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Original poster

'Real' historical fiction for 16yo

95 replies

FruAashild · 01/06/2026 21:25

My 16yo would like to read some fictionalised history books. She's read the feminist greek myth retellings by Madeline Miller and Jennifer Saint (yes, I've pointed out those are completely fictional) and has enjoyed a few of Dominic Sandbrook Adventures in Time books, and Laura Ingalls Wilder and Judith Kerr's fictionalised biographies. She says she doesn't want to read about completely fictional characters.

I'm trying to think of books that aren't as heavy going as Hilary Mantel but can only think of Philippa Gregory. Any good suggestions? She's not fussy about period but would prefer books about women.

OP posts:
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25mini7 · 06/06/2026 20:05

Tracy Boreman

Sausagenbacon · 06/06/2026 16:45

Mary Renault. Great books. The Bull From the Sea. Superb modern classics set in Ancient Greece.
You got there before me. They are superb.
Also Norah Lofts (of course)

Weepingwillows12 · 06/06/2026 08:42

When I was 16 I started reading Nigel Tranters books about Scottish history - the Robert the Bruce trilogy for example. They are a bit formulaic but easy to read.

My favourite historical fiction is probably Shogun by James clavell about Japan. The lead characters have different names but are loosely based on real people.

If she enjoyed the Madeline Miller greek books, she could consider David Gemmell's Troy trilogy which I enjoyed around that age.

What period of history is she interested in?

Blackfordmum · 06/06/2026 08:35

Sorry haven't rtft but how about Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein? Her books are YA (not sure if this would put your dd off or encourage her) but they are very well written and definitely crossover with adult books. Code Name Verity is set in WW2 and is about the female pilots who weren't allowed to be involved in fighting but flew planes as delivery and support.

FlamboyantlyIncognito · 06/06/2026 08:28

'A close run thing' by Allan Mallinson, 'the silver pigs' by Lindsey Davis, 'Fire from Heaven' by Mary Renault, 'Flashman' by George Mcdonald Fraser...........good stories, based on historical events. But v story driven - good strong heroes. (well, apart from Flashman whom is an utter coward and blames, hurts, accuses, double-crosses, anyone and everyone to get out of the situations he creates!).
There's loads more - Hornblower by C S Forester. Good stories, accurate in historical detail but wholly fictional.

ExplodingSmittens · 06/06/2026 07:47

Theyreeatingthedogs · 03/06/2026 20:14

There are rivers in the sky. Elif Shafak.
Fictionalised story of George Smith and his translation of the Epic of Gilgamesh.

I think I must be the only person who doesn’t like that book.

ExplodingSmittens · 06/06/2026 07:46

How about Blood & Beauty by Sarah Dunant? It is about the family of Alexander VI, including his DD Lucrezia Borgia.

imaravenGRONKGRONK · 06/06/2026 07:35

I just came across a rec for These Is My Words, by Nancy Turner, which is a diary of a girl moving with her family from Arizona to Texas in the 19th century (so wagon trains and pre-union territory - pioneer sort of days). I loved it when I was in my teens!

thefemaleJoshLyman · 05/06/2026 18:59

I enjoyed Katherine, too.

I also enjoy Alison Weir books.

Original poster
FruAashild · 03/06/2026 22:57

keiratwiceknightly · 03/06/2026 19:32

My Dear Hamilton is excellent - written from the point of view of Eliza Hamilton who was almost as fascinating as her husband. Starts in American Revolution, ends with the Civil War.

Oh, that sounds like something she'd enjoy because she loves the musical.

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readingmakesmehappy · 03/06/2026 20:19

Thmssngvwlsrnd · 02/06/2026 12:34

She might enjoy the Emmy Lake Chronicles by AJ Pearce. It's a series of 4 books set in the second world war. It follows the lives of Emmy, who writes for a magazine, and her friends. I really enjoyed it. The first one is called Dear Mrs Bird.

I adore these books. Very easy reading and really sweet and funny and moving.

readingmakesmehappy · 03/06/2026 20:17

I read a lot of Jean Plaidy and Anya Seton as a teenager.

Theyreeatingthedogs · 03/06/2026 20:14

There are rivers in the sky. Elif Shafak.
Fictionalised story of George Smith and his translation of the Epic of Gilgamesh.

curious79 · 03/06/2026 19:34

Cato and macro series - Eagles of the empire I think? - two fictional protagonists anchored in real Roman period characters and events. Similarly Kate Mosse books

keiratwiceknightly · 03/06/2026 19:32

My Dear Hamilton is excellent - written from the point of view of Eliza Hamilton who was almost as fascinating as her husband. Starts in American Revolution, ends with the Civil War.

Laura95167 · 03/06/2026 16:51

Alison weir is great.

I really like Jean Plaidy, Anne Obrien and Elizabeth Chadwick too.

oberuber · 03/06/2026 03:53

James Michener. Hawai, space, Alaska are still some of my favourites books ever.

HelenaWilson · 03/06/2026 03:48

Georgette Heyer's Infamous Army

And The Spanish Bride before that, about the Peninsular War.

3flyingducksarrive · 03/06/2026 02:22

Theresalittlebitofwitchinyou · 02/06/2026 15:19

At risk of my DM recognising me on here but I was named for Katherine Swynford as that’s what DM was reading when pregnant with me. I also love this book too

Show quote history

You were lucky. My mother was reading Avalon and seriously considered calling me Merewinna.

Neo9 · 02/06/2026 22:59

The Birth of Venus by Sarah Dunant. Set in 16th century Florence. Her research and writing is exquisite.

Apileofballyhoo · 02/06/2026 22:46

She might enjoy the James Clavell books. King Rat is especially good though I can't think if there's any female characters at all. Shogun is an easier read. Agatha Christie's Death Comes at the End (I might have that title slightly wrong) is fairly accurate in its depiction of daily life in Ancient Egypt. Of course all her books are historical fiction now...

Wild Swans, though it's not fiction it reads like a story.

Original poster
FruAashild · 02/06/2026 21:56

CoffeeBeansGalore · 02/06/2026 17:44

Lucy Worsley has done some brilliant historical documentaries and has also written some books. May be worth a look.

Lucy Worsley is the one of the most popular TV historian with the younger members of this house thanks to her enthusiasm for dressing up. Her programne about the fireworks display for Elizabeth I was a particular favourite back in the day.

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ThePlover · 02/06/2026 21:40

Cynthia Harrod Eagles
Katherine by Anya Seaton - I first read this aged 16
Ken Follet - some adult scenes but nothing graphic
The Rose Code by Kate Quinn - WWII Bletchley park story.

StaringAtTheWater · 02/06/2026 21:39

It's not fiction, but I'd thoroughly recommend Wild Swans. It's a biography/ autobiography where the author writes about her grandmother, mother's and her own early life in China. It gives a really good overview of 20th century Chinese history too.