npr historical fiction

NPR's Top Picks for Historical Fiction: Dive into the Past with These Must-Read Novels

Are you a history enthusiast looking for a captivating read? Look no further! In this article, we will explore the world of historical fiction and recommend some of NPR's top picks that are sure to transport you to different eras and ignite your imagination.

1. "The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak:
Set during World War II, this haunting and heartwarming tale follows Liesel Meminger, a young girl who finds solace in books amidst the horrors of Nazi Germany. With beautifully crafted prose and unforgettable characters, Markus Zusak delivers a powerful story that explores the resilience of the human spirit.

2. "The Underground Railroad" by Colson Whitehead:
Winner of the Pulitzer Prize, this gripping novel takes us on a journey with Cora, a young slave who escapes from a Georgia plantation. Colson Whitehead reimagines the historical Underground Railroad as an actual railroad, adding a surreal yet thought-provoking element to this exploration of slavery and freedom in America.

3. "Wolf Hall" by Hilary Mantel:
Step into the court of Henry VIII in this riveting Tudor-era novel. Hilary Mantel brings to life the intriguing figure of Thomas Cromwell, the king's advisor, with meticulous research and vivid storytelling. Follow Cromwell's rise to power in this multi-award-winning tale filled with political intrigue and dazzling prose.

4. "All the Light We Cannot See" by Anthony Doerr:
Set against the backdrop of World War II, this Pulitzer Prize-winning novel tells the intertwined stories of Marie-Laure, a blind French girl, and Werner, a German orphan-turned-radio-operator. Anthony Doerr's lyrical writing transports readers to a war-torn Europe while exploring the power of hope, humanity, and the unseen connections between us all.

Looking for more historical fiction recommendations? NPR is a great resource for book lovers seeking well-curated lists and insightful reviews. Their website features articles on various genres, including historical fiction, where you can find a plethora of literary gems to dive into.

In addition to NPR, there are several reputable websites that cater to historical fiction enthusiasts. Goodreads, for example, offers user-generated book recommendations, author interviews, and lively discussion forums. BookBub is another excellent resource that provides personalized reading recommendations based on your preferences.

So, whether you're fascinated by ancient civilizations, intrigued by pivotal moments in history, or captivated by the lives of historical figures, historical fiction offers an immersive way to explore the past. Immerse yourself in these recommended novels, visit NPR and other book recommendation websites, and embark on an unforgettable journey through time. Happy reading!
Time travel to 1853. Fiction
Time travel to 1853.

In the 19th century, it was a time when Western powers divided the world and also the beginning of the downfall of the Chinese nation. If a time traveler were to come to 19th century China, could he change China's fate? In the spring of that year, the Taiping Army attacked Nanjing. Secret agent Wang Feng, in the moment of life and death, resolutely opened the city gates and surrendered, gaining the appreciation of Yang Xiuqing, the Eastern King, and becoming one of his attendants. However, their differing ideologies and the corruption of the top brass of the Taiping Army gradually distanced him from them, and he embarked on his own entrepreneurial path. Throughout his life, he made countless enemies, including Hong Xiuquan, Yang Xiuqing, Wei Changhui, Zeng Guofan, Zuo Zongtang, Li Hongzhang, Sengge Rinchen, Xianfeng, Lincoln, Victoria, Nicholas Yevgenyevich, Louis Bonaparte, Toshimichi Okubo, and Nogi Maresuke. But he also had friends all over the world, including Shi Dakai, Chen Yucheng, Sheng Xuanhuai, Hu Xueyan, the Commander-in-Chief of the Confederate Army, the Ottoman Sultan, the Tokugawa Shogunate, Nobel, and Bismarck. Lincoln: I strongly condemn Wang Feng's barbaric acts of dividing nations by force! Commander-in-Chief of the Confederate Army: Oh! Wang Feng is the most sincere friend of the people of the American South!

