Best Historical Fiction Audiobooks to Keep You Company—From Romance to Mystery and More!
Woman’s World editors share their top picks for the best historical fiction audiobooks
Whether you’re going on a road trip, cleaning the house, sitting on an extra-long flight or walking around the neighborhood, a really good audiobook serves as a great way to pass the time. Audiobooks are set apart from books because, somehow, they’re even more immersive. With talented narrators pulling you into the story’s atmosphere, audiobooks provide a fully entertaining (and hands-free!) escape so you can go about your travel day or check tasks off your to-do list as you listen.
And while all genres are great in audio format, historical fiction books offer an even deeper atmospheric element. Not only do historical fiction audiobooks provide rich settings, authentic accents and well-researched historical details, they also vividly transport listeners back in time. Here, we gathered up 9 of our favorite historical fiction audiobooks by bestselling authors Kristin Hannah, Taylor Jenkins Reid, Sarah Gruen and many more.
Keep scrolling to discover 9 of the best historical fiction audiobooks, from family sagas to sweeping romance, eerie mysteries and more. Happy listening!
‘The Henna Artist’ by Alka Joshi
Brimming with vibrant imagery and moving moments, this novel by bestselling author Alka Joshi captivates. When 17-year-old Lakshmi escapes from an abusive marriage, she travels by herself to 1950s Jaipur. Here, she becomes a talented henna artist — and confidante — to the wealthy women of Jaipur. She’s entrusted with secrets but vows to never reveal her own as she pursues an independent life. One day, years later, the husband Lakshmi left back home finds her. But when he shows up, he brings Lakshmi’s sister — a young girl she’s never met. Now, Lakshmi must decide how to proceed with the life she desires. A story about self-discovery, family and love.
What listeners are saying: “The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi is a vivid look at life in India in the ’50s and one woman’s search for independence — and it has got to be one of the most stunning debuts I’ve ever read. This book is so rich in culture that I felt like I was there the entire time. The characters also felt entirely realistic, and I was a huge fan of Lakshmi and so many of the women in the novel. I was so sad when the book ended so I was incredibly excited to learn there are two more books after this. I ended up listening to the audio of the whole book, and Sneha Mathan did such a stunning job narrating it.”
‘The Covenant of Water’ by Abraham Verghese
The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese is the story of three generations of an Indian Malayali Christian family who are afflicted by a mysterious disorder. This disorder, referred to as “The Condition,” causes at least one family member in each generation to die by drowning. The narrative follows the life and losses of Big Ammachi — a 12-year-old bride who becomes the family’s matriarch. Her story is woven with tales from two doctors who join the Indian Medical Services — perspectives inspired by Verghese, who is a physician himself. The Covenant of Water tackles family, tradition, legacy, grief, love and sacrifice themes.
What listeners are saying: “What a magnificent work of art! The narration by the author is perfect. I thought this would take me months to finish, but I couldn’t stop reading it and never wanted it to end. Captivating from the very first line until the last.”
‘The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store’ by James McBride
A dazzling mystery unfolds in this best-selling book. After a body is discovered in a well in the 1970s, listeners are then taken to the 1930s, following different characters. All their stories overlap as they work together to protect a young deaf boy. A perfect blend of found family and friendships.
What listeners are saying: “Moving, gripping, beautiful, educational, this book as read by Dominic Hoffman, is pitch perfect. It was one of the few times I was compelled to binge-listen to a book thanks to the fantastic tale, exquisite writing and artful reading. A masterpiece and treat for the ears and soul.”
‘Behind Every Good Man’ by Sara Goodman Confino
After finding her husband Larry in bed with his secretary, soon-to-be single mother Beverly Diamond does what any woman in the 1960s would do: She teams up with his competitors to help an underdog candidate named Michael Landau win a spot in the Senate. While Larry’s candidate might be more experienced, Beverly’s is much more passionate and willing to hear her out on ideas regarding women’s rights and how to dress. And now, thanks to some much-needed luck, Beverly might beat her ex-husband at his own game and discover what it really means to be a powerful woman in the 1960s.
What listeners are saying: “Sara Goodman Confino is so well versed at crafting compelling characters and engaging storylines. This story, set in her hometown of Montgomery County, Maryland, is no different. The fun wit and spectacular twists and turns will keep you listening all the way through!”
