The Best WWII Books
To me, there’s nothing better than a good World War II historical fiction, especially if the protagonist is a powerhouse female ready to do her part. While I do read other historical fiction books, I’m never far from a WWII novel; I read at least 2-3 per month! Most of the WWII novels I read are newer releases, but I still read backlist books to catch up on any I missed when I was on a reading hiatus. So, this means you can count on me for recommendations for both new and old WWII books. I’ve broken down my list of the best WWII books into themes to help you find your next great WWII read. Be sure you bookmark this page because I’ll be updating it when I have great new books to add.
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Home Front Stories
With all the men fighting, women were left to pick up the pieces back home and keep things moving forward. For the first time, women were encouraged to work outside the home and take on jobs typically reserved for men. Not only were they doing things they’d never done before, but these women also faced dangers miles away from the frontline. Get lost in the stories of homefront warfare in these great WWII novels.
Frontline Stories
While most WWII novels focus on behind-the-scenes warfare, some put you right in the line of fire. Here are a few terrific WWII books that make you feel like you’re part of the action. Get lost in the trenches with these brave characters!
Resistance Stories
By far my favorite type of World War II books, stories of resistance work are captivating and fast-paced. War is a messy affair, and being part of the resistance often created rifts in otherwise strong relationships. These great WWII resistance novels feature complicated characters, tense fighting, and unparalleled bravery.
Holocaust Stories
The heart of the WWII story is the Jewish people, persecuted for simply existing. Holocaust stories are fraught with fear, grief, and a myriad of other emotions. Step into the lives of the men, women, and children who were hunted, captured, and tortured in these great WWII Holocaust novels.
Sister Stories
The bond of sisters is strong, but never more so than in the darkest of times. These WWII novels stand out for the unbreakable sister bond between the main characters. Although they contain other themes mentioned in this post, they stand out because of the emotional ties between families.
Post-WWII Stories
World War II touched millions of lives, leaving a lasting impact on many. Men and women alike were left to pick up the pieces of their shattered lives, forced to move forward with life despite the immeasurable loss. Post-WWII books are a personal favorite of mine, mostly because of the emotional intensity and complexity. Here are my picks for the best post-war novels.
Women in Service Stories
Women played a HUGE role in WWII, helping to keep factories running, soldiers armed, and so much more. While some were active in resistance fighting, others took on roles that helped support troops win the war or helped fellow citizens maintain some semblance of normality. Here are the best WWII books featuring women in service.
Dystopian Stories
What if WWII ended differently? That’s exactly what these dystopian novels explore. Get lost in the bizarre upside-down world of a reimagined post-war Europe.
Child’s POV Stories
Books written from the POV of children impacted by WWII are emotional reads, but they offer a glimpse into the lives of the most vulnerable victims of the war. Each of these stories shines a light on the resilience of children during WWII.
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