What comes to your mind when you think of the Middle Ages? Knights? Horses? Castles and noble ladies in elaborate dresses? That’s probably what most people think of first.
While these associations are the product of Western ethnocentrism, there is so much more to the period that lasted from the 5th century to the late 15th century and encompassed huge changes, constant wars, the plague, and daily life in between. In this article, we’ve picked the ten best medieval historical fiction books that can shed light on the topic and suggest how people lived during this period in Europe and some other parts of the world.
10 Medieval Historical Fiction Books You Should Read
The books we’ve chosen are medieval historical fiction, so they cannot be considered direct historical references. However, they balance fiction and historical accuracy really well. The authors of these works have been praised for their meticulous research and vivid descriptions of medieval life and historical events. So, here are our picks:
The Pillars of the Earth
By Ken Follett
Let’s start with The Pillars of the Earth, one of the best historical fiction books about medieval England. According to Kirkus Reviews, it’s a “highly detailed but fast-moving historical work” that follows the construction of a cathedral in a fictional town in 12th-century England. What can you find there? Richly drawn characters, political intrigue, and vivid depiction of medieval life—in other words, everything that can transport you to that era. We do recommend this book for its grand scope and masterful storytelling. You can also watch the movie adaptation (produced by Ridley Scott) from 2010.
The Daughter of Time
The second book on our list is The Daughter of Time, “One of the best mysteries of all time,” according to The New York Times. It’s a classic mystery that re-examines the portrayal of King Richard III as a villainous hunchback who murdered his nephews. Scotland Yard Inspector Alan Grant is confined to hospital because of his broken leg. So, he becomes obsessed with getting to the truth behind the legend: who Richard really was and who killed the Little Princes in the Tower. If you’ve been looking for an unusual take on solving a historical mystery, you’ll like this book.
The Harem Midwife
By Roberta Rich
Next is The Harem Midwife. This medieval historical fiction novel is set in 16th-century Constantinople and follows Hanna, a Venetian exile and a midwife, who is summoned to the Sultan’s harem and risks everything to help a peasant girl. She’s a Venetian Jew, just like Hannah, and she was taken captive and sold to become the Sultan’s concubine. It’s Hanna’s choice to either help the girl or stay safe. The book is a follow-up to The Midwife of Venice (2012) and is full of graphic descriptions of life in Constantinople during this era. The book is filled with rich historical detail, so we’re sure you’ll find it highly fascinating, even if you’re not a fan of this genre.
The Lost Queen
By Signe Pike
The Lost Queen is the first book in a medieval historical fiction series about Languoreth, a Scottish queen and twin sister of the man who inspired the Merlin legend. Set in sixth-century Celtic Britain, the story takes a look at a powerful yet overlooked and tragically forgotten queen figure against the backdrop of war and religious upheaval. Languoreth was one of the most powerful early medieval queens in British history, and this book brings her back to life. It’s a great historical fiction read whether you’re a fan of Arthurian legends specifically or just enjoy reading all sorts of historical fiction and fantasy.
The Forty Rules of Love: A Novel of Rumi
By Elif Shafak
When it comes to historical fiction, medieval England and France are widely described. But what about medieval Turkey? The Forty Rules of Love: A Novel of Rumi intertwines two parallel narratives and timelines. One is set in the contemporary world, and the other in the thirteenth century. The modern line follows a forty-year-old woman named Ella Rubinstein. The other story is about the relationship between the poet Rumi and his spiritual mentor, Shams of Tabriz, during medieval times. The book delves into the complexities of human relationships and takes you on a journey across different cultures and time periods to show how these themes have affected people throughout history.
The Physician
By Noah Gordon
Next on our list is The Physician, one of the best historical fiction books, this time—about medieval Persia (and England, too). It follows Rob Cole, a young man who wants to become a healer. After losing his parents, he becomes an apprentice to a barber-surgeon and develops a near-magical gift for sensing through touch: he can feel a patient’s condition and whether they are destined to live or die. He disguises himself as a Jew and travels to Persia to study medicine with Ibn Sina (Avicenna). Along the way, he faces religious intolerance, cultural differences, and the threat of war. But he keeps learning about healing. Noah Gordon provided a great illustration of medieval Europe and the Islamic Golden Age.
The Birth of Venus
By Sarah Dunant
Let’s move on to late 15th-century Florence now. The story in The Birth of Venus revolves around a young woman named Alessandra Cecchi, who is the fourth daughter of the powerful Medici family. Her father brings a young painter from Northern Europe to decorate their family chapel, and Alessandra becomes fascinated by him and his abilities. However, her arranged marriage to a wealthy older man puts a stop to any hope of a relationship. The book describes a period when the religious leader Savonarola was gaining control in Florence, acting against the Medici. In the meantime, Alessandra’s married life is miserable, and she decides to get back to the family chapel and the young painter. While the romantic line isn’t anything extraordinary, The Birth of Venus can boast a fantastic depiction of Florence at that time.
Shadows of the Pomegranate Tree
By Tariq Ali
Our next piece of medieval fiction describes the historical period of the fall of Granada. Shadows of the Pomegranate Tree is the story of a family that tries to survive during the Reconquista of the Kingdom of Granada by Ferdinand and Isabella in the late 15th century. The story portrays the religious and cultural conflicts between Islamic and Christian societies. The book offers a poignant picture of the society on the brink of transformation and highlights the challenges faced by residents of Granada as their world falls apart. If you’re interested in the historical period and the region, this book is a must-read.
The Plague
By Joanne Dahme
Getting back to medieval England, let’s look at The Plague, a historical fiction novel set in 14th-century England during the bubonic plague pandemic that devastated Europe. Eva’s village is struck by the Black Death, and she must confront her fears and fight for survival amidst all the chaos and devastation. Her likeness to Princess Joan brings her to act as her double and a stand-in. It also leads her to a path full of deception and terror. If you want details on the topic of one of the most deadly pandemics in human history, you’ve picked the right book.
The Name of the Rose
By Umberto Eco
The last of our list of The Name of the Rose—Umberto Eco’s acclaimed debut novel, published in 1980. It’s a historical murder mystery set in a 14th-century Benedictine monastery in Italy. In the book, Adso, a young novice monk, accompanies Brother William of Baskerville, a Franciscan friar, in the investigation of a series of bizarre murders taking place at the abbey. The Name of the Rose isn’t your average medieval history fiction; it combines the elements of detective fiction, medieval philosophy, literary theory, and semiotics. And Umberto Eco’s academic expertise helps him to create a richly detailed depiction of 14th-century monastic life and the intellectual debates of the era. In other words, it’s a must-read for everyone interested in the genre. There’s also a 1986 movie adaptation directed by Jean-Jacques Annaud if you prefer to watch the story.
