Arthur Golden Historical Romance Memoirs of a Geisha – Arthur Golden (1997) Chiyo Sakamoto transforms into Sayuri, a celebrated geisha, navigating love, sacrifice, and tradition in pre-WWII Kyoto’s elegant yet unforgiving world.
Sara Gruen Historical Romance Water for Elephants – Sara Gruen (2006) Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen follows Jacob Jankowski, who joins a Depression-era circus, navigating love, cruelty, and survival alongside Marlena and Rosie the elephant.
Khaled Hosseini Classics Historical Psychological A Thousand Splendid Suns – Khaled Hosseini (2007) The lives of Mariam and Laila intertwine in war-torn Afghanistan, where love, sacrifice, and resilience shape their struggle for survival and freedom.
Lucy Maud Montgomery Anne of Green Gables Historical Romance Young Adult Rilla of Ingleside – Lucy Maud Montgomery (1921) Rilla of Ingleside by Lucy Maud Montgomery follows Rilla Blythe as she comes of age during World War I, facing love, loss, and resilience in a time of global conflict.
Charles Dickens Classics Historical Satire A Tale of Two Cities – Charles Dickens (1859) A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens follows Charles Darnay and Sydney Carton as they navigate love and sacrifice amid the turmoil of the French Revolution.
Alexandre Dumas Adventure Historical Mystery The Count of Monte Cristo – Alexandre Dumas (1846) The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas follows Edmond Dantès as he seeks vengeance against those who wronged him, transforming into the mysterious Count of Monte Cristo.
John Steinbeck Adventure Classics Historical The Grapes of Wrath – John Steinbeck (1939) The Joad family flees the Dust Bowl for California, confronting exploitation, poverty, and injustice in this powerful tale of resilience and survival.
Nathaniel Hawthorne Historical Psychological The Scarlet Letter – Nathaniel Hawthorne (1850) The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne follows Hester Prynne as she navigates Puritanical judgment, guilt, and redemption after bearing a child out of wedlock.
Cassandra Clare The Infernal Devices Fantasy Historical Young Adult Clockwork Angel – Cassandra Clare (2010) In Victorian London, Tessa Gray discovers her supernatural heritage and is drawn into the world of Shadowhunters, love, and an ominous threat.
Cassandra Clare The Infernal Devices Fantasy Historical Young Adult Clockwork Prince – Cassandra Clare (2011) Tessa, Will, and Jem uncover deeper mysteries within the Shadowhunter world, navigating love, loyalty, and a growing war against the Magister.
