9 Must-Read Historical Fiction Books Set in Germany—Drama, Secrets and Emotions Ahead!
From WWI to WWII, these books will take you back to key moments in Germany’s history
Reading historical fiction is a powerful way to experience the past through the eyes of someone living a very different life. And historical fiction books set in Germany are a popular subset of the genre. With its rich history, diverse landscapes, vibrant cities and its pivotal role in world events Germany provides the perfect backdrop for unforgettable tales.
Here, we’ve compiled our top nine books, transporting you to pivotal moments in time. These gripping tales uncover hidden histories, emotional struggles, wartime secrets and family drama, offering a fresh perspective on the past. From a wartime classic like Erich Maria Remarque’s All Quiet on the Western Front to an intriguing mystery like The Pursuit of Pearls by Jane Thynne, there’s something for everyone. Keep scrolling for our complete list of historical fiction books set in Germany.
‘The Book Thief’ by Markus Zusak
Set in Nazi Germany in 1939, this novel dives into powerful emotions and the impact books have on people. Meet Liesel Meminger, a foster child living outside of Munich, who survives by stealing books. With her foster father’s help she learns to read and soon shares her stolen books with the neighbors during raids and bombings. Liesel also brings books to the Jewish man hiding in her basement, hoping she doesn’t get caught along the way.
What readers are saying: “The Book Thief is one of the best novels I have read. Truly! Author Markus Zusak’s storyline is both sad and wonderful, as it deals with Germany during WWII and the Holocaust. His memorable characters have tremendous depth, and the plot is extremely original. However, what makes this book so extraordinary is the author’s writing, which, at times, is more poetry than prose.”
‘The Girl From Berlin’ by Ronald H. Balson
When Catherine Lockhart and Liam Taggart are called away to Tuscany to help an old friend, they don’t hesitate. Their friend’s aunt is being evicted from her home, although she has the deed showing ownership. Catherine and Liam’s only clue is a handwritten manuscript written entirely in German about a long forgotten story.
Flashback to 1918 when Ada Baumgarten was born in Berlin after the war. She’s the daughter of a first-chair violinist and a prodigy herself. She also formed a deep connection with her childhood friend Kurt, but they were separated when her Jewish family came under suspicion. Her talent helped carry her through those tough times and even allowed her to move to Bologna—even though it wasn’t the place she hoped it would be. But what became of Ada, and how is she connected to the land in the Tuscan villa?
What readers are saying: “I loved the juxtaposition between Ada’s growing up during the rise of Hitler and Naziism with present-day Italy. This story will hook you and keep you turning the pages. Actual historical happenings are excellently interwoven into the story’s progression but not bogged down by too much detail. You can feel the encroachment and sinister beginnings of one of the most terrible times in history so it feels more like it is happening in real time. You will not be disappointed!
‘All Quiet on the Western Front’ by Erich Maria Remarque
Known as one of the best war novels of all time, All Quiet on the Western Front details the German experience during World War I. Paul Baumer is only 20 years old when he enlists with his classmates in the German army. They go in with a positive outlook and enthusiastic spirit, but everything they’ve been taught gets pushed aside after their first experience in the trenches. Even after years of tragedy, Paul stands his ground and fights the idea of hatred that pits men of the same generation in different uniforms against each other… that is if he can stay alive until it’s over.
What readers are saying: “This truly is a masterpiece. The author draws on his frontline experiences during World War 1 to bring the honest brutality and inhumane face of war to light and at what cost war is fought. Great book and highly recommended reading to all.”
‘The Orphan’s Tale’ by Pam Jenoff
During World War II, two women with haunting pasts are thrown together under extraordinary circumstances. Noa, a 16-year-old, is cast out by her family after becoming pregnant by a German soldier. Forced to give up the baby, she stumbles across a boxcar filled with dozens of Jewish infants headed to a concentration camp. Reminded of the child that was taken from her, she rescues one of the babies and flees into the night. Soon, Noa finds refuge with a traveling circus but must learn the trapeze act to blend in with everyone else. That earns her animosity from the lead aerialist, Astrid. Though the two start as enemies, they quickly forge a strong bond. Will their friendship be enough to save one another, or will their secrets destroy everything?
