The “Great War,” as it was once called, forever changed the course of history. World War 1’s impact continues to resonate today, and its stories are harrowing, hopeful, and heartbreaking.
In addition to historical accounts, another way to read more about WW1 is through the world of World War 1 historical fiction books.
This list of WWI novels offers a glimpse into the lives of those caught in the brutal conflict.
This novel is an epic, unforgettable love story between two soldiers in the First World War. It explores themes of friendship, love and loss on the Western Front.
In Memoriam was a Sunday Times bestseller and won the 2023 Waterstones Novel of the Year Award.
For more information read my full review of In Memoriam.
A classic anti-war novel, All Quiet on the Western Front provides a raw and unflinching look at the experiences of German soldiers during WWI.
All Quiet on the Western Front is considered by many to be the greatest war novel of all time and has been —with an Oscar–winning film adaptation now streaming on Netflix.
Fall of Giants spans the tumultuous years of the early 20th century, including World War I, and follows the lives of characters from various countries and backgrounds.
Fall of Giants is The first book in the popular Century Trilogy by Ken Follett.
This gripping novel weaves together the stories of two women—a female spy during WWI and a pregnant American socialite searching for her cousin in post-WWII Europe—revealing the bravery and sacrifices of women on the front lines of espionage.
The Alice Network was a New York Times and USA Today Bestseller, A Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick and an NPR’s Best Book of the Year.
Shifting focus to the home front, this novel tells the story of young women who take on the vital role of telephone operators while their loved ones fight overseas.
Switchboard Soldiers is written by New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Chiaverini and is based on true events.
This thought-provoking novel explores the story of a young man who refuses to fight, challenging readers to consider the complexities of war and conscience.
The Absolutist was longlisted for the 2013 International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award and winner of a Stonewall Honor Award in Literature.
Regeneration delves into the treatment of soldiers suffering from shell shock in a psychiatric hospital in Scotland, offering a profound exploration of trauma and identity in the wake of war.
This novel is the first book in the celebration Regeneration Trilogy by Pat Barker. Regeneration was a Booker Prize nominee and was adapted into a film by the same name in 1997.
Summary
Hopefully, this list of World War 1 historical fiction books has sparked your interest and provided you with some great reading options. Is there a must-read WW1 novel you think should be on the list? Let us know in the comments!
