“His imagination was always more real than the reality of daily life.”
Step back in time and experience the literary impact of Victorian England, a period of incredible social upheaval and transformation. The smoggy streets of the likes of London and Edinburgh served as a backdrop for some of the world’s most famous authors, whose work continues to inspire. From gothic mysteries that will send shivers down your spine, to thrilling alternate history tales that transport you to another world, What We Reading has curated 9 of the best Victorian historical books for you to sink your teeth into.
Drood – Dan Simmons
Enter the world of ‘Drood‘, the mysterious name that haunted Victorian England’s greatest writer, Charles Dickens, until the end of his days. After surviving a train crash, Dickens became fixated on this enigmatic name, which he shared only with his friend and fellow author, Wilkie Collins.
What followed was a captivating tale of intrigue that lasted four years, during which Dickens abandoned writing and instead embarked on tours of graveyards, crypts, and the darkest slums in the country. ‘Drood’ is a gothic Victorian thriller based on actual historical biographies, masterfully written by Dan Simmons, one of the best historical fiction novelists of our time.
Tipping The Velvet – Sarah Waters
Meet Nan King, an oyster girl enchanted by the music of male impersonator Kitty Butler in Victorian Canterbury. Thanks to her friend working the doors, Nan gets to enjoy all of Kitty’s performances live and in person. Eventually, they cross paths and create a dynamic duo that takes them all the way to Leicester Square.
But behind the glitz and glamour of their all-singing, all-dancing act, they face a challenge: keeping their love affair hidden from the repressive Victorian society. Sarah Waters’ Tipping the Velvet follows Nan and Kitty as they navigate their way through a world that doesn’t understand their love.
The Observations – Jane Harris
Get ready for a thrilling journey into the secrets and mysteries of Victorian Scotland with “The Observations.” This gripping historical fiction novel takes us back to 1863, where we meet Bessy Buckley, a feisty Irish woman who accepts a job as a maid in a grand estate just outside Edinburgh.
Her employer is the beautiful but enigmatic Arabella, and as Bessy becomes more involved in her world, she becomes obsessed with uncovering the mystery surrounding the disappearance of her predecessor. With gothic overtones, “The Observations” is a dark and wild page-turner, following Bessy’s journey from a difficult past and showing how friendship and loyalty can be powerful tools for redemption. This is one of the best historical fiction books set in Victorian Scotland, and a must-read for anyone who loves a good mystery.
The Crimson Petal And The White – Michel Faber
In Michel Faber’s novel, “The Crimson Petal and The White,” we follow the journey of Sugar, a 19-year-old prostitute living in Victorian England. Despite her brutal beginnings in the brothel, Sugar’s ambition and determination lead her to ascend the ranks of society, eventually finding herself in the glamorous surroundings of an empire’s capital.
Along the way, she attracts the attention of affluent socialites, drunken journalists, untrustworthy servants, and even other resentful women of the night. As readers are whisked away on a tour of London’s deepest and darkest secrets, they’ll be fascinated by Sugar’s rise and the challenges she faces in a society that seeks to keep her down. If you’re looking for a gripping and intriguing Victorian historical read, look no further than Faber’s tale.
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Jack Maggs – Peter Carey
Step into the world of ex-convict Jack Maggs, who illegally makes his way to London from Australia in 1837. Seeking refuge in the home of a charitable grocer, Maggs soon becomes the talk of the town, drawing the attention of the colourful characters lining the streets of the capital.
In this Victorian mystery tale, author Peter Carey masterfully creates a complex and haunting protagonist. Maggs’ obsession with the gentlemanly class of society leads him on a journey to confront the root of his troubled past, and question where his true destiny lies. With a captivating storyline that keeps you on the edge of your seat, this novel is a must-read for lovers of mystery and historical fiction.
Experience the vibrant and gritty atmosphere of Victorian London as you follow Maggs’ journey of self-discovery, and find out why this novel is one of the classics.
Arthur & George – Julian Barnes
Travel back in time with ‘Arthur & George,’ a captivating novel based on real-world history. Set in the heart of the British Empire, the book tells the story of two boys whose lives become intertwined against a backdrop of identity struggles, societal norms, and acceptance in the 19th century.
George, the son of a Midlands vicar, grapples with his ancestry in a world hostile to diversity, while Arthur, the famed author of the world’s most beloved detective novels, pines after a woman who is not his wife. Inspired by true events, Julian Barnes expertly weaves a tale that explores the challenges of identity and the human quest for acceptance in a rapidly changing world.
The Blood Doctor – Barbara Vine
Indulge in the sinister world of obsession and death with Barbara Vine’s The Blood Doctor, a hauntingly dark tale. The novel follows Martin Nanther, a biographer researching the life of his great-grandfather, Henry. Martin soon discovers that his Victorian relative was the first doctor ever to be rewarded with a peerage, but his reported fascination with blood leads him to uncover a series of missing relatives and untimely deaths.
With real-life inspirations taken from the House of Lords, The Blood Doctor is a beautifully crafted crime thriller set in the darkest corners of Victorian society. Follow Martin as he delves deeper into the disturbing past of his ancestor, and uncovers the secrets that lie hidden in the shadows.
The Visitors – Rebecca Mascull
Step back in time to the late Victorian era and meet Adeliza Golding, a deafblind girl born on her father’s farm. Lost in a world of darkness and confusion, Adeliza is unable to communicate with her family, left only with the ghosts inside her head who she affectionately calls ‘The Visitors’. That is until her friend takes her hand and teaches her sign language, granting her the ability to finally connect with the world around her.
This uplifting and brilliantly written Victorian historical fiction book explores the power of friendship and connection as Adeliza’s journey takes her from the peaceful Kent countryside to the war-torn frontlines of the Boer War. With a captivating paranormal twist, readers will be left wondering about the true identity of ‘The Visitors’.
The Ripper’s Wife – Brandy Purdy
The encounter between Florence Chandler and English cotton broker James Maybrick in 1880 starts out as the perfect archetypal Victorian love story. But as Brandy Purdy’s The Ripper’s Wife reveals, dark secrets lurk beneath the surface of their idyllic life together.
Inspired by true historical events and theories surrounding one of the world’s most notorious serial killers, this book takes readers on a thrilling journey of love, betrayal, and the shocking truth behind James’ dark addictions. As Belle navigates the treacherous waters of Victorian society and confronts her husband’s infidelities, she uncovers the depths of his depravity hidden within the pages of his diary.
Check Out The Best Biographies Of Queen Victoria
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).
