If you're seeking historical fiction novels that portray strong women during some of history's darkest times, here’s a unique list featuring stories set against the backdrop of these genocides: Armenian, Bosnian, Cambodian, Holocaust, Pontian Greek, Rwandan, Sudan, and Ukraine.
These titles are ideal for reading in March for Women’s History Month and/or April during Genocide Awareness Month.
Armenian Genocide
"Orhan’s Inheritance" by Aline Ohanesian – Historical Fiction, Dual Timeline
– When Orhan inherits his grandfather’s estate in Turkey, he discovers Seda, an Armenian woman living in Los Angeles. Her revelations unravel a tragic love story and the hidden truths of the Armenian Genocide.
"Like Water on Stone" by Dana Walrath – Historical Fiction, Novel-in-Verse
– This lyrical novel follows Sosi, a teenage girl who flees her home with her siblings during the 1915 Armenian Genocide. Her courage and the bond with her family become their only hope for survival.
"Who She Left Behind" by Victoria Atamian Waterman – Historical Fiction
– This novel follows Aunt Vicky, a woman haunted by shame, guilt, and failure stemming from the Armenian Genocide. As her family uncovers long-buried secrets, the story explores the emotional legacy of trauma and the quiet strength of women across generations.
Bosnian Genocide
"The Unquiet Dead" by Ausma Zehanat Khan – Mystery, Historical Fiction
– A Canadian detective investigates the mysterious death of a man linked to the Srebrenica massacre. Through the investigation, the voices of female survivors and their strength in the aftermath of the Bosnian Genocide emerge.
"The Cellist of Sarajevo" by Steven Galloway – Historical Fiction
– While depicting the Siege of Sarajevo, this novel features Arrow, a female sniper defending her city. Her journey reflects the moral dilemmas and resilience of women caught in the Bosnian conflict.
"The Seamstress of Sarajevo" by Susan Ottaway – Historical Fiction
– This novel follows two sisters navigating the devastation of Sarajevo during the Bosnian War, highlighting the unbreakable bond and survival instincts of women during genocide.
"In the Shadow of the Banyan" by Vaddey Ratner – Historical Fiction, Autobiographical Novel
– Raami, a young girl from a privileged Cambodian family, is torn from her home during the Khmer Rouge regime. Her imagination and strength help her survive unspeakable horrors.
"Children of the River" by Linda Crew – Historical Fiction, Young Adult
– After escaping the Cambodian genocide, Sundara struggles to reconcile her Cambodian roots with her new life in America while carrying the emotional scars of war.
"A Blessing Over Ashes" by Adam Fifield – Historical Fiction
– This story is inspired by real-life experiences of a young Cambodian girl who survives the Khmer Rouge and rebuilds her life, focusing on the resilience of women against oppressive regimes.
Rwandan Genocide
"Running the Rift" by Naomi Benaron – Historical Fiction
– This novel follows Jean Patrick, a Tutsi athlete, and Beatrice, the woman he loves, as the Rwandan Genocide threatens their dreams and forces them to fight for survival and justice.
"A Sunday at the Pool in Kigali" by Gil Courtemanche – Historical Fiction
– Gentille, a Rwandan waitress, forms a forbidden romance with a Canadian journalist while facing the rising tide of ethnic violence and genocide in Rwanda.
"Not My Time to Die: The Story of a Rwandan Child Survivor" by Yolande Mukagasana – Historical Fiction, Autobiographical
– A gripping narrative of a young girl’s survival during the Rwandan Genocide, focusing on the strength and endurance of women through unimaginable suffering.
Sudan (Darfur Genocide)
"Tears of the Desert: A Memoir of Survival in Darfur" by Halima Bashir – Historical Fiction, Autobiographical
– This powerful novel recounts Halima’s experiences as a doctor in Darfur who risks everything to protect women and children from the atrocities of genocide.
"The Translator" by Leila Aboulela – Historical Fiction
– Sammar, a Sudanese widow living in exile, faces her past as she rebuilds her life, intertwining personal healing with the broader context of Sudan’s conflict.
"Beneath the Lion’s Gaze" by Maaza Mengiste – Historical Fiction
– Though centered on Ethiopia, this novel reflects the experiences of women living through state violence, echoing the struggles of women during the Darfur genocide.
Ukraine (Holodomor)
"The Memory Keeper of Kyiv" by Erin Litteken – Historical Fiction, Dual Timeline
– This novel follows Katya, a young woman struggling to survive the 1930s Holodomor, and her granddaughter, who uncovers her hidden past decades later.
"Red Famine: Stalin’s War on Ukraine" by Anne Applebaum – Historical Fiction, Non-Fiction Blend
– While a broader historical account, it includes the voices of Ukrainian women who survived the Holodomor, highlighting their resilience.
"The Winter Garden" by Kristin Hannah – Historical Fiction, Dual Timeline
– Two sisters uncover their mother’s secret past, revealing her survival of Stalin’s terror in Ukraine, including the devastating Holodomor.
Which books have you read? What would you add to the list?
Here’s a little glimpse into my bookish world.
When I’m not reading... I’m writing, promoting my debut novel, researching my next book, reading to our grandsons, sharing bookish thoughts on social media, and piecing together jigsaw puzzles—usually with a book theme.
📚 Monthly Columnist – Victoria’s Voice for The Armenian Weekly
📖 Author – Who She Left Behind, a 5-star, award-winning historical fiction novel inspired by my family’s story of survival during the Armenian Genocide and their journey of rebuilding in the United States.
✉️ Creator of HerSTORYian Tales – A free monthly newsletter dedicated to the art of storytelling through reading, writing, and speaking. We spotlight female protagonists, celebrate Armenian culture, and dive into the captivating world of Who She Left Behind. Click here to sign up and you will automatically receive a monthly update of books I've read.
Check back each month for updates, and feel free to share your thoughts—I’d love to hear from you. Let’s journey through the pages together!
Read On! Victoria
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