Historical Non-Fiction

I received a request to feature more non-fiction books on the blog.. Here are two amazing stories of bravery, hardship, and survival, whether during a shipwreck or a war. I really enjoyed both of these and how they brought the situations and people to life — great narrative non-fiction.

The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder by David Grann (2023)

In the 1740s, the British ship the Wager set sail as part of a mission during an imperial war with Spain. The crew faced a disastrous shipwreck and struggles to survive long enough for rescue or escape. Some members did make it back home, but the tales they told didn’t necessarily match up. Were the survivors heroes or mutineers? A compelling mix of survival story, mystery, and legal thriller.

Spitfires: The American Woman Who Flew in the Face of Danger During World War II by Becky Aikman (2025)

The Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA) of Britain was an indispensable part of World War II, ferrying planes where they were most needed. And it allowed women to pilot those planes. About two dozen American women served in the ATA during the war, taking advantage of the opportunity that wasn’t available in the States and serving the war effort. Aikman skillfully follows these women as they face the challenges on land and in the air. With details about their personalities and relationships, the book makes us feel as if we know these women ourselves. (If this topic appeals to you, be sure to check out my post on other books about female pilots.)