257.78 Million words | 2021-09-22 20:06Update

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Divine Doctor Consort: The Addictive Doting of the Evil King Fiction
Divine Doctor Consort: The Addictive Doting of the Evil King

She is the forgotten legitimate daughter of the Duke's Residence, determined to eliminate all those who have mistreated her after she transmigrated. She kills those who pose as Buddhas and ghosts, yet finds herself powerless against another peerless devil. Helpless, they reluctantly join forces to fight their way out! However, what's with this annoying man sticking to her every day, when they had agreed to never have anything to do with each other after their cooperation ended?

87.84 Million words | 2022-05-05 00:17Update

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Ming Pirates Fiction
Ming Pirates

In the late Ming Dynasty, amidst the chaotic world, circumstances create heroes. A true hero must wield his blade and rise up, roaring atop the vast sea, freely traversing the heavens and the earth!

373.00 Million words | 2021-01-28 04:42Update

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The Phoenix Reigns over the Kingdom. Fiction
The Phoenix Reigns over the Kingdom.

The Phoenix will soon come to an end, and the new book "Palace Intrigue" has been released. If you are interested, you can take a look. She disguises herself as a man in a foreign country and encounters him, who is aloof and indifferent. Is it a calamity or a debt? With numerous mysterious deaths, intense court struggles, how will she reverse the desperate situation and survive? As her loved ones turn against her and friends meet tragic ends, how will she subvert schemes and laugh at the prosperous age? With relentless conspiracies and a battlefield filled with blood and sand, how will she change the course of fate and rewrite destiny? Ultimately, the heavens choose her, and she will dominate the world, overlooking everything! (In this book, the female lead is similar to the character played by Chen Qiao'en in "The Rise of Phoenixes," and just like her, Gong Yin is passionate and full of emotions.)

585.35 Million words | 2022-12-11 22:52Update

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The King of Xining in the Great Tang Dynasty. Fiction
The King of Xining in the Great Tang Dynasty.

The decline of imperial power, eunuchs exerting strong control, Regional forces in disarray, party strife in full swing. Carving up, scrutinizing, coveting like eagles and tigers, The Tang Dynasty fading as the rivers flow. Training a new army, establishing factories, reforming governance, Promoting agriculture and sericulture, I rise in the north. The Uighur Khanate already rotten to the core, let's push it further into demise; A great hero emerges from the Khitan tribe? Yelü Abaoji's grandfather? Tell him that now it's Da Tang, not Da Liao! Tibet

390.91 Million words | 2022-01-19 05:15Update

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Invisible Battle Fiction
Invisible Battle

Chen Miao, also known as Chen Sanshui, a comrade of our party's hidden undercover in the Nationalist Party's secret service, unexpectedly infiltrated the organization and was mistaken for a shameful "defector." In reality, he was sent by the party to gather intelligence, protect our underground party comrades and other anti-Japanese fighters. Together with his comrades, he embarked on a challenging and thrilling journey, engaging in a battle of wits and bravery against the Japanese and their collaborators. This book is also known as "Traceless."

268.73 Million words | 2021-06-04 03:37Update

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Father's River Fiction
Father's River

This book, in the form of a novel, reflects the historical changes in modern times in the Wuhan region. It covers a series of major historical events, including the Xinhai Revolution, early communist activities in Wuhan, the "May 4th" Movement, the Northern Expedition, the defense of Wuhan, the tragic experiences of the evacuated and occupied areas, the Expeditionary Force, the New Fourth Army, the surrender of the Japanese invaders, the War of Liberation, and underground struggles in Wuhan. With a family's rise and fall as the main plotline, it vividly depicts the fate of characters during turbulent times. The protagonist is extraordinary, while also showcasing the kind-hearted and sincere nature of Wuhan citizens in the past. This book

453.33 Million words | 2022-12-29 05:53Update

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Intelligent Owl Fiction
Intelligent Owl

In the ninth year of Chongzhen reign, the grand palace teeters! Sons of Han, their hot blood spilled!