What readers are saying: “This was one of the most captivating books I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading. This was written beautifully. I flew through the pages. I really felt like I actually knew the characters, and I was right there with them. If you haven’t read this, you need to, especially if you like historical fiction! This was a haunting, harrowing tale that stays with you long after you turn the last page.”
‘Address Unknown’ by Kathrine Kressmann Taylor
In this story, Katherine Kressman Taylor showcases the rise of Naziism through a series of letters between Max and Martin. Max is a Jewish art dealer in San Francisco, and Martin is his friend and former business partner who moved back to Germany in 1932 as Hitler was starting to come to power. The story highlights the importance—and consequences—of friendship.
What readers are saying: “An important piece of literature that should be required reading. Words are powerful, and this book is proof. The history behind how it came to be made the story even more impactful. Wow.”
‘The German Wife’ by Kelly Rimmer
Bestselling author Kelly Rimmer brings the true story of Operation Paperclip to life in this gripping novel. The story begins in 1939 Berlin, where a rising political regime brings unexpected benefits to Sofie von Meyer Rhodes and her husband, Jürgen, an esteemed academic. Though neither supports Hitler’s ideology, Jürgen’s role in the rocket program secures their future. But as Berlin undergoes a chilling transformation, Sofie is forced to question how much they must sacrifice—morally and personally—for their survival.
What readers are saying: “This was the first book by Kelly Rimmer that I have read but it won’t be the last. It gave me a different perspective on Germans during WWII. It also gave me a clearer perspective on life during the dust bowl. Each character had their own coping mechanisms, which became crucial when they all came together.”
‘Only the Brave’ by Danielle Steel
Meet Sophia Alexander, the daughter of a surgeon in Berlin who had to grow up way too quickly. When her mother falls ill, Sophia is left to care for her younger sister, Theresa, her father and the household, all while volunteering at the hospital after school. Hitler’s rise to power concerns her, but only her mother will listen to those fears. After her mother dies, Sophia becomes more involved in the resistance, and things become even more personal when she’s forced to help Theresa flee Germany. It doesn’t matter that political tensions rise and Sophia is under watch; she’ll do whatever it takes to help those in need.
What readers are saying: “A poignant tale of survival and perseverance from the queen of women’s fiction! Danielle Steel always delivers a story that takes her reader on a journey that makes us feel like we are living the angst right beside her characters. While the heroine suffers great injustice, she tells her story in a powerful way that connects the reader to the direness of what is happening. Very well told and easily connectible. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a dramatic spin on historical women’s fiction.”
‘The Pursuit of Pearls’ by Jane Thynne
The story, set in 1939, follows Clara Vine, a half-English, half-German actress living in Berlin as WWII is about to begin. But when Clara ends up spying for the British, she is soon caught in a dangerous world filled with mystery and deceit. And when someone close to her is murdered, she is shaken. While the press says the cause of death is the act of a lone madman, Clara knows there’s more to the story.
What readers are saying: “I can strongly recommend this book. It certainly gives one insight into the early days of Germany before the invasion of Poland and the author has a gift for descriptive language.”
‘The School for German Brides’ by Aimie K. Runyan
This historical novel takes you back to 1939 Germany. It centers on Hanna Rombauer, a young German woman sent to live with her aunt after her mother’s death. Soon, Hanna is thrust into a life of luxury and unwillingly matched with an SS officer. Her independence is no longer considered appropriate, and she’s sent to a bride school where she will learn how to be a “proper” German wife. Meanwhile, Mathilde Athman, a German Jewish woman, is struggling because the war has taken so much from her. All she wants is to keep her unborn child safe, and she realizes she must hide to do so. Hanna and Tilde’s lives start to connect, and soon Hanna will do anything she can to keep the other woman safe.
What readers are saying: “The writer did a fantastic job of transporting the reader to another time and place. Totally held my attention. I did not want to put this book down!! I learned a great deal about World War II and the struggles that accompanied it. The characters in the book felt very real to me—and I felt like I knew them. The author’s attention to small details made this book a joy to read!”
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