Skip to Content

Best WW1 Historical Fiction Novels

Sharing is caring!

Reading novels about WW1 can teach us all the ways women were essential to the war efforts around the world. Many American women volunteered despite not having the right to vote until after World War I ended. From spies and nurses to couriers and even the first female members of the US Navy, these brave women paved the way for victory in the war while advancing rights for women. Other books on the list highlight what it was like on the homefront, especially when soldiers returned with new mental and physical challenges.

Three angled book covers of WWI historical fiction books


WW1 historical fiction has gained popularity in recent years, and we’re excited to share our list of highly-rated WWI fiction book recommendations for you.  Because the war took place from 1914-1918 in Europe, these books are also excellent for anyone looking for additional reading as part of our Decades or Book Voyage Challenge. A smaller selection of these books will be on the 1900s-1910s book list, but you’re welcome to count any of these reads as your challenge books if you’d like. 

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, we may earn a referral fee from qualifying purchases.

Novels About WW1

For historical fiction fans who also enjoy reading novels set during WWII, be sure to check out these book recommendation lists.

six angled book covers with text that reads 19 Best WWI Historical Fiction Books

Love reading as much as we do?
Join us for more free content, reading challenges, & discussion in the Book Girls’ Guide Facebook Group!

Lynn Berg

Sunday 22nd of January 2023

I love the comments on the books but is there a way to print the list without all the comments -just the title and author? Maybe there is buy I can not figure out how to do it. Love this group!

Melody

Friday 20th of January 2023

So many good books here. I want to read them all

Jessica

Thursday 19th of January 2023

Thank you for this list! I've read loads of WWII historical fiction but I'm definitely checking for some of these at the library.

Celeste

Friday 13th of January 2023

Also don't forget the classic novellas The Shooting Party by Isabel Colegate which takes place in 1913 at an English Country House, and The return of the Soldier, which takes place in 1916 (and was written in 1918) by Rebecca West, about cousins waiting at home for the return of their young man, and the controversy which arises when he's reported in a hospital with shell-shock.