First and Second World War Historical Fiction

Posted by Susan Whelan Mar 10, 2009

I enjoy reading both historical fiction and fictionalised accounts of historical events. Recently, I have been reading a number of works of fiction set during the First or Second World War.

The Reader

I have had The Reader by Bernhard Schlink on my “To Read” list for quite some time and the movie release was the perfect incentive to get started. If I am planning to see a movie based on a book, I much prefer to read the book first.

I enjoyed The Reader and found it a surprisingly approachable and easy read, despite the more serious themes.

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas

While not yet released in Australia, this film has already screened overseas. Fortunately, I have already read The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne, so I will be able to see this one at the movies once it finally arrives here Down Under.

The Book Thief

Another novel headed for the big screen, The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, has been released as youth and adult fiction in different countries. The movie release is currently targeted for 2010 with fans of this amazing novel avidly waiting announcements of which actors will play the leading roles.

Classic War Fiction

The Diary of Anne Frank or The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank - undoubtedly one of the best known works of war literature for teens and adults.

When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit by Judith Kerr - another touching story of a young Jewish girl who is forced to flee Germany during the early 1930s.

Suite Francais and All Our Worldly Goods by Irene Nemirovsky – Nemirovsky died at the age of 39 in the Auschwitz concentration camp.

Modern Novels set in World War 1 or 2

Heroes of Tobruk and Angels of Kokoda by David Mulligan

A Rose for the Anzac Boys by Jackie French

A Lucky Child by Thomas Buergenthal

War’s End by Victoria Bowen

The Widow and Her Hero by Thomas Kenneally

The Piano Teacher – Janice Y K Lee

Other Non-Fiction War Books of Interest

Sacred Places by K S Inglis

War Behind the Wire edited by Michael Caulfield

Hitler’s Private Library – Timothy W Ryback

Dambusters by Max Arthur

A Stout Pair of Boots by Peter Stanley

Cruel Conflict by Kathryn Spurling