“It’s not a question of whether you will hurt, or of how much you will hurt; it’s a question of what you will do, and how well you will do it, while pain has her wanton way with you.”
Books inspired by true stories have an undeniable power to captivate readers, drawing them into worlds where reality is often stranger – and more fascinating – than fiction. If you’re looking for unbelievable tales that blur the lines between fact and fiction, join us today at What We Reading as we curate some of our favourite books inspired by true stories! These books about real-life events showcase the most extraordinary moments from across history that are sure to leave you dumbfounded over how any of these stories could ever possibly be true. From gripping true crime novels to tales that take the core of true life stories and weave them into compelling narratives, these true story-inspired novels take readers on unbelievable journeys and reveal all the ways in which truth really can be stranger than fiction!
The Paris Architect – Charles Belfoure
First up on our list of incredible books based on true stories comes from Charles Belfoure in The Paris Architect. When he is coerced into engineering secret hiding spots for Jews fleeing the Nazis in occupied Paris during the Second World War, French architect Lucien is initially indifferent toward the conflict and its victims. Yet, through his work and experiences with those it impacts, he is gradually transformed by this dangerous work. The novel captures the moral struggle and personal growth of a man forced to confront his own fears and prejudices amidst the many complexities caused by war.
The Paris Architect blends fiction with real historical events, highlighting the courage of ordinary people who made extraordinary choices during times of crisis. Lucien’s transformation and the secretive nature of his work offer a timely reminder of the uncelebrated heroes of history.
A Stolen Life – Jaycee Dugard
On 10 June 1991, eleven-year-old Jaycee Dugard was kidnapped from a school bus stop within sight of her home in Tahoe, California. It was the last her friends, family and loved ones would see of her for over eighteen years. On 26 August 2009, Dugard, her daughters and Phillip Craig Garrido appeared in the office of her kidnapper’s parole officer. Their strange behaviour led to an investigation that would lead to the positive identification of Jaycee Lee Dugard, living in a tent behind Garrido’s home.
A Stolen Life is a gripping memoir by the thirty-year-old herself and covers the extensive period of time between her abduction in 1991 right up to the present. Delivered with an unflinching level of candour and bravery, Jaycee documents all that she experienced, and how she feels now after being rescued.
The Man Who Invented Motion Pictures – Paul Fischer
The Man Who Invented Motion Pictures by Paul Fischer tells the captivating story of Louis Le Prince, an inventor whose groundbreaking work in film technology predated the likes of Thomas Edison and the Lumière brothers. In the late 1880s, Le Prince developed a method for capturing motion on film. However, his work was overshadowed by his sudden and mysterious disappearance in 1890, just before he was able to unveil his techniques to the world.
Paul Fischer’s biography of Le Prince makes for one of the most fascinating books based on true stories, delving into the French artist and inventor’s life, his contributions to early cinema and the strange circumstances surrounding his vanishing. Offering the perfect blend of history, innovation and suspense, The Man Who Invented Motion Pictures puts the spotlight back on Le Prince’s pioneering achievements, which had largely been forgotten.
Educated – Tara Westover
Educated is a bestselling memoir by Tara Westover that tells the remarkable story of Westover’s upbringing in a strict, survivalist family in rural Idaho. Brought up without any formal education and isolated away from mainstream society, Westover was taught to distrust authority and the outside world. Despite these huge hurdles, she would eventually escape this tumultuous home life and find purpose in education, ultimately earning a PhD from Cambridge University.
Another one of the best memoirs formed off of a true story, Westover’s journey from an isolated, uneducated childhood to becoming a scholar at one of the most prestigious schools in the world seems almost unbelievable. The book illustrates the immense challenges she faced and overcame, making her story a testament to the power of education and the resilience of the human spirit, inspiring readers with the reminder that even the most extraordinary transformations are possible, no matter how many odds are stacked against them.
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The Lost City Of Z: A Tale Of Deadly Obsession In The Amazon – David Grann
In 1925, Percy Fawcett ventured into the Amazon to find an ancient civilisation, hoping to claim one of the most important discoveries in history. For centuries, the legend of El Dorado had led to thousands of deaths, convincing many scientists that the deepest recesses of the Amazon were truly inimical to humans. Yet Fawcett and his twenty-one-year-old son, whose previous expeditions had helped inspire Conan Doyle’s The Lost World, were determined to prove that this mythological civilisation was true. Then his expedition vanished.
For decades, scientists and adventurers have traced the tantalising clues left behind by Fawcett, the fate of his expedition and the lost city he dubbed Z. In The Lost City of Z, David Grann delves into the mysteries surrounding Fawcett’s quest and what lies within the Amazon. Like so many others before him, he soon finds himself lured into the jungle’s green hell, leading to an enthralling book based on a true story that feels ripped straight from a high-stakes adventure series.
The Boys In The Boat – Daniel James Brown
The Boys in the Boat is the incredible story of nine working-class young men from the University of Washington who, against all odds, formed a rowing team that went on to win the gold medal at the infamous 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin. The book primarily centres on Joe Rantz, a boy with a difficult upbringing who overcame personal struggles to become the hub of the team. Author Daniel James Brown weaves together their journey, showcasing the athletes’ determination, hard work and perseverance whilst also painting a vivid portrait of pre-WWII America.
What makes The Boys in the Boat such a compelling book inspired by true stories is how each of the athletes’ journeys mirrors the classic Hollywood underdog story. The team’s victory in the shadow of Nazi Germany, paired with each of their own personal hardships, creates a narrative that is as improbable as it is inspiring.
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The Devil In The White City – Erik Larson
Erik Larson’s The Devil in the White City is the chilling true story of the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair, where two acutely distinctive stories collide. One is the story of Daniel Burnham, the brilliant architect behind the fair’s design, and his struggles creating the grand event. The other is the far darker tale of Dr. H. H. Holmes, one of the first recorded serial killers in American history, who used the fair as a backdrop for his gruesome crimes. Larson expertly binds these two narratives together, capturing both the grandeur of the fair and the horrifying secrets hidden behind the city.
One of the best books based on true stories, The Devil in the White City juxtaposes a world-renowned event and a serial killer’s reign of terror. Holmes’ cunning and macabre nature is set against the optimism and innovation of the fair, making for a story so shocking and so strange that it almost appears fantastical. Larson’s work presents a haunting glimpse into the past and reminds us that some of its most shocking elements are lurking in plain sight.
Part-time reader, part-time rambler, and full-time Horror enthusiast, James has been writing for What We Reading since 2022. His earliest reading memories involved Historical Fiction, Fantasy and Horror tales, which he has continued to take with him to this day. James’ favourite books include The Last (Hanna Jameson), The Troop (Nick Cutter) and Chasing The Boogeyman (Richard Chizmar).
