siege" is a historical fiction novel set during the Siege of Leningrad in World War II. The story revolves around the Levin family and their struggle to survive the harsh winter and the brutal blockade imposed by the German army. The narrative explores the themes of love, hope, and endurance in the face of adversity, providing a poignant depiction of the human spirit's resilience during one of the most tragic periods in history.

    The 8107th Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

Download

If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download