334.26 Million words | 2021-02-11 03:00Update

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The Strongest Marksman of the Three Kingdoms. Fiction
The Strongest Marksman of the Three Kingdoms.

[The Magnificent Tang Dynasty in the Historical Genre of Creation - Participating Work] The Three Kingdoms is an era filled with passion and heroic figures. Eagles soar across the sky, soaring into the distance. Although he is just a minor character in the Three Kingdoms era, he established systems, pioneered industry, collected forces from across the land, launched a northern campaign against the Xiongnu, and fought against the Baiyue in the south, achieving unparalleled accomplishments.

381.98 Million words | 2022-05-05 08:32Update

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The Voyage of the Grey Wolf Fiction
The Voyage of the Grey Wolf

In the Jiajing period of the Great Ming Dynasty, there were Mongols in the north and Japanese pirates in the southeast. Corrupt officials plagued the country, and the people could barely survive. The empire was in turmoil. In order to seek immortality, the emperor divided his courtiers and promoted the Yan faction, secretly sending the Embroidered Uniform Guard to disrupt the martial world. From then on, the rivers and lakes became chaotic, and the everlasting battle between righteousness and evil, which had lasted for a thousand years, finally reached a decisive moment. There were fifteen major sects and three forces, intricately intertwined, marking an unprecedented upheaval in the martial world. Li Heng, the senior disciple of Wudang, faced a drastic change, going from having everything to having nothing overnight. This pain surpassed any pain

502.30 Million words | 2021-02-18 20:23Update

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Lu Bu Fiction
Lu Bu

Reborn as Lu Bu, dominating the Three Kingdoms. Dear readers, if you think "Lu Bu" is good, please don't forget to recommend it to your friends in your QQ group and on Weibo!

350.73 Million words | 2021-09-12 20:58Update

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Super Soldier Empire Fiction
Super Soldier Empire

Weapon industry specialist Xiao Weiguo was transported through time during a test of a new power system for future main battle tanks. He found himself in Germany in the year 1930, and became a distant relative of the Krupp family. Witness how weapon expert Xiao Weiguo establishes a super weapon empire in that era filled with smoke. Jet fighters, flying wing bombers, howitzers, rocket launchers, steam catapult aircraft carriers, AIP submarines, and various missile weapons are all part of the super weapon empire!

83.58 Million words | 2022-04-10 18:43Update

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Mighty Saber Journey in the Ming Dynasty Fiction
Mighty Saber Journey in the Ming Dynasty

Liang Hong traveled through time, becoming Wang Dahuzi and even acquiring a daughter. It was the third year of the Zhengde period, an extraordinary era. In the capital, the Eight Tigers caused chaos, while talents in Jiangnan pursued love and romance. The emperor himself lacked proper governance, and unrest prevailed throughout the land. Rumor also had it that Wang Shouren, one of the Four Sages alongside Confucius, Mencius, and Zhu Xi, was present. Oh, and it was said that Linghu Chong from "The Smiling, Proud Wanderer" was there too. Liang Hong had a bold plan in mind. As the saying goes, "The emperor's disciple," but this time, it would be the emperor becoming my disciple. Liang Hong was ready to teach the mighty General and hereditary Duke, Emperor Zhu Houzhao of the Great Ming, how to be a proper person. The first step, of course, naturally involved seizing his throne.

52.50 Million words | 2021-10-16 12:37Update

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Chaotic Ming Fiction
Chaotic Ming

New book released, titled "Eight Thousand Miles", book number: , mainly tells the story of the challenging industrialization in late Qing Dynasty. Your support is highly appreciated!

585.23 Million words | 2022-07-30 18:55Update

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Reborn as the Phoenix: The Rebirth of a Common Girl and Her Road to Success Fiction
Reborn as the Phoenix: The Rebirth of a Common Girl and Her Road to Success

Reborn as the Phoenix: The Rebirth of a Common Girl and Her Road to Success, written by Shan You Fusu, falls under the category of urban youth novels. It is a complete work with millions of words and hundreds of chapters.

