Best Jewish Literature & Fiction Books of 2026

The Little Liar by Mitch Albom is a powerful, moving novel that tells the story of Nico Crispi, an 11-year-old boy who is forced to lie to save his family during the Holocaust. The consequences of his actions haunt him for the rest of his life, as he becomes a pathological liar. Albom interweaves the stories of Nico, his brother Sebastian, and their schoolmate Fanni, who miraculously survive the death camps and spend years searching for Nico. The Little Liar explores themes of honesty, survival, revenge, and devotion, making it a must-read for fans of World War II historical fiction.

The Things We Cannot Say by Kelly Rimmer is a poignant and powerful WWII historical fiction novel that follows the story of Alina Dziak, who searches for answers to a family mystery that uncovers truths about herself that she never expected. Set in Nazi-occupied Poland, the novel is an emotional and finely wrought narrative that reminds us of the devastation when truth is silenced. The author's writing style is engaging, and readers will be pulled into the story from the first page. Overall, this book is a must-read for fans of historical fiction, especially those interested in World War II stories.

The Tattooist of Auschwitz is a heart-wrenching historical fiction based on the true story of Lale Sokolov, a Slovakian Jew, who was forced to work as a tattooist in Auschwitz-Birkenau during the Holocaust. Despite the atrocities he witnessed, Lale used his position to help his fellow prisoners survive. When he met Gita, a young woman waiting in line to be tattooed, Lale vowed to marry her. The book is a testament to the power of love and humanity, even in the darkest of times. This novel is a must-read for anyone interested in World War II historical fiction.

People of the Book is a captivating novel by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Geraldine Brooks. The book follows the journey of the Sarajevo Haggadah, a rare manuscript created in fifteenth-century Spain, through centuries of exile and war. When Australian rare-book expert Hanna Heath is tasked with conserving the priceless work, she discovers tiny artifacts in its ancient binding that unlock its deep mysteries. Brooks weaves a masterful tale of intrigue, fine art forgery, and ultranationalist fanaticism, making People of the Book a must-read for those who enjoy historical fiction with a touch of mystery.

Signal Fires by Dani Shapiro is a gripping novel that explores the devastating effects of a fatal car accident that took place in 1985. The lives of three teenagers and a young doctor who arrived on the scene are shattered, and the circumstances of the accident become a dangerous secret for the Wilf family. The story jumps ahead to the present day, where past events come hurtling back in unexpected ways. Shapiro's masterful storytelling and examination of family ties make this a hauntingly beautiful work of fiction. Signal Fires is a must-read for fans of family life fiction books.

Code Name Sapphire is a gripping World War II novel by Pam Jenoff that explores the difficult choices women had to make when their loyalties were tested. Hannah Martel must save her cousin's family from being sent to Auschwitz, leading her to join the Sapphire Line, a secret resistance network. However, when a mistake leads to her cousin's family being arrested, Hannah is faced with a difficult decision. The novel is a heart-wrenching portrayal of love, family, and the unbreakable spirit of women during wartime. Code Name Sapphire is a must-read for historical fiction fans who enjoy stories of courage and sacrifice.

Kantika by Elizabeth Graver is a captivating family saga that spans across four countries. The novel follows the story of Rebecca Cohen, a Sephardic woman who faces displacement and loss as her family moves from Istanbul to Barcelona, Havana, and New York. The book explores themes of identity, place, and exile, while showcasing the tenacity of women in the face of challenges. The author weaves a lyrical and haunting tale that celebrates the beauty of life and the importance of seizing it. Kantika is a must-read for fans of family sagas and captivating storytelling.

Cilka's Journey by Heather Morris is a heart-wrenching historical fiction novel based on a true story of a young girl's journey from the Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camp to a Siberian prison camp. Despite facing numerous challenges and horrors, Cilka discovers her inner strength and resilience. The story is beautifully written, with well-developed characters and a gripping plot that keeps the reader engaged until the very end. Morris has once again portrayed the power of the human spirit in the face of adversity. A must-read for lovers of historical fiction and those interested in World War II history.

Three Sisters by Heather Morris is a heart-wrenching tale of three Slovakian sisters who survived the horrors of Auschwitz. The book follows their journey from imprisonment to their escape and new life in Israel, where they must confront their past and secrets kept from each other. Based on a true story, this novel is a testament to the resilience and courage of those who survived the atrocities of World War II. Morris's writing is captivating and emotional, making it a must-read for anyone interested in historical fiction.

The Postcard by Anne Berest is a poignant tale of a Jewish family devastated by the Holocaust and partly restored through the power of storytelling. The story follows Anne's quest to discover the fate of her maternal great-grandparents and their children who were all killed at Auschwitz. The novel is a moving saga that shatters long-held certainties about Anne's family, her country, and herself. The Postcard is a deeply moving book that takes the reader on a quest for origins that plunges us into the darkest hours of European history.