Historical Fiction Books

Step into captivating past worlds with our Historical Fiction collection. From epic sagas to intimate tales, discover narratives that blend well-researched history with imaginative storytelling. Explore stories that make history come alive for every kind of reader.

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The Masterpiece - Thryft
Émile Zola | University Of Michigan Press

The Masterpiece

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Goodreads rating: 3.97

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71% off est. retail

In stock: Very Good

If you're drawn to stories of passion, struggle, and the fine line between genius and madness, Zola's "The Masterpiece" might just resonate with you. It's a deep dive into the artistic swirl of 19th-century Paris, and you'll likely find its raw portrayal of Claude's ambition and the vivid art scene both heartbreaking and illuminating. Fans of historical fiction and lovers of art will appreciate how this novel captures the spirit of the times and the personal cost of unyielding devotion to art.
The Charterhouse of Parma - Thryft
Robert A. Parker, Stendhal, Richard Howard  | Modern Library

The Charterhouse of Parma

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Goodreads rating: 3.8

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87% off est. retail

In stock: Well Read

The Charterhouse of Parma is a good read for those interested in exploring the life of impetuous and vivid characters, particularly the character of Fabrizio, and his relationship with authority and the state. 3. Some argue that the true heroes of the book are Fabrizio's aunt and her lover, making it a good read for those interested in exploring the theme of heroism. 4. Stendhal's experiences as an army officer and diplomat in Italy play into the places and events recounted in the novel, making it a good read for those interested in exploring the historical backdrop of the story. 5. Female characters are portrayed more sympathetically than male characters in Stendhal's work, making it a good read for readers interested in exploring the treatment of femininity and masculinity in literature. 6. The breathtaking pace of the narrative takes the reader by storm and adds to the unpredictability of the plot, making it a good read for those interested in fast-paced, thrilling reads.
Candide - Thryft
Voltaire, Walter Jerrold, Rockwell Kent  | Dover Publications, Incorporated

Candide

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Goodreads rating: 3.76

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56% off est. retail

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If biting satire tickles your fancy, Voltaire's "Candide" could be a gem for you. It's a whirlwind tour of a young man's disastrous adventures, exposing the folly of blind optimism with wit sharp enough to slice through the pretensions of its time. Despite the years behind it, the book's humorous take on life's cruelty remains strikingly relevant, making it as thought-provoking as it is entertaining.
Pure
Andrew Miller | Sceptre

Pure

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Goodreads rating: 3.6

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47% off est. retail

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"Pure" transports you to the brink of the French Revolution. Imagine walking through Paris as it balances on the edge of monumental change, with a story that encapsulates the transformation of the era. Through the eyes of Jean-Baptiste Baratte, you'll engage with a narrative that's as much about the physical task of clearing Les Innocents as it is about the societal decay. It cleverly interweaves personal struggle, societal upheaval, and the poignant reminder that progress often comes with a price. If you're intrigued by historical fiction that digs deep into the undercurrents of change, this is a thought-provoking journey you wouldn't want to miss.
Pere Goriot - Thryft
Peter Brooks, Honoré de Balzac, Burton Raffel  | W. W. Norton & Company

Pere Goriot

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Goodreads rating: 3.85

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67% off est. retail

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For anyone looking to dive into the rich tapestry of 19th-century French society, 'Père Goriot' is a compelling choice. It's not just a narrative; it's an experience where you uncover the intricacies of human nature, familial bonds, and social ambitions through Balzac's expert characterization. Exploring themes of parental devotion and the societal climb, this book might just change your perspective on the pursuit of happiness and success.
Moulin Rouge: A Novel Based on the Life of Henri De Toulouse-Lautrec - Thryft

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"Moulin Rouge" transports you to the heart of 19th-century Parisian life, brushing vivid imagery with a tale of ambition and passion. You might enjoy stepping into the shoes of the legendary painter Toulouse-Lautrec, where the art scene is as mesmerizing and colorful as the world he paints. It's a poignant look at an artist's life that stirs the imagination and touches the heartstrings.
The Prince's Boy
Paul Bailey | Bloomsbury Usa

The Prince's Boy

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Goodreads rating: 3.36

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If you've got a taste for a poignant coming-of-age story wrapped in the allure of 1920s Paris, "The Prince's Boy" promises a compelling read. Deeply intimate, it paints a vivid image of youthful exploration, against a backdrop of literary references and historical depth. This novel does not just tell a tale of love and loss; it immerses you in an era where sensuality and cultural exuberance dance hand in hand with introspection and the complexities of human connection.
The Red Collar
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Jean-Christophe Rufin, Adriana Hunter  | Europa Editions

The Red Collar

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Goodreads rating: 3.69

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For those who savor tales of unyielding loyalty and the human spirit, "The Red Collar" could resonate deeply with you. The backdrop of post-World War France combined with the emotional bond between a man and his dog creates an evocative narrative. It's a story that celebrates profound connections and the complexities of redemption, all wonderfully framed by Rufin's poetic touch.
Les Miserables Volume One - Thryft
Victor Hugo | Wordsworth Editions Lrd

Les Miserables Volume One

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Goodreads rating: 4.39

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"Les Miserables Volume One" is not just a story, it's an immersive experience that transports you to 19th-century Paris, allowing you to walk alongside Jean Valjean as he grapples with his past and carves out a new life fueled by kindness. The lives, struggles, and the profound humanity Hugo captures are bound to leave an indelible mark on your soul.
The Ambassadors
Henry James | Arcturus Holdings Limited

