Historical fiction

Take a trip back in time with historical fiction books covering everything from the medieval period to the Second World War, in genres including historical romance and adventure. For those who want to spend time in the world of Greek mythology, turn to Stephen Fry’s Mythos, Pat Barker’s The Women of Troy and Constanza Casati’s Clytemnestra. Travel to the 1700s with This Other Eden by Paul Harding, a century later with Zadie Smith’s The Fraud, and to 1940s Colorado with Go as a River by Shelley Read. For lovers of regency and romance, head to Georgette Heyer’s novels, and if you want to be swept away pick up The Whalebone Theatre. For books with war as a backdrop, try Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series, My Father’s House by Joseph O’Connor and Colm Toibin’s The Magician. No time machine needed.