World War novels! You either love them or have a distaste for them. There is no in-between! I have a love and fascination with any novel I can get my hands on. If you were to ask me what my favorite book genre is I wouldn’t have an answer, BUT historical fiction genre would spring to my mind. Currently, though I have developed a love for novels that revolve around World Wars. These novels have allowed me to paint a better picture inside my head of the trauma that surrounded the wars and the numerous families that were lost because of it.
These world war novels that I have listed all made it to my favorite lists for so many reasons. All are suspenseful, but not to the point of being scared shitless (I am not a fan of terror). Two is because these authors possess the ability to write a story that had me completely lost in their world.
I have developed a love and appreciation for every one of these authors works of art, and I want to share them with you all!
Sarah’s Key, Tatiana De Rosnay
Sarah’s Key follows two extraordinary woman. A journalist whose task is to uncover the truth behind France’s past. While unraveling the mysteries becomes shocked and enraged by her lack of clarity and knowledge on the truth of the war. Digging so deep that families in the present day become entwined.
Then there is Sarah. A mere child whose family was involved in the horrific roundup (Jews being cast out of Paris and taken by Nazis and assisted by the French police).
A horrific story, and makes you question how humans could be so cruel to one another. Tatiana De Rosnay dedicates her piece of work to the 4,000 children who were victims of the roundup.
Educate yourself with a piece of fiction that revolves around the truth, you won’t regret it. A great educational World War novel!
The Book Thief, Markus Zusak
I read this book back when I was still working as a bank teller and I would hide the book in my cubicle and read it in between customers, and by the end of I was holding back tears.
“They say that war is death’s best friend, but I must offer you a different point of view on that one. To me, war is like the new boss who expects the impossible. He stands over your shoulder repeating one thing, incessantly: ‘Get it done, get it done.’ So you work harder. You get the job done. The boss, however, does not thank you. He asks for more”.
If that line doesn’t capture your attention what does? Despite the length of the book it is a quick read, that is well written with a powerful message. Most historical fictions that I have read on World War II are about Jewish families trying to survive. However “The Book Thief” is written about families who were forced to partake and pledge loyalty to hitler while secretly helping a jew.
It shows you the sacrifice that the Hubermann family were willing to take to help out someone in need. You will come to love all these characters and after tragedy after tragedy all you want to do is protect them.
After all this time Book Thief is one that I still remember and one that I recommend the most if someone is searching for a World War novel.
The Paris Architect, Charles Belfoure
This novel had been in my amazon save for later cart for years…no that is not an exaggeration. I don’t know why I put off reading it for so long, but I am so thrilled I finally made the purchase and read it. This novel revolves around Lucien who is a dedicated and passionate architect, but whose money has run dry due to the war. Lucien becomes desperate for money and ends up putting himself in dangerous circumstances.
I loved to see the character development with Lucien. In the beginning his once sought out project of helping strangers was only for the money, and near the end we see him transform into a compassionate, courageous, and sincere human being.
My heart was racing throughout the whole novel. A dangerous and suspenseful read that brings out raw emotions and a new understanding of the unfortunate circumstances of war.
All the Light We Cannot See, Anthony Doerr
Anthony Doerr makes his words come alive, in “All the Light We Cannot See”. He is a masterful storyteller. Beautifully written, captivating, and an emotional read. If you love a novel with a lot of rich descriptions, this is definitely up your alley. I found this to be a much slower pace novel than what I am used to, but yet it did not take away my love for the characters.
Even though it is slow and lingering read, my heart was still racing throughout many parts. The characters require your full attention and I don’t know if I am just a baby, but I was definitely ugly crying when I finished, so I suggest a few tissues.
The Shoemaker’s Wife, Adrianna Trigiani
I can not write enough good words about “The Shoemaker’s Wife”. It’s a beautiful piece of art! Completely entranced by this novel and I was blown away from the writing. I read this years ago and yet I still find myself thinking about the characters.
