Have you ever read a novel that kept you connected to reality, making it impossible for you to believe it was based on a true life story? Books that are inspired by real-life events have certain qualities that give each page a strong sense of authenticity.
Books that are based on real-life events have the extraordinary power to stir up readers’ emotions, capture their imagination, and leave a mark on their hearts.
These books provide a window into the lives of extraordinary people, revealing the victories they attained, the challenges they overcame, and the lessons they learned all through their journey.
So, if you are a lover of books like this, and would want to feel that sense of authenticity and connect with real life and not just fiction, continue reading. In this post, you will see books from award-winning bestsellers and books based on true stories from award-winning authors.
Why Are Some Novels Based On True Stories So Powerful?
Some of the novels that are based on true stories are so powerful for so many reasons, one of which is the impact it has on the readers. Another important reason is that it has the capacity to build an intense emotional bond with the readers.
It can also increase a story’s relatability and emotional effect to know that it is based on someone’s true story. The reader may experience sympathy, compassion, and other strong emotions as a result and develop an emotional connection to the story or the characters.
Now, let’s take a look at eight books based on true stories that will leave you glued to the last page.
#1• Wolf Hall By Hilary Mantel
- Audible Audiobook
- Joe Navarro (Author) – Paul Costanzo (Narrator)
- English (Publication Language)
- 01/19/2012 (Publication Date) – HarperAudio (Publisher)
- Raye, Jennifer (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 172 Pages – 10/15/2019 (Publication Date) – Rockridge Press (Publisher)
- 【One for All】Adapt to multiple platforms, Kindle page turner, iPhone page turner, iPad page turner, Android tablets page turner.
- 【Reading more freely】Release your hands and make Reading more freely.
- 【Easy】Clip it when you use it,Take it off when not in use. The remote control is controlled by one hand, delicate and compact, comfortable to feel.
- 【USB charging】USB charging eliminates the trouble of changing batteries. A single charge standby few weeks.
- 【Convenient】Remote be designed with mute button,when you reading in the night,will not noise others.
Wolf Hall is a true life story of Thomas Cromwell written by Hillary Mantel. Cromwell was an English leader and also Henry VIII’s prime minister. The book received a nomination for the 2010 Costa Book Award and won the 2009 Man Booker Prize.
Damian Lewis plays Cromwell in the television adaptation of this book, which was made into a series. From humble origins as the son of a blacksmith in Putney, Cromwell ascended to become one of the most influential people in England.
In addition to playing a significant role in the Tudor dynasty’s ascent, Cromwell helped arrange Henry’s second marriage to Anne Boleyn and secure the dissolution of his previous relationship.
He was also a key figure in the English Reformation, which led to the establishment of the Church of England after a split from the Catholic Church.
Even though He was ultimately sentenced to death and killed, his legacy has continued, and today many people think of him as one of England’s most influential leaders.
#2• Beautiful Exiles By Meg Waite Clayton
- Audible Audiobook
- Meg Waite Clayton (Author) – Kirsten Potter (Narrator)
- English (Publication Language)
- 08/01/2018 (Publication Date) – Brilliance Audio (Publisher)
Beautiful Exiles is a historical book written and published in 2018 by Meg Waite Clayton. The book explored the true stories of two renowned American authors, Martha Gellhorn and Ernest Hemingway, and the turbulent relationship that existed between them.
Martha Gellhorn was the protagonist in this story. She is a war correspondent and journalist who first encountered Ernest Hemingway in 1936 in Key West, Florida. Gellhorn is adamant about breaking into a traditionally male-dominated field as a respected author.
Gellhorn got attracted to Earnest Hemingway first due to his charisma and brilliance, and the two started a passionate relationship. The story tells about the tempestuous relationship, which was characterized by Earnest Hemingway’s erratic behavior and unrelenting desire for success and recognition.
She strives to strike a balance between the demands of being associated with such a complex man and her own goals and objectives. She finds herself in Hemingway’s spotlight, but she won’t let their friendship be the only thing that defines her. Beautiful Exiles is all about the true story of two well-known American authors.
#3• Still Alice By Lisa Genova
>> Click here to learn more about the book on Amazon <<
“Still Alice” is a true life story written and published by Lisa Genova, a neurologist, in 2007. The book explores the life of Alice, a 50-year-old lady who is identified as having early-onset Alzheimer’s disease.
The journey of Alice as she deals with the difficulties and changes caused by the condition is detailed in Still Alice. At Harvard University, Alice Howland is a highly successful professor of cognitive psychology.
She starts to experience changes in her mind and thinking processes, which she first regards as the result of age advancement. But as Alice’s symptoms keep developing and she begins to feel confused and disoriented, she seeks medical attention and was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s.
