11 of the Best Compelling Historical Books like The Nightingale

‘The Nightingale’ has resonated with readers around the world, touching their hearts and shedding light on the often-overlooked experiences of women during wartime. The novel captures the human cost of war and the strength that can be found in ordinary people who are thrust into extraordinary circumstances.

This unforgettable historical fiction must have made you laugh, cry, and go through all the emotions in the list with it.

But, now that you’ve finished reading it (assumption based on the fact that you’re here reading this) you must be looking for books that can make you feel the way you did while reading ‘The Nightingale.’ The obvious suggestion would be to re-read the book. The next suggestion would be to read the book YET again. Once you’re done doing that is when you must look at the recommendations for Books Like The Nightingale.

Books Like The Nightingale

Here are 11 books like the Nightingale that are an absolute must-reading after you’re done reading the book by Kristin Hannah.

All the Light We Cannot See (2014)

by Anthony Doerr

If you liked the setting of ‘The Nightingale’ during the WWII, you’ll find many books set during the same time in this list, ‘All the Light We Cannot See’ being one of them.

Marie-Laure is a young blind girl living in Paris with her loving father, who works at the Museum of Natural History. Meanwhile, Werner is an orphan living in a small mining town in Germany. He has a remarkable talent for fixing radios and a deep fascination with technology.

Werner’s skills catch the attention of the German army, and he is sent to an elite school for Hitler Youth, where he becomes involved in the war effort. As the war escalates, Marie-Laure and her father are forced to flee Paris and seek refuge in the coastal town of Saint-Malo, taking with them a precious jewel from the museum that may hold a dangerous secret.

Werner, on the other hand, finds himself serving in the German army, using his expertise to track down resistance fighters and their illegal radio transmissions. However, as he witnesses the atrocities committed by the Nazis and begins to question the morality of his actions, Werner becomes torn between his duty and his own sense of right and wrong.

The narrative weaves back and forth between the past and the present, providing glimpses into the lives of Marie-Laure and Werner before and during the war. Their stories converge when Saint-Malo becomes a battleground, and both characters face unimaginable challenges and hardships.

The Things We Cannot Say (2019)

by Kelly Rimmer

The story revolves around two timelines, seamlessly blending the past and present, as it explores the power of love, family, and the sacrifices we make for those we hold dear.

The narrative follows two main characters: Alice, a modern-day wife and mother living in the United States, and Alina, a young woman living in Nazi-occupied Poland during World War II. Alice’s beloved grandmother, who is suffering from dementia, holds the key to a family secret that has remained hidden for decades.

Desperate to uncover her family’s history, Alice embarks on a journey to her grandmother’s homeland in Poland. Along the way, she discovers a hidden letter that leads her to Alina, a courageous woman who risked everything to protect the ones she loved. As Alice unearths her grandmother’s story, she learns about the unimaginable hardships and acts of bravery that occurred during the war.

As the narrative alternates between Alice’s present-day quest and Alina’s wartime experiences, both women confront their own personal challenges. Alice faces the difficulties of her personal difficulties while trying to understand her family’s past. Meanwhile, Alina must make impossible choices that will impact not only her own life but also the lives of those she loves.

Like ‘The Nightingale,’ ‘The Things We Cannot Say’ is a deeply moving and evocative novel that explores themes of love, sacrifice, forgiveness, and the resilience of the human spirit.

Lilac Girls (2016)

by Martha Hall Kelly

‘Lilac Girls’ offers a powerful portrayal of the strength of the human spirit, highlighting the importance of remembrance and justice. The book is similar to ‘The Nightingale’ in the way that it brings to life the untold stories of those who suffered during World War II, and serves as a reminder of the resilience and compassion that can emerge even in the darkest of times.

The historical fiction novel takes place during World War II and explores the lives of three women whose paths intersect in unimaginable ways. The story is based on true events and sheds light on a lesser-known aspect of the war. It introduces us to three main characters: Caroline Ferriday, a New York socialite and philanthropist; Kasia Kuzmerick, a young Polish girl; and Herta Oberheuser, a German doctor.

When the war breaks out, Caroline becomes deeply involved in aiding displaced people and supporting French orphans. Meanwhile, Kasia, a vibrant teenager, and her sister Zuzanna get involved in the Polish resistance movement. Their lives take a drastic turn when they are arrested and sent to Ravensbrück, a concentration camp for women. The horrors they endure at the hands of the Nazis shape their lives forever. Herta, on the other hand, is an ambitious German doctor who aspires to make her mark in the medical field. She is recruited to work at Ravensbrück and becomes complicit in conducting medical experiments on the prisoners.

As the war progresses, Caroline learns about the atrocities committed at Ravensbrück and becomes determined to seek justice for the victims.

