Historical fiction is a genre that has been around for centuries. It allows readers to be transported to a different time and place and experience life through the eyes of fictional characters. With the rise of audiobooks, historical fiction has become even more accessible to readers. Audiobooks provide a unique experience by bringing the story to life through voice acting and sound effects.
When it comes to historical fiction audiobooks, there are a few critical things to consider. The first is the narrator’s performance. A good narrator can make or break an audiobook, and historical fiction requires a narrator who can bring the characters and setting to life. The second thing to consider is the accuracy of the historical details. Historical fiction is based on real events and places, and it’s essential that the author has done their research and accurately portrays the time period.
We’ve tested and reviewed several historical fiction audiobooks to bring you the best of the best. Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for an engaging story, we’ve got you covered.
Best Audiobook Historical Fiction
We have researched and compiled a list of the best audiobook historical fiction titles that will transport you to different eras and immerse you in captivating stories. Whether you are a history buff or simply enjoy a good fiction novel, these audiobooks are sure to captivate your imagination and keep you engaged from start to finish. So sit back, relax, and let us take you on a journey through time with our top picks for the best audiobook historical fiction.
The Echo of Old Books: A Novel
If you’re a fan of historical fiction, you should definitely consider The Echo of Old Books: A Novel by Barbara Davis.
Pros
- Engaging and well-written story
- Excellent narration by Vanessa Johansson, Steve West, and Sarah Zimmerman
- Fascinating blend of historical fiction, mystery, and magical realism
Cons
- Some readers may find the story slow-paced at times
- The plot can be a bit predictable
- The ending may not be satisfying for all readers
The Echo of Old Books: A Novel is a captivating story that follows the lives of two star-crossed lovers, separated by war and reunited decades later. The book seamlessly weaves together elements of historical fiction, mystery, and magical realism, creating a unique and engaging reading experience.
The audiobook version of the novel is expertly narrated by Vanessa Johansson, Steve West, and Sarah Zimmerman. Their performances bring the characters to life and add an extra layer of depth to the story.
While some readers may find the pacing slow at times, the overall plot is well-crafted and intriguing. However, the ending may not be satisfying for all readers.
Overall, The Echo of Old Books: A Novel is a must-read for fans of historical fiction and anyone looking for a captivating story with a touch of magic.
All the Broken Places: A Novel
Looking for a gripping historical fiction audiobook that explores the aftermath of World War II and the complexities of family relationships? All the Broken Places: A Novel by John Boyne is a great option.
Pros
- Gripping storyline that keeps you engaged till the end.
- Superb character development.
- A unique perspective on the aftermath of World War II.
Cons
- May be emotionally heavy for some listeners.
- Narration may not suit everyone’s taste.
- Some listeners may find the pace of the story slow.
In All the Broken Places: A Novel, John Boyne tells the story of Gretel, a woman struggling to come to terms with her father’s role in the atrocities committed during the war, and her efforts to redeem herself by helping a young boy in need. The story is gripping and well-paced, with characters that are complex and nuanced.
The narration by Kristin Atherton and Helen Lloyd is decent, although some listeners may find the pace slow. The audiobook is emotionally heavy, and some listeners may find it difficult to listen to. However, if you’re looking for a historical fiction audiobook that explores the complexities of family relationships and the aftermath of World War II, All the Broken Places: A Novel is definitely worth a listen.
Overall, we recommend All the Broken Places: A Novel to anyone looking for a well-written, emotionally engaging audiobook that explores the complexities of family relationships and the aftermath of World War II.
The Irish Boarding House
If you’re looking for a heartwarming historical fiction audiobook, The Irish Boarding House by Sandy Taylor might be worth considering.
Pros
- The characters are well-developed and their stories are engaging.
- The narration by Aoife McMahon is excellent and brings the story to life.
- The book has a positive and uplifting message.
Cons
- The story can be predictable at times.
- Some readers may find the plot to be too sweet or sentimental.
- The use of the name of Jesus in a disrespectful manner may be offensive to some readers.
Set in Ireland in the 1920s, The Irish Boarding House tells the story of a group of women who come together to build a new life for themselves. Despite their different backgrounds and personalities, they form a close-knit community and support each other through life’s challenges.
