The Victorian era is a time in history known for romanticism and a unique fashion style, probably the main reasons wherefore so many people dream about living in a fantasy recreation of those times. But the Victorian era is more than that. It’s also about drama, killer working conditions and crime.
I’m a big fan of those times, so I love books depicting the atmosphere back then. These being said, let me introduce you to some of my favorite Victorian era fiction books out there.
October, October, by Katya Balen (2021)
Some say this book is ideal for young teens. Sure, it’s not the most sophisticated book in the world, but it’s got that special something that takes you back to a different world. To be honest with you, grownups will love it as well.
The story follows October’s story, who lives with her father in the woods. They’re isolate and wild, but once October turns 11, her life is about to change. She rescues a baby owl, her father has an accident and her mother returns in her life.
I won’t give you too many spoilers, but this is one of the most life affirming books I’ve ever read.
The House at Helygen, by Victoria Hawthorne (2022)
This is one of those books set in Victorian era that transpose you from one time to another, pretty much the concept that everyone dreams about. The action starts in 2019, when Henry is found dead. His wife believes it was murder, rather than suicide, so she starts digging to conduct her own investigation.
The action moves to 1881 then and follows Eliza, who moves into the house, hoping to get married. But when she meets her mother in law, she realizes she’s about to make the biggest mistake of her life. It’s a story that connects the present and the past in a unique manner, so I’ll let you discover it yourself.
On a side note, this is the kind of book they should make a fantasy movie after.
Fingersmith, by Sarah Waters (2002)
Fingersmith has a special place in my heart among Victorian era historical fiction books. The book follows Sue, an orphan who ends up adopted by Mrs. Sucksby. She ends up spending her life in the household, meeting all kinds of characters, including a bunch of thieves known as the fingersmiths.
The thieves ask her to infiltrate a rich household as a maid. If she succeeds, they’ll all get a big chunk of fortune. Willing to help the family that looked after her, Sue is up for it, but she soon realizes that her morals could push her back.
It’s one of those stories about life and decisions, something we’ve all been through at some point. Emotional, thrilling, but also full of action.
A Great and Terrible Beauty, by Libba Bray (2004)
You can’t go wrong with this book if you’re into mystery. Trust me, there’s always a plot twist round the corner in this book. Once you get hooked in, you just want it to continue. Here’s the good news, this is only the first part in the Gemma Doyle series, so there’s more!
Anyway, to give you a few hints about the plot, the action starts in 1895. Gemma is sent from India to a boarding school in England after her mother kills herself. She’s lonely and she doesn’t know anyone. It’s a completely new world for her, but there’s also an Indian man sent over to watch her.
Tipping the Velvet, by Sarah Waters (2014)
This book is about the Victorian times, dreams come true and finding love where you least expect it. Sarah Waters has done a fairly good job at pushing me through all the emotions I could think of. It all starts with Nan, an oyster girl with no future prospects.
She’s a big fan of Kitty Butler, a fantastic entertainer of those times. She’s trying to attend all of her shows and one time, she actually gets to meet her heroine. Long story short, Nan becomes Kitty’s dresser and that’s when their adventure begins.
You’d think it’s all professional, but you’ll have to read it to figure what happens behind closed doors.
The Crimson Petal and the White, by Michel Faber (2011)
This is definitely a classic, one of my favorite Victorian era fiction books. There’s a series with the same title as well, but I recommend reading the book first, it’s much more detailed and works your imagination a little. Besides, the TV series is slightly different and focused on one particular aspect only.
Anyway, the story follows Sugar. She’s only 19 and she works on the London streets as a prostitute. She wants more, but that’s all she can do at the moment. Luckily for her, she starts growing in the society and her popularity attracts people of all kinds. Unfortunately, she attracts the wrong type of people.
