Historical Fiction—Traveling Through Time

By Sarah Jones, Library Director, Carlsbad Public Library

One of the greatest joys of reading is its power to transport us—beyond borders, cultures, and even time. Historical fiction does this with a unique blend of storytelling and research, plunging readers into vividly reimagined pasts that feel both authentic and emotionally compelling.

At the library, we like to think of historical fiction as the ultimate time machine: no tickets, no luggage—just a good book and your imagination.

Unlike textbooks or documentaries, historical fiction brings history to life through personal stories. It places you right in the middle of the action: at the court of Henry VIII, in the trenches of World War I, walking the Oregon Trail, or weaving through the marketplaces of ancient China. Whether you prefer the drama of royal courts, the hardship of immigrant journeys, or the resistance of unsung heroes, there’s a historical novel that will speak to you.

What sets great historical fiction apart is the emotional connection it builds. These novels don’t just tell you what happened—they show you what it might have felt like. You’ll understand the desperation of a Dust Bowl farmer, the hopes of a Civil Rights marcher, or the fear of a soldier in battle. Through characters grounded in specific time periods, readers gain insight into how society, culture, and even language evolved over time.

At the library, we offer historical fiction titles for every age and interest. For adults, authors like Kristin Hannah (The Nightingale), Ken Follett (The Pillars of the Earth), and Colson Whitehead (The Underground Railroad) offer sweeping sagas filled with resilience, betrayal, love, and revolution.

Young adult readers might enjoy Ruta Sepetys’ Salt to the Sea or Elizabeth Wein’s Code Name Verity, both of which spotlight lesser-known aspects of 20th-century history through gripping, character-driven narratives. For middle-grade readers, Lauren Tarshis’s I Survived series makes key moments in history accessible and exciting.

Historical fiction also has a unique ability to connect readers across generations. A grandparent and grandchild might read different books set in the same era and come together to discuss what they learned. Book clubs often turn to this genre for rich discussion material: Was the protagonist right to defy tradition? How much liberty did the author take with the facts? Could those events happen again?

If you’re not sure where to start, ask your local librarian. We’re always happy to recommend titles based on your interests—whether you’re fascinated by ancient civilizations, curious about colonial America, or want to better understand more recent events like the Vietnam War or the fall of the Berlin Wall. Many of our selections come with discussion guides and author notes that dive deeper into the real history behind the fiction.

So come travel through time with us. Browse our shelves, borrow a title, and discover a different world—one page at a time. Whether you’re exploring the bustling streets of 19th-century Paris or standing in silent awe at a medieval cathedral, historical fiction invites you to experience the past as though you were there.

History may not repeat itself exactly, but in the pages of a good novel, it lives again.