The audiobook is narrated by Aoife McMahon, who does an excellent job of bringing the characters to life. Her Irish accent adds an authentic touch to the story and makes it even more enjoyable to listen to.
While the plot can be predictable at times, the well-developed characters and their stories make up for it. The book has a positive and uplifting message about the power of friendship, love, and kindness.
Overall, if you’re looking for a heartwarming and well-narrated historical fiction audiobook, The Irish Boarding House might be worth checking out.
Surviving the Forest: A WW2 Historical Novel
We recommend purchasing Surviving the Forest: A WW2 Historical Novel audiobook for anyone interested in a moving and inspiring true story of survival during one of the darkest periods in human history.
Pros
- Based on a true story of a Jewish Holocaust survivor.
- Narrated by Kelly Reynolds, who does an excellent job of bringing the characters to life.
- The author, Adiva Geffen, does an excellent job of telling the story in a way that is both engaging and informative.
Cons
- The audiobook is only 6 hours and 33 minutes long, which may be too short for some listeners.
- The story can be emotionally challenging at times, as it deals with the horrors of the Holocaust.
- Some listeners may find the pacing of the story to be slow at times.
Surviving the Forest: A WW2 Historical Novel is a powerful and moving story of survival during one of the darkest periods in human history. The audiobook tells the true story of a Jewish Holocaust survivor who, along with her family, was forced to flee into the forest to escape the Nazis.
Narrated by Kelly Reynolds, the audiobook does an excellent job of bringing the story to life. Reynolds’ narration is clear and engaging, and she does an excellent job of voicing the different characters in the story.
The author, Adiva Geffen, does an excellent job of telling the story in a way that is both engaging and informative. She provides a detailed look at what life was like for Jews in Poland during the Holocaust, and the challenges they faced as they tried to survive.
While the story can be emotionally challenging at times, as it deals with the horrors of the Holocaust, it is ultimately a story of hope and perseverance. We highly recommend this audiobook to anyone interested in a moving and inspiring true story of survival.
The Memory Box: A beautiful, timeless, absolutely heartbreaking love story and World War Two historical fiction
If you’re looking for a heartwarming and heartbreaking love story set during World War Two, then The Memory Box is for you.
Pros
- Beautifully written with twists and turns that keep you guessing.
- Dual timeline narrative that weaves between the 1940s and 2019.
- Enchanting and unforgettable story that will leave you in tears.
Cons
- Slow start that could have been told in fewer chapters.
- Some factual inaccuracies.
- Missing crucial background information.
The Memory Box tells the story of Jenny, who on her 100th birthday, receives a mysterious box that takes her back to her past during World War Two. The book is beautifully written with a dual timeline narrative that weaves between the 1940s and 2019, narrated by Jenny and her granddaughter. The story is enchanting, sad, and happy, with twists and turns that keep you guessing until the end.
However, the book has a slow start that could have been told in fewer chapters. Additionally, some factual inaccuracies may bother some readers, and some may feel that crucial background information is missing.
Overall, The Memory Box is a masterpiece love story that is worth the read. Despite its flaws, it will leave you with a lasting impression and a heart full of emotions.
Beneath a Scarlet Sky: A Novel
We highly recommend purchasing Beneath a Scarlet Sky: A Novel for anyone interested in historical fiction audiobooks. This audiobook provides a captivating story of an Italian boy’s experiences during World War II.
Pros
- The audiobook is narrated by Will Damron, who does an excellent job of bringing the characters to life.
- The author, Mark Sullivan, provides a well-researched and detailed account of the war in Italy.
- The story is emotionally engaging and will keep the listener hooked until the end.
Cons
- At 17 hours and 43 minutes, the audiobook may be too long for some listeners.
- The subject matter of World War II may be too heavy for some listeners.
- The audiobook may not be suitable for younger audiences due to mature content.
Beneath a Scarlet Sky: A Novel tells the story of Pino Lella, an Italian boy who becomes involved in the Italian resistance during World War II. The audiobook provides a detailed account of the war in Italy, including the Nazi occupation and the Allied invasion. Will Damron’s narration brings the characters to life, making the story emotionally engaging and entertaining.
