Historical fiction book · Curated
In the Lake of the Woods
Tim O'Brien · historical fiction
A politician’s marriage unravels under the shadow of Vietnam (SAH Prize 1995).
About this historical novel
In the Lake of the Woods by Tim O'Brien is historical fiction set around 1960s–1980s in the Cold War / Late 20th century period with key settings including Minnesota, Vietnam. A politician’s marriage unravels under the shadow of Vietnam (SAH Prize 1995).
On HisFic we tag it under 1. Literary historical fiction, 3. Historical mystery & crime, and 5. Military & war so you can pair it with similar story types. Recurring themes include war, memory, and guilt. It also appears on our prize-winner shelf—useful if you like critically recognized historical novels.
Use HisFic’s free journey planner to stay in this era or subgenre, save titles to a want-to-read list in your browser, and open Amazon when you are ready to buy. HisFic is discovery-only—not a bookstore—so pages like this exist to help you choose the next historical novel with intent.
Plot summary
A politician’s marriage unravels under the shadow of Vietnam (SAH Prize 1995).
Awards
- ★ Society of American Historians Prize for Historical Fiction · 1995 (winner)
Biennial US prize (formerly James Fenimore Cooper Prize) for historical fiction on an American subject.
Subgenres
Eras
Browse this mix
More like this on HisFic
Curated titles that share era, story type, or themes.
- The Women · Kristin Hannah
A young American nurse serves in Vietnam and struggles to be seen when she comes home.
- The Kite Runner · Khaled Hosseini
A boyhood betrayal in Kabul echoes through war, exile, and a chance at redemption.
- On Canaan's Side · Sebastian Barry
An Irishwoman looks back across a century of war, migration, and loss (Walter Scott Prize 2012).
- A Dangerous Friend · Ward Just
American idealism collides with Vietnam’s reality (SAH Prize co-winner 2001).
- Homegoing · Yaa Gyasi
Linked stories follow two half-sisters’ lineages across centuries of African and American history.
- Pachinko · Min Jin Lee
Four generations of a Korean family navigate life under Japanese rule and in Japan.
Regions & places
North America · Asia
Minnesota · Vietnam
Themes
- war
- memory
- guilt
Tags
award-winner