The Ambassadors

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Goodreads rating: 3.63

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61% off est. retail

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Henry James' The Ambassadors is like a finely aged wine for literature enthusiasts with a taste for detailed character exploration and nuanced social settings. If you enjoy the challenge of unwrapping the complexities of interpersonal relationships and appreciate the delicate craft of late 19th-century prose, this narrative journey is brimming with subtleties that reward a patient and thoughtful reader.
A Sentimental Journey Through France and Italy by Mr. Yorick
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If you enjoy the company of a clever, observant narrator who brings out the humor in every situation, then "A Sentimental Journey Through France and Italy" would be a delightful travel companion for you. Laurence Sterne invites you to meander through Europe with Parson Yorick, a character with a penchant for amusing encounters and reflective musings, all conveyed with a pioneering stream-of-consciousness style. This book is perfect if you're looking for insight, irony, and a taste of the sentimental, wrapped up in an 18th-century journey.
The Prospector
J.M.G. Le Clézio | Atlantic Books

The Prospector

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Goodreads rating: 3.76

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78% off est. retail

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"The Prospector" is a poetic journey through memory and place. The rich, evocative language paints a picture so vivid, it feels like you're unearthing your own past alongside the protagonist. If you ever longed to reconcile your remembered paradise with present reality, this book's exploration of such timeless yearnings will resonate deeply with you. Jean-Marie Gustave Le Clézio's Nobel-winning craftsmanship makes every page a literary discovery.
The Three Musketeers - Thryft

The Three Musketeers

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Let the daring escapades of d'Artagnan and the Three Musketeers transport you to a world of honor, adventure, and loyalty. Join this band of brothers as they face off against the cunning Cardinal de Richelieu and his agents, including the enigmatic Milady de Winter. With its thrilling duels and romantic twists, The Three Musketeers is a timeless tale of friendship and heroism that will keep you hooked till the very end. Jump into this classic masterpiece and unleash your inner Musketeer!
Elegance - Thryft
Kathleen Tessaro | Harpercollins Publishers Ltd

Elegance

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Goodreads rating: 3.42

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82% off est. retail

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This book could be a good read for you because it takes you on a journey of personal transformation through the lens of elegance. It shows how a simple discovery of a second-hand book can have a profound impact on one's life. As Louise takes Madame Dariaux's advice to heart, her life begins to change in unexpected ways, teaching us that true elegance goes beyond appearances. With its mix of fashion advice, personal anecdotes, and self-discovery, this book is a delightful and inspiring read for anyone looking to rediscover themselves and embrace their own unique elegance.
White Ice - Thryft
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Celia Brayfield | Penguin Putnam~mass

White Ice

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Goodreads rating: 3.21

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Prima ballerina Lydia Kusminskaya, whose talents saved her from starvation in imperial St Petersburg, trusted her beauty to secure her place in the gilded cocoon of the court - unaware of the cataclysm about to destroy it, and her hopes.Eighty years later, in London, the legacy of Lydia's beauty snares a woman and two men in the trap of their own Alexander Wolfe, the desirable American who worships women and glamour; formidable businesswoman Bianca Berrisford, who believes beauty always has its price; and Lovat Whitburn, her bitter ex-husband, for whom beauty, once an ideal, is now a weapon.Now the three are chained to Lydia and each other in a lethal struggle for wealth, love and, above all, power. But the illusion of beauty which betrayed Lydia is lying in wait for them, too . . .'A breathtaking achievement' "Woman's Own"'Ms Brayfield knows what she is doing . . . her women sound and act like real women' Anthony Burgess in the "Independent"'A wonderfully written novel about men, women and a burning obsession' "Me"
Eros Unbound
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Anaïs Nin | Penguin Classics

Eros Unbound

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Goodreads rating: 3.3

Regular price $5.90 from $3.90 34% off

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41% off est. retail

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If you're looking for a dive into the complex landscape of human desire, Anais Nin's "Eros Unbound" might just seduce your literary senses. The tales within these pages don't merely depict physical acts, but rather weave a richer tapestry that explores eroticism with depth, feeling, and an artist's touch. It's the kind of book that speaks to the sensual soul.
The Home for Unwanted Girls : The Heart-Wrenching, Gripping Story of a Mother-Daughter Bond That Could Not Be Broken - Inspired by True Events - Thryft
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This book is for anyone who loves emotional stories that tug at the heartstrings. Inspired by true events, "The Home for Unwanted Girls" captures the unbreakable bond between a mother and daughter, separated against their will. Set in 1950s Quebec, the book explores themes of love, secrets, and deceit, taking readers on a gripping journey filled with suspense and heartache. You'll be drawn into the lives of Maggie and Elodie, rooting for them as they navigate a world filled with adversity, and ultimately find the strength to reclaim their truth and family. Get ready for a rollercoaster of emotions as this compelling story unfolds.
Under The Wide And Starry Sky - A Novel - Thryft
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This book is a captivating and passionate account of the unconventional love affair between Robert Louis Stevenson and Fanny Van de Grift Osbourne. It offers a unique glimpse into the lives of these literary giants and their tumultuous relationship, spanning two decades and the world. The author, Nancy Horan, skillfully weaves together historical facts and fiction, creating a compelling narrative that will keep readers enthralled until the very last page.

Travel Back in Time with Historical Fiction

At Thryft, we invite you to journey through eras gone by with the finest historical fiction. Our selection captures the essence of different times, portraying epoch-defining events and the lives of people who inhabit them. Whether it's ancient history or modern tragedies, our curated collection immerses you in the vast tapestry of human experience. Join us in exploring these rich, vivid histories.