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Historical fiction’s popularity has remained solid since the 19th century, when Romanticism inspired writers to look to the past. Exploring the human condition, historical fiction allows readers and writers to step into another place in time. When we read historical fiction, we expect a certain amount of detail, not only in the setting but in the dialogue and social manner. Anachronistic language and inaccurate details can pull the reader out of the story, or feel a bit fantastical. For many historical fiction fans, careful attention to historical accuracy is the number one draw of reading historical fiction.
Historical fiction can cover real events, reimagine the lives of historical figures, and help us understand humanity then and now. Today, the best sellers of historical fiction range from classics to family sagas and romantic epics. But what makes an all-time best seller? Time. Many of the historical fiction best sellers have been in print for decades, with more people reading and sharing them constantly. Universal stories of love, redemption, identity, and struggle appeal to all kinds of readers.
What historical fiction novels from the last 10-20 years do you think will become all-time best sellers? Books like Pachinko and Homegoing are on my list. In the meantime, these all-time best sellers are still waiting to be read, in no particular order.
Les Misérables by Victor Hugo
Maybe I’ve just got bread on the brain, or maybe the Les Mis score has been playing nonstop in my head since January, but this 19th-century French Classic remains a favorite for good reason. Following the plight of ex-convict Jean Valjean, this novel takes readers into the slums, sewers, and Paris barricades of the 1832 June Rebellion. At over 1000 pages, this certified doorstopper has been adapted into numerous films, television series, manga, and a worldwide successful stage musical. It has sold tens of millions of copies since its first publication in 1862.
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
First published in 2003, this heartbreaking story of brotherhood and family bonds has sold over 38 million copies worldwide. Beginning in 1970’s Afghanistan, this novel follows Amir and his complex friendship with Hassan, a servant boy in his father’s home. When a violent incident forces them apart, Amir is haunted by guilt as he and his father escape to America because of the Soviet invasion. Years later, Amir seeks redemption through an impossible situation. This modern classic has been adapted into a movie, graphic novel, and stage play.
Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe
Depicting a fictional Igbo clan, Things Fall Apart is set in early colonial Nigeria. This novel chronicles the life of Okonkwo, the wealthy leader and warrior who opposes the Christian missionaries. After an unfortunate incident, Okonkwo and his family are banished for seven years and return to find their home unrecognizable. Translated into over 50 languages, Things Fall Apart has sold more than 20 million copies worldwide.
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
Family saga, historical romance, and fantasy all-in-one, the Outlander series has had the book world in a tizzy since 1991. The first book begins with combat nurse Claire Randall in 1945, on holiday with her husband in Scotland. When Claire touches one of the mysterious standing stones, she is suddenly hurled back in time nearly 200 years. Claire is found by members of Clan MacKenzie, and the rest is history. The Outlander series has sold over 50 million copies worldwide and inspired a smash-hit television show.
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The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan
This novel-in-vignettes follows the lives of four Chinese immigrant mothers and their Chinese American daughters. Gathering since 1949 to play mahjong, the mothers share stories from their childhood and struggles in America, while their daughters listen. When the daughters grow up, they have their own stories and struggles. The Joy Luck Club has sold over 6 million copies worldwide and has been adapted as a film and stage play.
Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell
Set during the American Civil War and Reconstruction Era, this novel focuses on Scarlett O’Hara, a spoiled plantation heiress who must navigate the harsh realities set before her. Since its publication in 1936, the problematic book has sold more than 30 million copies and has been adapted as a similarly controversial but popular film, a ballet, and multiple musicals and plays.
The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett
Who knew architecture could be so intriguing? This 1989 novel is set in Medieval England and details the building of a grand Gothic Cathedral. Follet draws readers in with rich detail, the dramatic inner lives of masons, monks, artists, and nobility. The Pillars of the Earth has sold more than 175 million copies and has been adapted into a television miniseries, a stage musical, board games, and a video game.
The Color Purple by Alice Walker
First published in 1982, The Color Purple has sold more than 5 million copies. In early 20th-century Georgia, Celie writes letters to God and to her sister Nettie about the abuse she’s endured and her hopes for the future. Spanning 40 years, this novel explores themes of sisterhood, self-discovery, sexuality, and race. The Color Purple has been adapted into films, a stage musical, and a radio serial, though Walker has become more known for various controversies in recent years.
A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens
A Tale of Two Cities holds the honor of being one of the best-selling novels of all time, with over 200 million copies sold since 1859. Beginning with a French doctor recently freed from 18 years in prison, this novel explores the conditions leading up to the French Revolution. First published in 31 weekly installments, A Tale of Two Cities has now been adapted into films and television series, radio dramas, stage productions, graphic novels, and an opera.
Curious about other genres’ best sellers? Check out the best-selling romance books of all time or dip into fantasy best-sellers for something magical.