The only downside to this audiobook is its length, which may be too long for some listeners. Additionally, the subject matter of World War II may be too heavy for some listeners, and the mature content may not be suitable for younger audiences. However, for those interested in historical fiction and World War II, Beneath a Scarlet Sky: A Novel is a must-listen.
Where the Lost Wander: A Novel
If you’re looking for a heart-wrenching historical fiction audiobook, Where the Lost Wander: A Novel is a fantastic choice.
Pros
- The story is incredibly well-written, with vivid descriptions of the harsh realities of life on the Oregon Trail.
- The two narrators, Lauren Ezzo and Shaun Taylor-Corbett, do an excellent job of bringing the characters to life.
- The romance between the two main characters, Naomi and John, is both beautiful and heart-wrenching.
Cons
- The story can be quite heavy at times, dealing with difficult topics such as loss and trauma.
- Some listeners may find the pacing a bit slow, as the story takes its time to fully develop.
- The book may not be suitable for younger listeners due to its mature themes.
From the moment we started listening to Where the Lost Wander, we were completely captivated by the story. Amy Harmon does an incredible job of painting a vivid picture of life on the Oregon Trail, and we found ourselves fully invested in the characters and their struggles.
One of the things we loved most about this audiobook was the narration. Both Lauren Ezzo and Shaun Taylor-Corbett do an excellent job of bringing the characters to life, and we found ourselves fully immersed in the story thanks to their performances.
That being said, this is not a light-hearted listen. The story deals with some heavy topics, including loss and trauma, and some listeners may find it difficult to get through at times. Additionally, the pacing may be a bit slow for some, as the story takes its time to fully develop.
Overall, we highly recommend Where the Lost Wander: A Novel for anyone looking for a beautifully written and expertly narrated historical fiction audiobook. Just be prepared for an emotional journey.
The Keeper of Happy Endings
If you’re looking for a heartwarming historical fiction audiobook with a touch of magic, The Keeper of Happy Endings is worth considering.
Pros
- The clever way the author interweaves the stories of the women is phenomenal.
- The mystery of Soline’s gift and how it wove into the story is intriguing.
- The strong characters and excellent storytelling make it a compelling listen.
Cons
- The plot can be somewhat unbelievable at times.
- The “happily ever after” ending may not be to everyone’s taste.
- Some readers may find the magical elements too fantastical.
The Keeper of Happy Endings tells the story of Soline Roussel, a dressmaker with a special gift of being able to weave magic into her creations. Set during World War II, the audiobook follows Soline and her daughter, Rory, as they navigate through the challenges of war and their own personal struggles. Along the way, they encounter a cast of intriguing characters, including a group of women who come together to form a secret society called The Keeper of Happy Endings.
Narrated by Robin Siegerman and Hope Newhouse, the audiobook is 15 hours and 2 minutes long. The narration is well-done, and the different voices for each character make it easy to follow along.
Overall, if you’re in the mood for a heartwarming, magical historical fiction audiobook, The Keeper of Happy Endings is a solid choice.
The Lost Bookshop
If you’re looking for an audiobook that combines magical realism and historical fiction, The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods might be worth considering.
Pros
- Beautifully written story
- Engaging characters
- Narration is well-done
Cons
- Some readers may find the magical realism elements confusing
- Plot can be slow at times
- Not everyone will enjoy the romance subplot
The Lost Bookshop tells the story of two women, Opaline in 1921 and Martha in the present day, whose lives are connected by a magical bookshop. The audiobook features three narrators who bring the story to life.
The writing in this audiobook is beautiful and engaging, and the characters are well-developed. The magical realism elements may not be for everyone, but they add a unique and interesting layer to the story. The narration is also well-done, making it easy to get lost in the world of the book.
However, some readers may find the plot slow at times, and the romance subplot may not be to everyone’s taste. Additionally, the magical realism elements can be confusing for some readers, which may detract from their enjoyment of the book.
Overall, if you’re a fan of magical realism and historical fiction, The Lost Bookshop is definitely worth checking out.
A Kingdom’s Cost: A Historical Novel of Scotland (The Black Douglas Trilogy, Book 1)
If you’re a fan of historical fiction and looking for an audiobook that will transport you to medieval Scotland, then A Kingdom’s Cost: A Historical Novel of Scotland (The Black Douglas Trilogy, Book 1) might be the perfect pick for you.