‘Water for Elephants’ by Sara Gruen
Unforgettable characters? Check. Brilliant landscapes? Check. Sensual romance? Check. Sara Gruen’s bestselling novel Water For Elephants is a magical escape—and it was also made into a movie starring Reese Witherspoon and Robert Pattinson. As a circus sets up across the street from his retirement home, 90-something Jacob Jankowski reminisces about joining the circus when he was young and reveals the secret he’s been hiding for 70 years. What follows is a battle of bravery and love.
What listeners are saying: “I read Water for Elephants years ago when it came out as a paperback novel. I really liked it then, but I also loved the audio version. Using two different narrators for young and old Jacob makes the story even more poignant. Even if you’ve previously read Sara Gruen’s novel, I highly recommend listening to Water for Elephants.”
‘Daisy Jones and The Six’ by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Electric chemistry, juicy drama and soul-stirring nostalgia…this book—which was made into a hit streaming series on Amazon Prime — has it all. Written like a biography, this novel captures the rise to fame of Daisy Jones & the Six—one of the biggest bands of the ’70s, led by the brooding Billy Dunne and the beautiful Daisy Jones. In interview-style chapters, readers are taken along on a gripping ride that chronicles the ups and downs of the world’s most famous rock band and the mysterious breakup at the height of their fame. A dazzlingly narrated story featuring a talented cast of people who embody the characters through and through.
What listeners are saying: “This story takes us back into the 1970s rock scene and feels entirely authentic. I can’t imagine the print version of this novel is as good as the audiobook. Daisy Jones & The Six is narrated by some of the best narrators in the business — a full cast. This format doesn’t work in some cases, but it certainly does here. The audio version reminds me of a documentary-type memoir told from various perspectives. Though it’s a fictional story of a 70s rock band, it feels real.”
‘The Great Alone’ by Kristin Hannah
Bestselling author Kristin Hannah transports readers to 1970s and 1980s Alaska in this atmospheric and powerful tale about family, resilience and love. Ernt Allbright is a former POW who returns from Vietnam a different, volatile man. After losing yet another job, he moves his family to Alaska as a last hope, where they will live off the land in America’s last frontier. Thirteen-year-old Leni is growing up amidst her parents’ unpredictable relationship. What follows is a dangerous domino effect for the Allbright family as winter descends on Alaska and they fight for survival.
What listeners are saying: “The author herself recorded the Acknowledgments section, and I was fascinated to learn that her family settled in Alaska. She did meticulous research on the vast state and its colorful history, which is shown in every word. At times horrifying in its savagery, The Great Alone is ultimately a gorgeously written book filled with unforgettable characters and unimaginable tragedies.”
‘Yellow Wife’ by Sadeqa Johnson
This immersive, vibrant story takes listeners back to Charles City, Virginia, in 1850. Pheby Delores Brown grew up a slave on a plantation where her mother was the medicine woman. Pheby was promised freedom on her 18th birthday, but instead of a free life with her true love, Essex Henry, Pheby is thrust into life with the owner of a jail called the “Devil’s Half-Acre.” An extraordinary tale about a brave heroine’s true sacrifice, courage and fight for freedom.
What listeners are saying: “Parts of this story were so tough to listen to that I’d have to pause and take time to cry or breathe. The author did a brilliant job of writing and telling this heartbreaking story. The main character surpassed any bravery I could ever imagine. Although it wasn’t an easy listen, it was a book I’m happy to have heard. It was beautifully written and I will definitely seek out more books by this author.”
‘The Heart’s Invisible Furies’ by John Boyne
Heartfelt and hilarious moments abound in John Boyne’s The Hearts Invisible Furies. Cyril Avery’s last name isn’t actually Avery—and his adoptive parents never forget to remind him of this. Born out of wedlock to a teen girl from rural Ireland and adopted by a wealthy, eccentric Dublin couple, Cyril feels lost and unsettled in life. His one constant: his friendship with Julian Woodbead. Over the course of many years, Cyril searches for his long-lost identity and where he really belongs. A coming-of-age story that will make you wonder, laugh and cry as you listen.
What listeners are saying: “Wow. Just Wow. I wish all audiobooks captivated me as this one did. It was so well written and narrated that when I finished listening, I immediately started listening to it again.”
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