So, as you might (or might not) know, I am obsessed with the second world war. And the books set during that time period. Now, I may not have read all of those books but I have read quite a few and I’d like to share my favorites among them. Note, that I love all these books equally except maybe the first one, which Is one of my all time favorite books. Ever. I’ll be starting with my fifth favorite and move towards the first one, guesses are always welcome.
5. Prisoner Of Night and Fog by Anne Blankman
We follow Hitler’s niece ; Gretchen’s journey to the haunting discovery of her family that shakes her whole belief system.
What initially attracted me towards this beautiful creation, was it’s narration from a young girl’s point of view, relating to the same family that Hitler belonged to. It was absolutely thrilling to see him act as a father substitute, ‘Uncle Dolf’ and a lovable figure. Even though it’s fiction, some of the facts and figures were precise and true, which made it even more interesting and believable. It definitely has a different vibe to it, with a dab of gradual romance. Although it isn’t very emotional or eye opening, but it certainly does manage to hit the right target.
4. A Man’s Search For Meaning.
A man’s autobiography that captures the horrific cruelties done in the concentration camps, which will make you question humanity.
If you feel intimidated by autobiographies as I do, don’t worry, this is different and you’ll easily get into it. This book was painful to read yet I didn’t want to stop. I don’t know what to say more about it without giving away the content. However, I reviewed it last year on my blog. You can check it out here.
3. Salt To The Sea by Ruta Sepetys
This book follows a the story of four characters that are seeking freedom on the Wilhelm Gustloff, a ship that promises safety to all.
I read this book recently and I was highly disappointed that I hadn’t picked it up sooner. It was tragic yet beautiful in so many ways. The writing was phenomenal and the story was laid out perfectly. It was more of a character driven story than a plot driven one, so we got to meet some very complex and interesting characters who fit to the equation of the book. All the relationships built in this were amazing with some very powerful and deep moments . This book will keep you on your toes, as you slowly delve more into the subtle mystery. And just for a record, I might have shed a tear or two.
2.The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
The story of a young girl, narrated by death.
“Even death has a heart.”
“Like most misery, it started with apparent happiness.”
It has been two years since I read The Book thief but I somehow always get emotional only talking about it. I cried all through the last hundred pages. Everything in this book is genius. The characters, the plot, the words and the portrayal of death itself. Interesting, doesn’t even begin to describe even the side characters. I know I’ve talked about it on my blog more than a hundred times but I really need you to read this powerful story, which does not only gives a strong message but also implies that sometimes, books can be our safe haven, even in war. Read it, and obviously, when death narrates a story..you have to listen.
1. All The Light We Cannot See.
The story of a boy who dreams to become a scientist but is forced to go into the war, and a blind scarred girl protecting herself from the same.
“I wake up and live my life, Don’t you do the same?”
“Not in years, but today. Today maybe I did.”
There are two separate lives, with two different backgrounds and with two different situations. Yet, these lives are woven beautifully together. But trust me, this story has more to it than just that. It’s about owning your life, it’s about humanity, it’s about choosing your own destiny and most importantly, the light in all this darkness that we fail to see. The writing couldn’t have been more beautiful and lyrical. My thoughts are so incoherent, and I believe I’m doing such a poor job in explaining how essential this book is for you to read. You read certain books, you enjoy it, you fall in love with the characters and it sticks with you forever. This book managed to crush me, devastate me, make me cry and yet managed to make me see life in a hopeful way. I didn’t see the end coming, and my heart got heavier as I turned each page. It was haunting, in the best way possible. READ IT.
Have you read any of these? Did you love these as much I did or I’m just insane? Let me know below some of your favorite historical fictions. And please do recommend some more books set in WWII. P.S These can be heavy, be sure to read/ watch something lighthearted afterwards.
-Love, Anushka
I’m obsessed with WWII books too. I’ve read all but the first you mentioned (Prisoner of Night and Fog) and couldn’t agree more. These are amazing choices!
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I know right!? World war two books are epic! Glad you liked it as well!🙈
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Oh, and other WWII books I’ve read recently: The Girl Under the Olive Tree by Leah Fleming, Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein, Ill Met by Moonlight by W. Stanley Moss (this one is the actual diary of a British soldier while he’s on a mission in Nazi-occupied Greece), The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah. 🙂
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Thank you for the recommendations!! Ill be sure to check these out. Sounds amazing.
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Fantastic book choices! WWII is one of my favourite time periods to read about and study. I loved Prisoner of Night and Fog (I still need to read the sequel) and All the Light We Cannot See. I agree with Sally’s recommendation of Code Name Verity. AMAZING and gut wrenching book. The companion novel Rose Under Fire was also really good.
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Yesss. World war two books are amazing if they’re done right! Ahh I’ve heard a lot about Code name verity and I’m going to read it soon! I’ll let you how I like it! Thank youuu.
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All the Light We Cannot See, Salt to the Sea, and The Book Thief would all be on my list too!! Between Shades of Gray would be on it too, along with The Nightingale, Unbroken …. I’d probably throw in Monuments Men too … and I’m currently reading In the Garden of Beast which is the 1930s but the lead up to the war and it’s so interesting!
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Ohh, I haven’t read the books you mentioned but I’m sure they’re going to be great! I hope to enjoy it as much as I did all the other WW2 books.
XD
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If you liked Salt to the Sea you should enjoy Between Shades of Gray because it’s by the same author!
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Heard a lot about it. Will definitely check it out.😆
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These sound immensely interesting! I do like WWII narratives but I’ve realized I’ve never actually read that many books with it as a backdrop… Thank you for the recs 🙂
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Oh,they are amazing! You should really check out any of these, you’ll love them! You’re welcome lovely!😊😃
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Ooh, you have to read “Front Lines” by Michael Grant! It’s an alternate historical fiction and the premise is if women fought in WWII…it’s amazing!
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Ohhhh. I’ll have to read it then! Sounds so unique and interesting.😃😃
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Very good!! I would love to hear what you think!
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I would let you know! XD
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