FallenKingdomReads’ list of 5 Historical Fiction Novels That Bring Forgotten Women to Life.
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
The Nightingale tells the story of two sisters living in Nazi-occupied France during World War II. Vianne is a mother and wife who must protect her family while her husband is away at war, while her younger sister, Isabelle, joins the French Resistance.
The Confessions of Frannie Langton by Sara Collins
Set in 1826, The Confessions of Frannie Langton follows the story of a Jamaican slave who is accused of murdering her employer and his wife. Through Frannie’s own account of her life, readers are taken on a journey through the horrors of slavery and the struggles of a woman trying to escape the chains of her past.
The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd
The Invention of Wings is based on the real-life story of Sarah Grimké, a 19th-century abolitionist and suffragist. The novel tells the story of Sarah and her relationship with her slave, Hetty Handful Grimké, as they navigate the complexities of race, gender, and social class.
The Book of Longings by Sue Monk Kidd
Another novel by Sue Monk Kidd, The Book of Longings tells the fictional story of Ana, a woman who marries Jesus and becomes his wife. Although the novel is set in biblical times, it offers a fresh perspective on the role of women during that era and the challenges they faced.
The Girl with the Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier
The Girl with the Pearl Earring is a fictional account of the creation of Johannes Vermeer’s famous painting of the same name. The novel tells the story of Griet, a young girl who becomes a maid in Vermeer’s household and develops a close relationship with the artist.