It’s a thick book but don’t let that intimidate you. I promise you, you will be flipping through the pages quickly. This exquisite story is about love, loss, war, and two characters’ lifelong fight to be with each other. If romance novels are a favorite of yours, add this to your list. So many unexpected twists and turns, and Trigiani writes the characters so boldly that they come to life.
A leisurely read, and many times I had to take a pause reading because of the tears welling up in my eyes.
“A practical girl never pines; she takes action, Enza told herself” (pg 108).
Come on! After reading that line you know you want to read more about the courageous, outspoken, vivacious Enza.
The Room of Rue Amelie, Kristin Harmel
Unpredictable is the word I would use if someone asked me to describe this novel. A breathtaking novel that I finished in one sitting, because it was that thrilling! Most novels I can suspect how they will end, but this one took me by surprise and the whole time I was nervous about the fate of the characters. The story follows an American woman who leaves her life in America and starts an adventure in Paris, but is unaware how close they all are to war breaking loose.
This novel goes to show how just one person can truly make a mark on this world. For even though small courageous acts by one human won’t help the whole world, it matters to that one person you helped. I can’t recommend this book enough.
I know us readers always fall in love with the characters in the book, but the author Harmel writes her characters with such admirable qualities. She really shows readers how even the smallest acts of kindness and bravery can affect such tragic events. Heartfelt and heartbreaking, for even when you believe your life is ending, something beautiful can appear.
The Lost Girls of Paris, Pam Jenoff
I absolutely loved this book! Packed with mystery till the very last page. With every chapter, it reminds women how powerful and strong we are, and how we are all capable of marvelous doings. The story goes back and forth between 1944 and 1946 and tells the story of three remarkable women.
Eleanor; the head person in charge of running a secret operation during the war, and placing women soldiers in the midst of the chaos.
Maria; A woman who attempts to make the best life for her daughter and finds herself testing her own limits by enrolling herself in Eleanor’s care.
Grace’s story is told a few years after the war, but still battling her own sorrows. Submerge yourself into her story on how she is left to find the answers and finish the mysterious world war puzzle that was placed into her hands.
I can’t write enough good words about how much I enjoyed this story and the lives of these characters. If you enjoy a good suspenseful mystery novel, add this to your bookshelf immediately!
The Huntress, Kate Quinn
A dark, mysterious, and chunky novel that I absolutely fell in love with. It took all my willpower not to skip chapters, as I was so curious to know the ending. So many times throughout reading I had to take a mental pause break, especially as the story came to an end.
This book deserves all the hype and praise it has received, and I have no doubt that any reader will love it.
I shall leave the synopsis below.
In the aftermath of war, the hunter becomes the hunted…
Bold and fearless, Nina Markova always dreamed of flying. When the Nazis attack the Soviet Union, she risks everything to join the legendary Night Witches, an all-female night bomber regiment wreaking havoc on the invading Germans. When she is stranded behind enemy lines, Nina becomes the prey of a lethal Nazi murderess known as the Huntress, and only Nina’s bravery and cunning will keep her alive.
Transformed by the horrors he witnessed from Omaha Beach to the Nuremberg Trials, British war correspondent Ian Graham has become a Nazi hunter. Yet one target eludes him: a vicious predator known as the Huntress. To find her, the fierce, disciplined investigator joins forces with the only witness to escape the Huntress alive: the brazen, cocksure Nina. But a shared secret could derail their mission unless Ian and Nina force themselves to confront it.
Growing up in post-war Boston, seventeen-year-old Jordan McBride is determined to become a photographer. When her long-widowed father unexpectedly comes homes with a new fiancée, Jordan is thrilled. But there is something disconcerting about the soft-spoken German widow. Certain that danger is lurking, Jordan begins to delve into her new stepmother’s past—only to discover that there are mysteries buried deep in her family . . . secrets that may threaten all Jordan holds dear.
In this immersive, heart-wrenching story, Kate Quinn illuminates the consequences of war on individual lives, and the price we pay to seek justice and truth.
Feel free to let me know your favorite World Wars novels! I’m always itching for new reads!
After reading so many novels that revolve around war and death I usually need a good book pick me upper. Anyone else feel this way? Check out my latest post on my favorite Enchanting Novels.