The Best World War II Novels of the Last Decade

I can’t recommend this book enough. Seriously, if you are just dipping your toe into World War II novels, you should choose this one. You’ll find yourself immersed in a world of intrigue with the story of a British spy, Agent “Verity.” Captured when her plane crashes in occupied France, Verity is interrogated by the Gestapo in an attempt to learn of her mission. As she confesses under torture, you’ll find yourself on the edge of your seat wondering what secrets she is willing to exchange for her life. How far is she willing to go for her mission? A brilliant and emotional read that you won’t want to miss.

I have loved every Kate Morton book I’ve read, and this one is simply brilliant. It all starts when sixteen-year-old Laurel Nicolson witnesses her mother Dorothy stab a man to death on a calm summer day. If that doesn’t get your interest piqued, I don’t know what will. Kate Morton masterfully unfolds the backstory of Dorothy’s life during the war. The more you learn about Dorothy, the more you’ll keep wanting more. If you love figuring out the twists and turns of World War II novels, you’ll love this book. I, for one, did not guess the ending. Definitely one of those books you won’t be able to put down.

Jodi Picoult is not really my favorite author, though she also made my list of books that will make you cry. While not as great as My Sister’s Keeper, this book won its place on my list for its thought-provoking ending. Set in the modern day, Sage Singer, a baker, meets Josef Weber, an old German gentleman, in her grief support group. As she learns his history and his connection to her Jewish grandmother, she has to figure out the line between punishment and forgiveness. While the storytelling is interesting if not entirely believable, the moral questions raised are what sets this book apart.

This one is my favorite World War II novels on this whole list. I’m not at all surprised it won a Pulitzer Prize; the writing is absolutely fabulous. Anthony Doerr masterfully interweaves the stories of Marie-Laurie, a blind French girl who flees from Paris to the coastal city of Saint-Malo with her uncle, and Werner, a German radio operator charged with rooting out the French resistance. While the plot is interesting in and of itself, the character development and storytelling will keep you glued to the page.

Coming in at a close second, Kristin Hannah’s novel is one that would make pretty much anyone fall in love with historical fiction. Set in a small village in occupied France, the story centers around two sisters. Forced to house a German officer in her home, the older sister Vianne Mauriac must decide, to protect her daughter, where exactly she should draw the line of being complicit with German demands. On the other hand, her younger sister Isabelle Rossignol feels committed to doing anything she can to resist the German occupation. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and also loved her latest novel, The Great Alone. Read more →

I always enjoy a new perspective in World War II novels, and Ruta Sepetys delivered with this young adult book. The story follows a group of Prussian refugees fleeing from the advance of Stalin’s Red Army. I like it when a historical fiction novel teaches me about history through its natural storytelling. To be honest, the writing is probably the weakest of the World War II novels on my list. I debated whether I should add it, but its fascinating setting won me over. I learned quite a bit about Prussia and about the Wilhelm Gustloff, which are both terribly interesting. So for a fun, informative read, this is a good choice.

Of all the WWII historical fiction often recommended to me, this is the one that everyone seems to be raving about. Pino Lella wants nothing to do with World War II. He just wants to be a normal Italian teenager. Yet the war inevitably comes for him, placing him in the perfect position to spy for the Allies inside German High Command. This book is currently under development to be turned into a movie. Be sure to read it before it does. Read more →

Part of the fun of starting a blog has been connecting with other bloggers. One thing I love about Twitter is how easy it is to get book recommendations. Martha Hall Kelly’s debut novel follows three different women: Caroline, an American socialite working at the consulate in France; Kasia, a Polish teenager; and Herta, a German doctor. I’m particularly intrigued since Carolina and Kasia are both based on real people.

I can’t help but notice new WWII historical fiction, and this one, in particular, has been getting great reviews. In April 1942, Slovakian Jew Lale Sokolov is imprisoned in Auschwitz. Instead of being forced into manual labor, he is given the task of tattooing the numbers onto his fellow prisoners. Not only is this haunting tale based on a true story, but Heather Morris actually interviewed Lale Sokolov for the book. If you love reading about World War II like, be sure to check out this stunning novel and its equally well-written sequel, Cilka’s Journey. Read more →

One of the best World War 2 novels released in 2017, We Were the Lucky Ones is based on the epic true story of the Kurc family. Separated during the war, they are determined to not only survive the atrocities but reunite together and be a family again. To make the story even more compelling – it’s a tale of the author’s own ancestors. If you love WWII historical fiction based on true stories, this is the one for you. Read more →

In 1915, Eve Gardiner is overjoyed to join the Alice Network of the French Resistance during WWI, only to see it betrayed. Then, in 1947, Eve agrees to help Charlie St. Clair, an American socialite desperate to find her cousin, Rose. Rose disappeared in France during the Second World War, and Eve sees the shadows of her past in this new case. Combing both the major world wars, The Alice Network is quite a find for historical fiction readers.