Books like Memoirs of a Geisha

This historical novel dives into the early life of Katherine of Aragon, born Catalina to Spanish ruler parents. Betrothed to Arthur, Prince of Wales at four years old, she's raised to be Queen of England. But after Arthur's tragic death, Katherine finds herself fighting to achieve her destiny, even if it means telling the greatest lie.

A diplomat's wife is murdered in Kenya, and her husband sets out to find the killers and their motive. This novel explores the dark side of unbridled capitalism and the personal growth of a man who discovers his own resources and the extraordinary courage of his wife. A magnificent exploration of the new world order by one of the most compelling and elegant storytellers of our time.

Transported from 1945 to 1743 Scotland, a former combat nurse named Claire Randall navigates a dangerous new world torn by war and raids. Amid lairds and spies, she finds a love so intense it tears at her loyalty and heart, forcing her to choose between two lives and two men.

Explore the hidden stories of biblical women through the eyes of Dinah in this captivating novel. Witness the traditions and struggles of ancient women in the world of the red tent as Dinah's mothers, Leah, Rachel, Zilpah, and Bilhah, guide her through a life of hard work and a calling to midwifery. This beautifully crafted story provides a valuable look at the role of women in biblical times and adds a new perspective to historical fiction.

A celebrated geisha tells her story, breaking the unwritten rules of her exclusive calling. From her intense upbringing in the Iwasaki household to her years as one of the most prized geishas in Japan's history, she shares the formal customs, arts, and enchanting experiences with kings, princes, and more. Geisha, a Life delicately unfolds the fabric of a geisha's development, revealing the beauty and heroism of a unique component of Japan's cultural history.

Follow Cora's journey through the Underground Railroad, a secret network of actual tracks and tunnels beneath Southern soil. As she flees from state to state, she encounters iterations of her own world at each stop. Colson Whitehead's book is a harrowing tale of one woman’s escape from the horrors of bondage while weaving in the saga of our nation from the brutal abduction of Africans to the unfulfilled promises of the present day. Winner of the Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award, this powerful meditation on history is not to be missed.

A moving novel about a young girl, Lily Owens, who discovers the hidden secrets of her mother's past. Set in 1964 South Carolina, Lily escapes with her fierce-hearted black "stand-in mother," Rosaleen, to Tiburon where they meet an eccentric trio of black beekeeping sisters. As Lily is introduced to the mesmerizing world of bees and honey, she learns about the Black Madonna and the power of female strength. A remarkable story that will resonate with women for generations.

Take a journey with a nine-year-old boy named Bruno, but beware of the fence he eventually reaches - one you hope to never have to cross. The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas is a difficult story to describe, with a mystery that makes it best to start without any prior knowledge. Although not written for nine-year-olds, this tale will capture anyone's heart.