We Were the Lucky Ones (2017)

by Georgia Hunter

Inspired by a true story of a Jewish family separated at the start of World War II, who were determined to survive and eventually reunite, ‘We Were the Lucky Ones’ follows the story of the Kurc family, a Polish-Jewish family torn apart by the horrors of the Holocaust.

Set against the backdrop of Nazi-occupied Poland, it follows the Kurcs’ harrowing journey as they are separated and forced to navigate through a war-torn Europe. Despite facing unimaginable hardships and heartbreak, the family’s unwavering love, resilience, and determination to survive prove that they truly were the fortunate ones amidst the chaos and devastation of the war.

The novel is not only a tale of survival but also a testament to the enduring power of love, resilience, and the strength of the human spirit. It serves as a reminder of the atrocities committed during the Holocaust while offering a glimmer of hope in the face of unimaginable darkness.

The Alice Network (2017)

by Kate Quinn

The book takes place during World War I and post-World War II and intertwines the stories of two courageous women from different eras.

In 1915, we meet Eve Gardiner, a young and ambitious British woman who joins a spy network called the Alice Network. Led by the enigmatic and fearless Louise de Bettignies, the network operates in German-occupied France. Eve becomes a part of this secret organization, risking her life to gather vital information for the Allies.

Jumping forward to 1947, we encounter Charlie St. Clair, a young American woman searching for her missing cousin Rose. Charlie is determined to uncover the truth about Rose’s disappearance, leading her to seek the help of Eve, who has become a reclusive and haunted woman in her later years.

As the two women’s stories intertwine, the past and present merge, revealing the secrets, betrayals, and sacrifices made during the war. Charlie and Eve embark on a journey across France, unravelling the mysteries of the past and finding strength in their shared experiences.

If you liked ‘the nightingale,’ I am positive that you’ll love this one.

Beneath a Scarlet Sky (2017)

by Mark Sullivan

A tale of bravery, sacrifice, and resilience, just like ‘The Nightingale,’ you will thoroughly enjoy reading this book even if you’re remotely intrigued by historical fictions.

‘Beneath a Scarlet Sky’ is a captivating historical fiction novel based on the true story of Pino Lella, a young Italian man living during World War II. Set in Milan, Italy, the story begins in 1943 when Pino is just 17 years old. With the war escalating, Pino’s parents send him to Casa Alpina, a Catholic boys’ school in the mountains, to protect him from the dangers of the city. Little does Pino know that his life is about to change forever.

During his time at Casa Alpina, Pino meets Father Re, a respected priest who soon involves him in the Resistance movement against the Nazis. Under Father Re’s guidance, Pino starts working as a driver for Major General Hans Leyers, a high-ranking German officer. Along the way, he witnesses the horrors of war, the atrocities committed by the Nazis, and the heroism of ordinary people fighting for freedom.

Amid the chaos, Pino falls in love with Anna, a beautiful and strong-willed girl. Their forbidden romance adds an emotional layer to the narrative, as they try to find moments of happiness in a world torn apart by war.

As the war reaches its climax, Pino’s missions become increasingly dangerous. He faces near-death experiences, betrayal, and personal loss. Yet, he remains determined to help the Allies and fight for justice.

The Book Thief (2005)

by Markus Zusak

A widely-read famous book, ‘The Book Thief’ is also set in World War II. The story revolves around a young girl named Liesel Meminger, who is sent to live with a foster family in a small town near Munich. A notable feature of the book is that the story is narrated by ‘death.’

Liesel’s life takes a dramatic turn as she befriends her foster father, Hans, a kind and gentle man who teaches her how to read and nurtures her love for books. However, as the war escalates, Liesel’s world becomes increasingly difficult. She experiences the hardships of poverty, the oppression of the Nazi regime, and the loss of loved ones.

Despite the bleak backdrop, Liesel finds solace in stealing books, hence earning the title of “The Book Thief.” With the help of her best friend Rudy and the support of her foster family, she secretly collects and reads books, which transport her to a world of imagination and provide a much-needed escape from the harsh reality around her.

The Lost Girls of Paris (2019)

by Pam Jenoff

If you liked ‘The Nightingale’ because of its exploration of women’s struggles during World War II, you must read ‘The Lost Girls of Paris.’

The story follows three remarkable women whose lives become intertwined through courage, sacrifice, and friendship. The narrative begins when Grace Healey stumbles upon a suitcase in Grand Central Terminal in New York City. Inside, she discovers a series of photographs of a group of women who appear to be spies. Intrigued by the mystery, Grace embarks on a journey to uncover the truth behind these photographs.

The focus then shifts to the lives of the three main characters. Eleanor Trigg, a British spy, recruits a group of female agents to work undercover in occupied France.

