Best World War I Historical Fiction Books of 2026

The Alice Network by Kate Quinn is a thrilling tale of two women from different eras, brought together by their search for truth and redemption. One, a female spy recruited to the real-life Alice Network in France during World War I, and the other, an unconventional American socialite searching for her cousin in 1947. The novel is a Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick and a 2017 Girly Book Club Book of the Year. Quinn has done an excellent job of bringing history to life with her captivating writing style. The Alice Network is a must-read for fans of World War I historical fiction books.

The Orphan Collector by Ellen Marie Wiseman is a powerful historical novel set in Philadelphia during the 1918 Spanish Flu outbreak. The story follows thirteen-year-old Pia Lange, a German immigrant, as she navigates the deadly pandemic and the anti-immigrant sentiment of the time. Meanwhile, Bernice Groves, a grieving mother, has a sinister plan to turn the city's orphans and immigrant children into what she considers "true Americans." The book is a heart-wrenching tale of loss, survival, and perseverance with fantastical elements, and it draws parallels to the current COVID-19 pandemic. Highly recommended for fans of historical fiction.

Canary Girls: A Novel by Jennifer Chiaverini is a captivating historical fiction book set during World War I. The story follows the lives of women who were hired to build bombs in Britain's arsenals when men left for the war. The book depicts the hard work, risks, and camaraderie among the "munitionettes" and their passion for football. The plot also highlights the health hazards they faced due to the chemicals they handled. The book is a must-read for those interested in women's roles during wartime and the history of football. Overall, Jennifer Chiaverini has done an excellent job of bringing the story of the Canary Girls to life.

The Sun Also Rises is a classic novel that celebrates Ernest Hemingway's quintessential writing style. It follows the journeys of Jake Barnes and Lady Brett Ashley as they travel from the wild nightlife of 1920s Paris to the brutal bullfighting rings of Spain with a group of expatriates. The novel is a poignant look at the disillusionment and angst of the post-World War I generation. The Hemingway Library Edition features exclusive supplementary material from the Hemingway Collection at the John F. Kennedy Library. Overall, the book is a must-read for anyone who appreciates Hemingway's writing style and the Lost Generation's story.

A Farewell to Arms: The Hemingway Library Edition is a gripping novel of love and war that captures the harsh realities of World War I. This definitive edition features all of the alternate endings and early drafts of essential passages, providing new insight into Hemingway's creative process. The inclusion of Hemingway's own introduction, a personal foreword by his son, and a new introduction by his grandson make this edition a true celebration of the author's work. The New York Times describes it as "fascinating" and "an artifact of a bygone craft." Overall, this edition stands as a towering ornament of American literature that should be on every book lover's shelf.

Once an Eagle: A Novel is a #1 New York Times bestseller that tells the story of two army officers, Sam Damon and Courtney Massengale. Damon is a dedicated and selfless leader who always puts his duty and the men he commands first, while Massengale advances by making the right connections behind the lines and in Washington's corridors of power. The conflict between these two adversaries begins during World War I and reaches its treacherous conclusion during the Cold War in Vietnam. This book is an excellent read that challenges readers to think about their motivations and the great cost of conflict. It is highly recommended for anyone interested in business leadership books.

The Lake House is a captivating novel by the New York Times bestselling author Kate Morton. The book tells the story of Alice Edevane, a young girl who witnessed her eleven-month-old brother's disappearance during a lavish party at their family's estate in Cornwall. Decades later, a young detective named Sadie Sparrow stumbles upon the now-abandoned estate, sparking a chain of events that will bring her and Alice together to uncover the shocking truth behind Theo's disappearance. The Lake House is a beautifully written, atmospheric tale of love, loss, and family secrets that will keep readers hooked until the very end.

The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton is a captivating novel that takes readers on a journey through generations and across continents. The story follows a young girl who is abandoned on a ship headed for Australia in 1913 and her granddaughter's quest to uncover the truth about their family's past. The book is a spellbinding tale of mystery and self-discovery that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Morton's vivid descriptions and intricate plot make this book a must-read for fans of historical British and Irish literature. Overall, The Forgotten Garden is a beautifully written and unforgettable novel that will stay with readers long after the final page.

The Mystery of Mrs. Christie by Marie Benedict is a gripping reconstruction of the mysterious disappearance of Agatha Christie, one of the most famous mystery writers of all time. The book delves into the shadows of Christie's past, exploring the puzzle of her missing eleven days in 1926. Benedict masterfully imagines why such a brilliant woman would find herself at the center of such a murky historical mystery. The ending is ingenious, and the book offers perhaps her greatest mystery of all. Fans of historical fiction and mystery novels will enjoy this riveting saga of literary history, suspense, and love gone wrong.