Many in retirement are travelling comfortably, with three key factors contributing to their happiness – good physical and mental health and enough money to enjoy life.
Perhaps the assumption that markets are still anchored by predictable economic policies needs to be challenged. For the first time since the fall of the Berlin Wall, political volatility – once background noise – is potentially reshaping investment risk at a structural level.
Historical novels bring the past alive in an entertaining way
There’s nothing quite like stepping into the pages of a novel and being transported to another time. It could be about war, the quiet resolve of a rural homestead or the drama of court life, but whatever it is, historical fiction brings the past to life in ways that are emotionally resonant and richly educational.
For readers who love history – not just the facts and dates, but the human drama behind them – historical fiction offers the perfect blend of storytelling and time travel.
The best historical novels do more than just recreate a time period – they offer insight into universal themes that resonate today: courage, sacrifice, love, loss and the enduring complexity of the human spirit. They also remind us that history is not a distant abstraction – it’s made up of people who lived, dreamed and struggled. These novels don’t just teach us about the past – they help us feel it.
So, brew a cup of tea, settle into your favourite chair and open a book. The past is waiting and below are eight, hopefully, good suggestions for your enjoyment.
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak (pictured): Set in Nazi Germany, this beloved Australian novel tells the story of a young girl, Liesel, who finds solace in stealing books and sharing them with others, even as the world around her descends into chaos. Narrated by Death itself, the novel offers a poignant, poetic look at wartime survival, childhood innocence and the enduring power of words.
Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel: For readers drawn to courtly intrigue and political drama, Mantel’s Wolf Hall is a masterwork. It follows the rise of Thomas Cromwell in the court of Henry VIII, told with an intimacy and psychological depth rarely seen in historical fiction. Mantel breathes new life into well-trodden Tudor history, making the complex politics of the period accessible and deeply compelling. If you enjoy this one, it’s the first of a trilogy – the full series offers a sweeping portrayal of one of England’s most fascinating eras.
A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles: Spanning several decades in early Soviet Russia, this novel centres on Count Alexander Rostov who is placed under house arrest in a luxury hotel across from the Kremlin. Though confined within its walls, his world opens up in unexpected ways. With wit, charm and a deep sense of humanity, Towles creates a rich, character-driven tale that reflects on dignity, resilience and the changing tides of history.
All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr: This Pulitzer Prize winner traces the interwoven lives of a blind French girl and a German boy during World War II. The writing is lyrical and immersive, with alternating perspectives that give insight into both sides of the conflict. It’s a story about survival, hope and the quiet ways people resist tyranny.
The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman: A haunting Australian novel set on a remote lighthouse island off the Western Australian coast in the aftermath of World War I, it explores themes of love, loss and moral compromise. When a boat washes ashore carrying a dead man and a living baby, the couple tending the lighthouse must decide what to do – setting off a chain of events with heartbreaking consequences.
The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles: Based on the true story of librarians at the American Library in Paris during the Nazi occupation, this dual-timeline novel celebrates the quiet courage of ordinary people. Moving between 1940s Paris and 1980s Montana, it’s a gentle yet gripping tale about the power of books and the strength of community.
The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris: This international bestseller is based on the true story of Lale Sokolov, a Slovakian Jew who was forced to tattoo identification numbers on fellow prisoners at Auschwitz. While the subject matter is harrowing, the novel is ultimately a story of love and survival. Written by a New Zealand–born Australian author, it’s a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unthinkable horror.
Beneath a Scarlet Sky by Mark Sullivan: Set in Italy during World War II, this novel is based on the real-life adventures of Pino Lella, a young man who becomes involved in the underground resistance. Part spy story, part love story, part war epic, it’s a fast-paced and emotional ride through one of history’s most dramatic periods.
