(A list of WW2 Historical Fiction Books and reviews included.)
Looking back at the last century, we cannot but unsee the blood stained chapters that wreak world peace during Second world war.
Even after 8 long decades, the blood-curdling stories do not fail to move us to the core. 50 million lives lost is an indication of the magnitude of this man-made disaster.
On a more positive note(perhaps the only silver lining), it has led way to a new genre in Literature; World War 2 historical Fiction books.
The good thing about these books is that they portray bravery, sacrifice and resilience of the people who worked for the greater good of world peace. Most importantly, these books keep reminding us of historical blunders made by leaders and is a great lesson for the world, not to let history repeat itself.
Following is the list of WW2 Historical Fiction Books that I found fascinating and compelling, I love to share them with our community.
My Recommendation -WW2 Historical Fiction Books 2022
The Yellow Bird Sings- By Jennifer Rosner
“In God’s eyes your child is no different than mine. She deserves every chance to live.
I just couldn’t put this book down until I came to the very end. Rosner has intertwined heart-warming mother- daughter love with violent and shocking events of war with such poignancy that the reader goes through a plethora of emotions as the story progresses.
She has painted a clear picture of brutality of war and how innocent civilians suffered in the hands of ruthless leaders.
In this story a mother and a little daughter called Rosa and Shira. flee and hide in a hayloft when Second world war rages in Poland and Nazi army capture Jews. The slightest noise they make could cost them their lives. It was the make-believe stories about bird songs and their music that soothed the girl and helped them pass their time.
The turning point of the story is when Rosa had to take the impossible decision to part with her daughter in order to keep her alive. Heart wrenching parting of mother and daughter, Shira’s never ending hope that her mother will come find her one day, war as well as fate playing their sinister role make this story full of anticipation and emotions. A story that lives with you forever!
Daughter of Calabria -By Tania Blanchard
Echoes of war is a sweeping story of a family during World War 2 in Calabria, Southern Italy. The young daughter, Giulia’s courageous story of pursuing her dreams to follow footsteps of her noona to be a healer is the gist of this story. Her father’s conservative thinking about women’s place in society was a big hurdle on her way, but her strong determination to find her place in the world never waivered.
Her journey was strewn with so many challenges due to the turbulent war raging in the whole world. She proves herself courageous, determined and sympathetic during those testing times.
Her short yet sweet love story with her first husband who unfortunately loses his life in the story brings so much hope and positivity for her future. Later, after his tragic death, when she was solely focused on her dreams, romantic love knocks on her door again.
Blanchard draws a vivid picture of Mussolini’s Italy, the patriarchal society and world war to bring out an inspiring story of an achiever in her own right.
The last Train To London -by Meg Waite Clayton
This is the story of Tante Truus , a real life Dutch World War 2 hero involved in the Kindertransport and rescue. Over the years of Nazi occupation, rescuing the children became unspeakably dangerous as countries closed their borders to refugees. But Tante was incredibly selfless as to risk her own life to save lives of over 10 thousand children.
This is a brilliant reminder that among all the horrifying events that took place in that tragic time, humanity was still alive in people. It’s beautifully written and full of hope that the reader finds this one an exquisite piece.
Alma Rose ; Vienna to Auschwitz by Richard Newman
This meticulously researched biography unveils Vienna just before and during the beginning of World War 2. Here we see a clear picture of the plight of the musicians who made Vienna the music capital, the trials of famous Jewish musicians and the story of Alma Rose whose father was a prominent musician.
It’s a fascinating story about the strength, endurance of Alma Rose, a determined and fearless artist in the face of unending brutality.
The last letters from Juliet by Melanie Hudson
“The most beautiful woman in any room is the woman with the most joy in her heart”
This dual timeline historical fiction evolves around a daring World War 2 pilot, Juliet who literary grew up flying aircrafts and later done her bit as a pilot working for the Airport Transport Auxiliary (ATA) during Second World War.
The story begins at present time when the newly widowed Catherine was offered to spend her Christmas holidays in a solitary and eerie cottage where an old lady used to live. Fate brings Catherine to this cottage and she comes across decades old memoirs about an adventurous and fascinating life spent by World war hero, Juliet and her tender and sweet love story.
The story sparks new interest and joy in Catherine’s stagnated life and help her find her new self. It gets even better when she finds out Juliet is still alive.
This gripping heartfelt story of incredibly brave Juliet is a true gem and I am glad I found this one. Probably the best book I have read this year.
The Diary of a young girl : Anne Frank
The Diary of Anne Frank is a powerful must-read and one of the most popular books in Literature. Ironically, it was never meant to be a book. It was a diary of a 13 year old girl, Anne who went into hiding escaping Nazi Invasion. She lived in dire conditions with her family in hiding with the hope of enjoying freedom someday. This lively, witty and matured young girl who articulated her feelings about war, their life , expectations in such a beautiful way that every page of this book brings intense fondness in the reader for this brilliant girl.
I read this book with a heavy heart and words can’t explain how her innocent wishes to enjoy nature again , live an ordinary life again make us feel, knowing that the ruthless war gets better of her when she was just 15 having spent more than 2 years in hiding. All I can say is “Read, Read and let it never be forgotten” It gives the Best picture of Worst time in recent history.
“I can’t imagine having to live like all the women who go about their work and are then forgotten. I want to go on living even after my death!”– Anne Frank
WW2 historical fiction books are a big hit among millions of readers for so many reasons. First, most of the readers including me, love to witness those historically tragic events and the bravery and resilience emerged through it. Secondly, the more you know that dark history, the more you are determined to never let it repeat itself. Never again. Humanity has had enough!
Let us know what your WW2 historical fiction books are. Please leave a comment.
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