Historical fiction is a beloved genre, transporting readers to different times and places while weaving intricate tales of love, struggle, and resilience. If you enjoyed “Shipyard Girls” and are craving more stories set against the backdrop of wartime, then you’re in for a treat. Here are 14 books that capture the same spirit and essence, each promising a captivating journey through history.
Books Similar to Shipyard Girls
1. The Nightingale
Kristin Hannah’s The Nightingale tells the story of two sisters in Nazi-occupied France during World War II. One joins the Resistance while the other struggles to keep her family safe. This powerful tale of bravery and sacrifice is a must-read for fans of historical fiction.
2. The Alice Network
The Alice Network by Kate Quinn intertwines the stories of a female spy recruited to the real-life Alice Network in France during World War I and an American socialite searching for her cousin in 1947. This gripping novel is filled with suspense, courage, and the strength of women in times of war.
3. Lilac Girls
Martha Hall Kelly’s Lilac Girls follows the lives of three women during World War II: a New York socialite, a Polish teenager, and a German doctor. Their stories converge in a tale of resilience and redemption, making it a compelling read for those who love character-driven historical narratives.
4. The Lost Girls of Paris
Pam Jenoff’s The Lost Girls of Paris is inspired by true events and tells the story of a group of female secret agents during World War II. When a young woman discovers a suitcase filled with photographs of these women, she embarks on a journey to uncover their fates. This novel is a tribute to the bravery of women in wartime.
5. The Paris Seamstress
Natasha Lester’s The Paris Seamstress follows the journey of a young seamstress who flees Paris during World War II and builds a new life in New York. This dual-timeline story is rich with fashion, romance, and the enduring spirit of its heroine, making it a delightful read for historical fiction enthusiasts.
6. The Chilbury Ladies’ Choir
Jennifer Ryan’s The Chilbury Ladies’ Choir is set in an English village during World War II and follows the women who form a choir after the men leave for the front. Through letters and diaries, the novel explores their lives, loves, and the power of community. It’s a heartwarming and uplifting tale.
7. The Secret Orphan
Glynis Peters’ The Secret Orphan centers on a young woman who takes in an orphaned child during the Blitz in World War II. As they navigate the challenges of wartime, they form an unbreakable bond. This emotional and evocative story is perfect for readers who appreciate tales of love and survival.
8. The Tattooist of Auschwitz
Heather Morris’ The Tattooist of Auschwitz is based on the true story of Lale Sokolov, a Jewish man who falls in love with a fellow prisoner in the Auschwitz concentration camp. This poignant and moving novel highlights the power of love and hope in the darkest of times.
9. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows’ The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society is set in post-World War II England and follows a writer who forms an unexpected bond with the residents of Guernsey Island. Through letters, the novel explores themes of friendship, resilience, and the healing power of literature.
10. The Women in the Castle
Jessica Shattuck’s The Women in the Castle tells the story of three German women who come together in the ruins of a Bavarian castle after World War II. As they rebuild their lives, they confront their pasts and the choices they made during the war. This novel is a profound exploration of forgiveness and redemption.
11. The German Midwife
Mandy Robotham’s The German Midwife follows a midwife imprisoned in a Nazi concentration camp who is forced to deliver the baby of a high-ranking Nazi officer’s wife. This gripping and emotional story sheds light on the moral dilemmas faced by those living under oppressive regimes.
12. The Beantown Girls
Jane Healey’s The Beantown Girls follows three young women from Boston who become Red Cross Clubmobile girls during World War II. As they bring comfort and cheer to soldiers on the front lines, they form deep bonds and discover their own strengths. This novel is an inspiring tribute to the unsung heroines of the war.
13. The Light Over London
Julia Kelly’s The Light Over London is a dual-timeline story that follows a young woman who discovers a WWII-era diary and uncovers the story of a female gunner in the British Army. This novel beautifully weaves together past and present, exploring themes of love, loss, and the courage of women in wartime.
14. The Orphan’s Tale
Pam Jenoff’s The Orphan’s Tale tells the story of two women who form an unlikely friendship in a traveling circus during World War II. As they hide a Jewish baby from the Nazis, they must rely on each other to survive. This novel is a testament to the power of friendship and the resilience of the human spirit.