Pros
- The story is well-researched and historically accurate, making it an excellent choice for history buffs.
- The narrator, Gary Furlong, does an excellent job of bringing the characters to life, making the audiobook an engaging listen.
- The plot is fast-paced and action-packed, making it difficult to put down.
Cons
- Some listeners have reported issues with the audio quality, with occasional glitches and skips.
- The writing style can be somewhat dry and overly descriptive at times.
- The book contains some graphic violence and mature themes, so it may not be suitable for all listeners.
A Kingdom’s Cost tells the story of James Douglas, a young Scottish nobleman who becomes embroiled in the struggle for Scottish independence from England. The book is set during the early 14th century and is based on real historical events, making it an excellent choice for fans of historical fiction.
The audiobook is narrated by Gary Furlong, who does an excellent job of bringing the characters to life. His Scottish accent adds an extra layer of authenticity to the story, and his pacing and inflection keep the listener engaged throughout.
The plot of A Kingdom’s Cost is fast-paced and action-packed, with plenty of battles, political intrigue, and personal drama. The book does an excellent job of balancing historical accuracy with compelling storytelling, making it an enjoyable listen for both history buffs and casual listeners alike.
However, some listeners have reported issues with the audio quality, with occasional glitches and skips. Additionally, the writing style can be somewhat dry and overly descriptive at times, which may not be to everyone’s taste. Finally, the book contains some graphic violence and mature themes, so it may not be suitable for all listeners.
Overall, if you’re a fan of historical fiction and looking for an engaging audiobook set in medieval Scotland, then A Kingdom’s Cost: A Historical Novel of Scotland (The Black Douglas Trilogy, Book 1) is definitely worth checking out.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best audiobook historical fiction, there are a few things to consider to ensure you get the most out of your purchase. Here are some features to look out for:
Narrator
The narrator is a crucial aspect of an audiobook. A good narrator can bring the story to life, while a bad narrator can make it unbearable to listen to. Look for a narrator who has a clear and engaging voice, and who is able to bring the characters to life with different voices and accents.
Production Quality
The production quality of an audiobook is also important. Look for audiobooks that have been professionally produced with high-quality sound. Poor production quality can be distracting and take away from the overall listening experience.
Length
Consider the length of the audiobook before making your purchase. Some historical fiction audiobooks can be quite lengthy, so make sure you have the time to commit to listening to it. Additionally, longer audiobooks may be more expensive, so make sure to factor that into your decision.
Reviews
Lastly, be sure to read reviews from other listeners before making your purchase. Reviews can give you a good idea of the overall quality of the audiobook and help you make an informed decision.
By considering these factors, you can ensure that you choose the best audiobook historical fiction for your listening pleasure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some highly-rated historical fiction audiobooks?
Some of the top-rated historical fiction audiobooks include “The Nightingale” by Kristin Hannah, “The Pillars of the Earth” by Ken Follett, “The Name of the Rose” by Umberto Eco, and “The Help” by Kathryn Stockett.
Which historical fiction audiobooks are available for free on Audible?
Audible offers a rotating selection of free audiobooks, and historical fiction titles are often included. Some of the current free historical fiction audiobooks on Audible include “The Scarlet Pimpernel” by Baroness Orczy and “The Count of Monte Cristo” by Alexandre Dumas.
What are some of the best historical fiction book series to listen to?
Some of the most highly recommended historical fiction book series include “The Outlander” series by Diana Gabaldon, “The Century Trilogy” by Ken Follett, and “The Tudor Court” series by Philippa Gregory.
Who are some of the top historical fiction authors?
Some of the most highly regarded historical fiction authors include Hilary Mantel, Ken Follett, Diana Gabaldon, Philippa Gregory, and Bernard Cornwell.
What are some of the best audiobooks to listen to for history enthusiasts?
For history enthusiasts, some of the best audiobooks to listen to include “A Short History of Nearly Everything” by Bill Bryson, “The Guns of August” by Barbara Tuchman, and “1491” by Charles C. Mann.
Who are some of the most highly recommended audiobook narrators for historical fiction?
Some of the most highly recommended audiobook narrators for historical fiction include Simon Vance, Davina Porter, and George Guidall.