Best Jewish Historical Fiction Books of 2025

The Midwife of Auschwitz is a heart-wrenching historical novel inspired by a true story. It follows Ana Kaminski, a midwife who fights for love, life, and hope during the darkest period of World War II. Ana and her friend Ester secretly tattoo babies with their mother's numbers, hoping to reunite them one day. The book is a page-turner, and readers who enjoyed The Tattooist of Auschwitz, The Alice Network, and The Nightingale will be gripped. The novel is a poignant reminder of the strength of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable darkness.

The Boy From Block 66: A WW2 Jewish Holocaust Survival True Story is a haunting and inspiring tale of Moshe Kessler, a 14-year-old boy who has seen more tragedy than any child should. He steps off the train at Buchenwald concentration camp after enduring Auschwitz-Birkenau and surviving the death march. Moshe knows the only way to survive is to get to Block 66, where the camp's secret resistance rises up to protect the children. This book is a must-read for those seeking true stories of Holocaust survival and the courage of those who fought to protect the innocent.

Surviving The Forest is a gripping Jewish historical fiction book that tells the true story of a family's journey during World War II. The story follows Shurka, a young woman who is forced to flee with her family to the dark forest to survive the brutal Nazi soldiers and their dogs. The book is a powerful tribute to love and resilience and highlights the strength of women during difficult times. The author's writing style makes the story feel personal, and the characters are relatable and memorable. Overall, Surviving The Forest is a must-read for anyone interested in historical fiction and a reminder of the power of hope and courage during dark times.

People of the Book is a captivating novel by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Geraldine Brooks. The book follows the journey of the Sarajevo Haggadah, a rare manuscript created in fifteenth-century Spain, through centuries of exile and war. When Australian rare-book expert Hanna Heath is tasked with conserving the priceless work, she discovers tiny artifacts in its ancient binding that unlock its deep mysteries. Brooks weaves a masterful tale of intrigue, fine art forgery, and ultranationalist fanaticism, making People of the Book a must-read for those who enjoy historical fiction with a touch of mystery.

The Flight Portfolio by Julie Orringer is a remarkable historical fiction novel inspired by real events. The story revolves around Varian Fry, a journalist, and editor who along with a group of like-minded New Yorkers, helps artists and writers escape from the Nazis and immigrate to the United States. Set in Marseille during World War II, the book is a gripping tale of forbidden love, high-stakes adventure, and unimaginable courage. The author's deep research and vivid storytelling make this book a must-read for anyone interested in Jewish historical fiction. Overall, The Flight Portfolio is an extraordinary novel that explores the transformative power of art and love in any form.

The Red Tent by Anita Diamant is a modern classic interpretation of the biblical story of Dinah, imagining the traditions and turmoils of ancient womanhood. The novel starts with the story of Dinah's mothers and creates an intimate connection with the past. Diamant vividly conjures up the ancient world of caravans, shepherds, farmers, midwives, slaves, and artisans, making it a compelling read. The book combines rich storytelling and presents a new view of biblical women's lives. Overall, The Red Tent is a full-bodied novel that is deeply affecting and has timeless resonance.

My Mother's Secret is a touching and inspiring novel based on a true story of a mother and daughter who risked their lives to save Jewish families during the Nazi regime in Poland. The story is told from four different perspectives, revealing the struggles and courage of ordinary people who chose to do extraordinary things. The book is well-written, with simple yet captivating language that draws the reader into the story. It is a reminder of the power of kindness, compassion, and sacrifice, and a testament to the human spirit. Highly recommended for anyone interested in Jewish historical fiction books.

The Sweetness of Forgetting by Kristin Harmel is a heartwarming novel that takes readers on a journey of self-discovery, family secrets, and the search for the truth. Hope McKenna-Smith, a baker in Cape Cod, travels to Paris to uncover a family secret for her dying grandmother. What she learns may change everything. The book is sprinkled with recipes that add to the immersive and evocative tale of generations struggling to survive. Harmel does a magnificent job of telling this saga and delivers a story that is absolutely enthralling and full of twists and turns. The Sweetness of Forgetting is a unique and captivating read that is highly recommended for fans of Jewish historical fiction books.

The Devil's Arithmetic is a children's Holocaust fiction book by Jane Yolen, published by Puffin Books. The story of the book is about a 12-year-old girl named Hannah, who is transported back to a 1940s Polish village and experiences the horrors of the Holocaust. The book has won the National Jewish Book Award and has received great reviews from Kirkus Reviews and Publishers Weekly. The 30th-anniversary edition comes with a new introduction from the author. In conclusion, this book is a powerful and moving read that provides a unique perspective on the Holocaust for children.

The Last Restaurant in Paris is a gripping World War 2 fiction set in Nazi-occupied Paris. The story follows Marianne, the owner of a little restaurant who serves German soldiers to save her people. Years later, her granddaughter Sabine inherits the restaurant and discovers a hidden passport that leads her to question her grandmother's legacy. This haunting and compelling story of love, strength, and sacrifice will captivate fans of The Nightingale, The Paris Library, and The Alice Network. The Last Restaurant in Paris is a heart-wrenching tale that will stay with you long after you finish reading.