Vividly portrayed are the lives of Marie, a young mother desperate to protect her child, and Grace, a spirited American who joins the fight against the Nazis. Their paths converge as they navigate treacherous circumstances, face betrayal, and endure heartbreak. As Grace delves deeper into the mystery, she uncovers shocking secrets and hidden agendas.

The story alternates between the perspectives of Grace, Eleanor, and Marie, unveiling their individual struggles, triumphs, and the bonds that tie them together. Its rich historical backdrop and compelling characters make it a worth-while read.

Everyone Brave is Forgiven (2016)

by Chris Cleave

Also set during WWII, ‘Everyone Brave is Forgiven’ follows the lives of four young individuals living in London: Mary North, Tom Shaw, Hilda, and Alistair Heath.

It is essentially a story of courage and strength that explores the complexities of war and its profound impact on relationships and personal growth.

Mary North, a young and privileged socialite, volunteers for the war effort but finds herself assigned as a teacher in a school where most children have been evacuated. She encounters challenges and discrimination due to her unconventional methods and determination to educate all students, regardless of their background.

Tom Shaw, an education administrator, falls in love but is soon sent off to war. He faces the harsh realities of the battlefield and the strain it places on his relationship.

Hilda, Mary’s best friend, experiences heartbreak when her fiancé Alistair is enlisted in the army. Alistair, an art restorer, is stationed in Malta during the Siege of Malta, enduring relentless bombings, and witnessing the destruction of the city.

As the war progresses, the lives of these characters intertwine, and they face personal and collective challenges. They navigate themes of love, loss, friendship, and the devastating impact of war on their lives and society. Their resilience and bravery are tested as they try to find hope and meaning amid chaos.

A Thousand Splendid Suns (2007)

by Khaled Hosseini

A poignant and unforgettable tale that sheds light on the lives of Afghan women, ‘A Thousand Splendid Suns’ captures the strength and resilience of those who endure unimaginable hardships.

It tells the intertwined stories of two women, Mariam and Laila, whose lives collide in unimaginable circumstances.

Mariam, a young girl from a small village, is forced into a loveless marriage with Rasheed, an abusive and controlling older man. Laila, on the other hand, is a beautiful and educated girl who dreams of a better life. When their paths cross, they form an unlikely bond and become united in their struggle against their shared oppressor.

The story spans several decades, capturing the turbulent history of Afghanistan from the Soviet invasion to the Taliban rule. As Mariam and Laila endure suffering and loss, they find strength in their friendship and resilience in the face of adversity. Together, they navigate the harsh realities of life under a repressive regime, where women are marginalized and their rights are stripped away.

Despite the hardships they face, Mariam and Laila exemplify the enduring power of hope and the capacity for love to overcome even the darkest of circumstances. It is an emotional and unforgettable tale that will stay with you long after you’ve finished reading the book.

Winter Sisters (2018)

by Robin Oliveira

A historical novel set in the 19th century, ‘Winter Sisters’ revolves around two young sisters, Emma and Claire O’Donnell, who live in a small town called Albany. Tragedy strikes when a catastrophic blizzard hits the town, leaving Emma and Claire’s parents dead and the girls missing.

The town bands together to search for the missing girls, and after days of desperate efforts, they are finally found, barely alive and severely traumatized. Emma and Claire’s rescue brings hope to the community, but their ordeal is far from over.

As the sisters try to rebuild their shattered lives, they face an arduous journey of physical and emotional recovery. Emma, the elder sister, bears the burden of guilt, blaming herself for the loss of their parents. Claire, the younger sister, struggles with memory loss, unable to recall the details of their traumatic experience.

As the girls heal, the town begins to unravel the disturbing truth behind their disappearance. The investigation reveals shocking secrets and uncovers a web of corruption and betrayal.

If you found the sisterly bond to be the most captivating aspect of ‘The Nightingale,’ then this book is tailor-made for you. It will serve as a poignant reminder of the strength, affection, and timeless connections that characterize sisterhood.

Conclusion to Books like The Nightingale

And that concludes the list for books like The Nightingale!

While nothing compares to ‘The Nightingale,’ the book recommendations above are the closest you can get to feeling the way the book by Kristin Hannah made you feel. Just like the story of the two sisters, the books in the above list will make you feel all the feels, and will probably leave you in tears.

A word of advice, keep a box of tissues with you while reading the books in the list. You’ll need it. 😉

However, if you want more books like The Nightingale beyond the list above, you should consider-

1. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
2. The Zookeeper’s Wife by Diane Ackerman
3. The Nazi Officer’s Wife by Edith Hahn Beer
4. The Kommandant’s Girl by Pam Jenoff
5. The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah
6. The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles
7. The Women in the Castle by Jessica Shattuck
8. Code Name Hélène by Ariel Lawhon
9. The light in hidden places by Sharon Cameron
10. The black swan of Paris by Karen Robards
11. The Secret Keeper by Kate Morton