Five of the Best Literary Historical Novels, recommended by Paul Carlucci
Writers approach historical fiction from many different angles, explains the novelist Paul Carlucci—whose new, evocative novel is set in colonial-era Canada. Here, he recommends five of his favourite...
View ArticleThe Best Historical Fiction of 2024, recommended by Katharine Grant
The judges of the Walter Scott Prize aim to highlight the very best new historical novels, and in 2024 they have settled on a varied shortlist featuring a Trinidadian tragedy, a Vatican-based thriller,...
View ArticleHistorical Novels Set in Italy, recommended by Tracy Chevalier
Historical novels are at their most compelling when they get the details of daily life in the past right, argues bestselling author Tracy Chevalier. She picks five of her favorite historical novels set...
View ArticleThe Best Historical Fiction Set in the American South, recommended by Xan Brooks
The 'Deep' South is a complicated place with a complicated history. But that's what makes it such an effective literary setting, says Xan Brooks—author of The Catchers, a story of Blues music and...
View ArticleThe Funniest Historical Novels, recommended by Toby Clements
Historical fiction, as a genre, is not known for its laugh-a-minute qualities. But that's not to say there isn't space for humour, when the events of the past have so often been surreal, ironic, or...
View ArticleClassic Historical Fiction Set in Ancient Rome
Ever since the ruins of an ancient civilization started to be discovered around Italy, ancient Rome has captured the imagination and inspired writers. Here we've collected together all the novels about...
View ArticleThe Best Novels about the History of the United States, recommended by...
An exploration of the history of the United States may require novels that are challenging to read but offer the reward of really making you think about a complex subject. Literary scholar Bernard T....
View ArticleHistorical Mystery Novels, recommended by Tuva Kahrs
Do you enjoy being immersed in the detail of a well-observed historical novel, or gripped by the mystery of a detective story? Historical mysteries combine the best of both. From 1st century Rome to...
View ArticleHistorical Novels Set in World War 2
The dramatic events and scope of World War 2 make it one of the most popular settings for historical fiction. The range of books varies widely, from real-life stories written up as novels, to entirely...
View ArticleThe Best Historical Fiction of 2025, recommended by Katharine Grant
Every year, the judges of the Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction highlight the very best new books published in that genre over the past twelve months. In 2025, the six book shortlist features...
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