I’ve always loved losing myself in stories from another time, a different world. As a child, my favourite books were those set in the past; the only thing that’s changed with the years is that my list of beloved historical fiction has grown. Picking a top ten has been no mean feat, but here they are – my best of the best.
Jenny Ashcroft by David Myer
The Go-Between, L.P. Hartley: I’ll never tire of revisiting Brandham Hall for the long, hot summer of 1900, with little Leo in his green suit. This classic feels more tragic, and more beautiful, every time I read it.
Goodnight Mister Tom, Michelle Magorian: This (along with the Anne and Emily books), was a childhood favourite of mine – and, I think, the first book to ever make me cry. I could talk for hours about why I love it so much, and still not have covered everything. All these years on, it still lives vividly in my mind.
Atonement, Ian McEwan: Simply stunning from beginning to end, this tense, evocative, beautifully-drawn novel transported me back to the 1930s and 40s, swept me away - and broke my heart too.
My Dear I wanted to tell you, Louisa Young: One of my favourite First World War novels, this had me gripped from the start with its haunting, atmospheric prologue, and didn’t me let go until its beautiful closing lines. Wonderful.
East of the Sun, Julia Gregson: Set in the exotic world of colonial India, with a captivating cast of characters, romance laced through every page, and writing that had me caught up to the end, this is a perfect escapist read.
Letters to the Lost, Iona Grey: Set in present day and World War Two, this epic, beautifully written love story is one of my all-time favourites. Incredibly moving, impossible to put down, I recommend it whole-heartedly. (Although, take note: tissues are essential when reading.)
Water for Elephants, Sara Gruen: I bought this on my way back from a work trip to Seattle, long before the film was made, intrigued by the title and 1930s circus setting. I couldn’t put it down the whole way home, so engrossed was I in the brilliant story, the characters, and the gritty glamour of their world.
The Tea Planter’s Wife, Dinah Jefferies: A sumptuous, romantic story set in 1920s Ceylon, this had me spellbound from the moment newlywed Gwen steps off the steamship in Colombo, all the way to the riveting final chapters.
Iris and Ruby, Rosie Thomas: I absolutely devoured this book, and found so much to love in it – not least the vibrancy with which wartime Cairo is brought to life, and the romance of Iris and Xan’s heart-breaking affair.
Amy Snow, Tracy Rees: As soon as I started reading this story of the orphan, Amy Snow, sent on a mysterious quest by the only person she’s ever truly loved, I knew I was in for a treat. Rich, poignant, and full of twists and turns, this fantastic novel set in Victorian England kept me guessing all the way to the (unexpected) end.
