The Greatest "Nonfiction, Historical fiction" Books Since 1980

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 284 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

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Nonfiction

Historical fiction

Historical fiction is a genre of literature that combines fictional stories with real historical events, settings, and characters. These books often take place in a specific time period and are based on research and factual information, but also include imaginative elements to create a compelling narrative. Historical fiction allows readers to experience the past in a unique and engaging way, while also providing insight into the social, cultural, and political issues of the time.

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  1. 1. Schindler's List by Thomas Keneally

    The book tells the true story of a German businessman who saves more than a thousand Polish Jews during the Holocaust by employing them in his factories. The protagonist's transformation from a greedy high living war profiteer to a savior of lives forms the crux of the narrative. It offers a chilling yet inspiring account of the horrors of the Holocaust, human resilience, and the power of one individual to make a significant difference.

  2. 2. What Is the What by Dave Eggers

    The novel is a fictionalized account of a real-life Sudanese refugee, Valentino Achak Deng, who was forced to flee from his village during the Second Sudanese Civil War. The story follows his harrowing journey as a child through Ethiopia and Kenya, his life in various refugee camps, and his eventual resettlement in the United States. The book explores themes of survival, identity, and the power of storytelling, while shedding light on the tragic history and ongoing humanitarian crisis in Sudan.

  3. 3. Schindler's Ark by Thomas Keneally

    The book is a historical novel based on the true story of a German industrialist who becomes an unlikely humanitarian amid the barbaric Nazi reign. When he witnesses the horrors inflicted upon the Jews, he is moved to save as many as he can by employing them in his factory. His actions, driven by courage and compassion, lead to the salvation of over a thousand Jewish workers from certain death in the Holocaust. The narrative explores themes of morality, survival, and the capacity for good in the face of overwhelming evil, as the protagonist navigates the complexities of war and the human spirit.

  4. 4. Out Of The Fire by Ales Adamovich, Yanka Bryl, Vladimir Kolesnik

    "Out Of The Fire" is a powerful collection of stories that vividly depict the horrors and resilience of the human spirit during World War II. Through the eyes of various characters, the book explores the devastating impact of war on individuals and communities, capturing their struggles, sacrifices, and moments of hope amidst the chaos. With hauntingly beautiful prose, the authors bring to life the unimaginable atrocities of the war, reminding us of the importance of remembrance and the enduring strength of the human soul.

  5. 5. A Bridge Through Time by Laila Abou-Saif

    "A Bridge Through Time" is a poignant memoir that chronicles the author's life journey, weaving together the rich tapestry of her Egyptian heritage with her experiences in the Western world. The narrative delves into the complexities of identity, culture, and the sense of belonging as the author navigates the challenges of assimilation and the preservation of her roots. Through a series of reflective anecdotes and personal insights, the book offers a unique perspective on the universal quest for self-discovery and the reconciliation of disparate worlds, ultimately serving as a metaphorical bridge connecting the past with the present.

  6. 6. Dumba Nengue, Run For Your Life by Lina Magaia

    The book is a harrowing account of the Mozambican people's suffering during the civil war that followed the country's independence from Portugal. It compiles testimonies and personal stories that reveal the atrocities committed by the Renamo guerrillas, who were backed by foreign powers. Through the eyes of the survivors, the narrative exposes the brutalities of war, including the destruction of villages, the murder of innocent civilians, and the resilience of those who were forced to flee their homes. The work serves as both a poignant reminder of the cost of conflict and a tribute to the spirit of the Mozambican people who endured and survived amidst such terror.

  7. 7. The Lost Painting by Jonathan Harr

    "The Lost Painting" tells the story of a lost masterpiece by Italian Baroque artist Caravaggio, titled "The Taking of Christ." The book follows the journey of a young art historian, Francesca Cappelletti, as she sets out to uncover the painting's whereabouts. Along the way, she encounters a cast of characters including art dealers, art historians, and even a mafia boss. Through meticulous research and a bit of luck, Cappelletti finally locates the painting in a Dublin Jesuit house, where it had been hanging for centuries, unrecognized as a Caravaggio. The book is a captivating tale of art history, detective work, and the power of obsession.

  8. 8. Isaac's Storm by Erik Larson

    "Isaac's Storm" is a gripping narrative that chronicles the devastating 1900 Galveston hurricane, the deadliest natural disaster in American history, through the eyes of Isaac Cline, a senior meteorologist for the U.S. Weather Bureau. The book delves into Cline's personal and professional life, exploring his initial underestimation of the storm's severity and the tragic consequences that followed. It combines meticulous research with vivid storytelling to capture the human drama and the meteorological turmoil of the event, highlighting the limitations of early 20th-century weather forecasting and the impact of human error and hubris on disaster response and preparedness.

  9. 9. The Boys In The Boat by Daniel James Brown

    This book tells the inspiring true story of the University of Washington's 1936 eight-oar crew and their epic quest for gold at the Berlin Olympics. It focuses on how these sons of loggers, shipyard workers, and farmers overcame immense physical and psychological challenges to defeat elite rivals first from eastern and British universities and finally the German crew rowing for Adolf Hitler in the Olympic Games. The narrative not only captures the sheer physicality and competitive nature of rowing but also delves deeply into the personal lives and backgrounds of the crew members, illustrating how their shared experiences and unbreakable bond drove them to achieve an unparalleled victory in the face of adversity.

  10. 10. Going Dutch by Lisa Jardine

    "Going Dutch" explores the profound influence of Dutch culture and innovation on seventeenth-century England during the reign of William III and Mary II. The book delves into how the Glorious Revolution led to a significant transfer of intellectual and cultural ideas between the Dutch and the English. It examines the impact of this cross-cultural exchange on various aspects of British life, including art, science, trade, and politics, highlighting how Dutch expertise and practices were instrumental in transforming and modernizing England. The narrative provides a detailed analysis of the period, illustrating the lasting impact of Dutch influence on British society.

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If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

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