111.07 Million words | 2022-07-05 21:41Update

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The First Family of Tang Fiction
The First Family of Tang

When the act of time travel was implemented on himself, Jia Yi finally realized. The halo of the protagonist is just a joke. Unparalleled martial arts are merely legends, wealth is earned by oneself, and a beautiful wife is probably being raised by some mother-in-law somewhere. This great ideal of living an idle life until death shattered upon discovering that he was nothing more than a humble servant... Li Shimin: Jia Yi, nearly half of the world's silver passes through your hands. What do you think of that? Changsun Wuji: Jia Yi, the princess has taken an interest in you. What do you think of that? Cheng Yaojin: Jia Yi, the Turks are raiding our borders and intending to invade the Tang Dynasty. What do you think of that? Jia Yi: To all you great individuals, I am not Sherlock Holmes, I can only see with my own eyes!

114.61 Million words | 2023-01-02 18:19Update

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Southern Ming Storm Fiction
Southern Ming Storm

When the tower is about to collapse and the jade pillar sinks, the blood ocean overwhelms the Huazhou clan. Behold my magnificent emergence from the sky, crushing bandits like a car running over mountains and forests, and suppressing the Japanese pirates in the East Sea. With fury, I trample the red-haired under my feet, resolute as lightning to shake the universe, and restore the pride of the Great Han! Book progress by Bu Xiaosheng: 1. Alternate history novel "Storms and Rain in Nanming": A journey of a carpenter in the late Ming Dynasty. Serialization completed, currently under embargo. 2. Alternate history novel "Iron Wings Soaring": Flying in the skies of World War I France. Currently serializing and gradually being released. 3. Fantasy legend "The Spirited Donkey": A romantic and eerie detective story set in a different world. Currently serializing. Contact information for Bu Xiaosheng: QQ: [removed] Bu Xiaosheng Group A: [removed] Email: [email protected] "The Hero I Am" by Zuoduan: The latest urban work by Zuo Duan. Book number [removed]. Please stay tuned.

410.55 Million words | 2021-09-04 16:33Update

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Tiger and Leopard Cavalry Fiction
Tiger and Leopard Cavalry

【Official Version】Heroes are like the wind, beauties like clouds. Strategists devise plans, wise men discuss widely. Governance and martial arts, dragons soar and tigers roar. Ten thousand cavalry leaving all in their dust, seizing the world in a single moment! Let us behold the strongest special forces unit in history. 【Classic Version】A special forces soldier travels back in time and becomes a lowly horseman with a mysterious background. Struggling to survive in a tight spot, he gathers powerful generals and talented strategists, forging the strongest special forces unit in history. He fights against warlords, conquers the world, infuriating Cao Cao to the point of spitting blood, leaving Liu Bei in despair, and scattering the soul of Sun Quan. Growing into a heroic figure amidst political schemes and fiery battles.

106.65 Million words | 2022-10-26 08:18Update

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Assassin Mad Queen Fiction
Assassin Mad Queen

She sold her soul to the assassin group for the man she fell in love with, and waited eagerly for the day he would marry her. However, she witnessed her beloved man engage in an incestuous relationship with her cousin. Unable to bear it any longer, she killed the unfaithful couple and swore that in her next life, she would never fall in love with another man again... However, when she suddenly time-traveled to a period in history that never existed, she found herself surrounded by numerous handsome men. And this seemingly sweet man...

338.03 Million words | 2021-07-12 20:30Update

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Han Wei Wen Kui Fiction
Han Wei Wen Kui

Who said that literati are only admired during peaceful times? Even in chaotic times, one can still gain fame by copying poems. You have your mighty weapons, while I have my sharp tongue and my pen as my sword. You fight bravely on the front lines, while I climb the ranks in the rear. As a literary genius of our generation, I am the unrivaled leader, surpassing the "Seven Scholars of Jian'an". Witness how an ordinary humanities student manipulates various heroes in the late Eastern Han period.

274.57 Million words | 2020-08-25 12:58Update

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