“Still Alice” shows how Alice’s life has been affected by Alzheimer’s disease, as well as how she relates with John, her spouse, and her grown-up kids. This story is based on Genova’s personal neurologist experiences.
#4• Code Name Hèlenè By Ariel Lawhon
>> Click here to learn more about the book on Amazon <<
Code Name Hèlenè is based on a true story by Ariel Lawhon. The novel is centered on World War II. It centers on Nancy Wake, one of the top commanders of the French Resistance and one of the most honored women of war. Nancy was a New Zeelander who resided in Parish and also became a spy for the British.
The story is divided into two parts: the first tells the account of Nancy’s parachuting into France in 1944, and the second describes how she met her partner, Henri Fiocca, before the war.
As the previous narrative follows up with the subsequent one, you’ll experience every feeling of a woman caught up in a horrible war. This story will leave you glued to the last page and also connected to reality. The book is based on a true story.
#5• Before We Were Yours By Lisa Wingate
>> Click here to learn more about the book on Amazon <<
Before We Were Yours is a book based on the true story of a young girl who was kidnapped and sent to an unlicensed orphanage. Lisa Wingate, a best-seller author, wrote and published this story on June 6, 2017.
The book covers themes of family, love, and treachery. Her characters are complex and empathetic, and Wingate writes in a beautiful and poetic style. This is a fantastic story that will leave you captivated with so many life lessons to learn.
#6• “Empress Orchid” By Anchee Min
>> Click here to learn more about the book on Amazon <<
Empress Orchid is a fictional but true life story written by Anchee Min. It is a fictitious story of the life of Empress Dowager Cixi, a significant figure in late 19th- and early 20th-century China.
For many years, the Qing dynasty was effectively under the influence of the strong and eminent Cixi. The fictional version of Orchid, who subsequently became Empress Dowager Cixi, is also pictured in the book.
The story also explored the early life of a young concubine in the Forbidden City through her rise to prominence and eventual rule over the imperial court.
The complex social and political processes within the palace are explored in the book, along with the difficulties and obstacles encountered by women in a strongly patriarchal society.
In conclusion, “Empress Orchid” is a compelling book that gives readers a fascinating feeling into the life of Empress Dowager Cixi and gives a unique viewpoint on the inner workings of the royal court in Qing China.
#7• Schindler’s List By Thomas Keneally
>> Click here to learn more about the book on Amazon <<
The Schindler’sArt is a true story of a German entrepreneur Oskar Schindler, who helped more than a thousand Jews survive the horrors of the Holocaust. The novel was written by Thomas Keneally.
When a Holocaust survivor first told Keneally about Schindler’s story, he was greatly drawn in and took it upon himself to center his book on Schindler’s life experiences, and it came out as an engaging and thrilling work of literature.
Despite being written in the form of historical fiction, the novel has a very authentic feel to it and offers a glimpse into one of the worst eras in the history of humanity.
Schindler’s List is a must-read for everyone interested in World War II or the Holocaust because Keneally discussed the life of Oscar Schindler in detail.
#8. Murder On The Orient Express By Agatha Christie
>> Click here to learn more about the book on Amazon <<
Murder On Orient Express is one of the best and most popular books written and published by Agatha Christie. The murder that occurred in 1934 on board the Orient Express is the basis for the book, and she did an outstanding literary work.
When Christie heard about the case through her close acquaintance, Lady Dudley, she was motivated to write the novel. The main character of the book is Hercule Poirot, a renowned investigator who has been charged with discovering who killed American industrialist Ratchet.
A multinational collection of characters may be found in the book, which takes place in the opulent world of the Orient Express. Murder on the Orient Express has become one of the most well-known thrillers of all time, all thanks to Christie’s good planning and excellent use of tension.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can Reading Books Based On True Life Stories Be Beneficial To The Reader?
Books based on true stories have several advantages for the readers. They offer perceptions into many eras of history, backgrounds, and interactions between individuals. By highlighting instances of strength, tenacity, and personal development, these works can encourage and uplift readers.
What Genres Do Books Based On True Life Stories Span?
Books based on true life stories span across various genres. Some common genres include memoirs, narrative nonfiction, biographies, autobiographies, murder mystery, historical non-fiction, and true crime.
Why Are Books Written According To Someone’s Life Experience Incredibly Powerful?
Books written based on someone’s life experience are incredibly powerful because they offer readers the feeling of authenticity. Readers read them with the sense that they are connected with real-life events and not just some sort of makeup story.
Final Thought
Lastly, there are so many books based on true stories to choose from, and we’ve summarized a few of them to give you a glimpse of what you should expect.
All the books based on true stories are written with inspiration from someone else’s life experiences. It could be beautiful life experiences or life events to learn multiple lessons.
Most of the books are written by award-winning authors, and some of the books have also been nominated for different awards. You can’t go wrong with any of the books discussed above. So, choose one and have a good read!
