Best historical fiction books: top picks and hidden gems
Hayley Dennings
Historical Fiction Books
The top Historical Fiction Books:
James by Percival Everett
Both darkly humorous and harrowing, this action-packed reimagining of “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” comes from the point of view of an enslaved Jim. Lacerating observations illuminate Jim’s agency, intelligence, and compassion, making this book a cornerstone of twenty-first century American literature. “In awe - a powerful story that should be required reading for all. As someone fascinated by linguistics, I loved how this story revolved around language and diction, and how it can be used as a weapon.” glowed Fable reader Isabelle Perla about this beloved text. “...this book forces us to face the raw, unfiltered horror of what it meant (and still means) to be Black in America. The discomfort is the point - the details should make us squirm because that unease is what keeps us pushing toward change and reckoning for harm that can never fully be repaired. I’ll be sitting on this one for a while.”
Take My Hand by Dolen Perkins-Valdez
A black nurse in post-segregation in Alabama blows the whistle on injustices done to her patients, sparking a journey to making a true difference for her African American community. At the Montgomery Family Planning Clinic and beyond, she strives to keep history alive and her people’s stories remembered. Inspired by true events, this story is a moving exploration of redemption and responsibility.“A powerful and deeply moving novel that will stay with me long after finishing the final page. Inspired by true events, this story sheds light on the horrific history of forced sterilization in the American South, while centering the narrative on compassion, moral courage, and the cost of doing what’s right in an unjust system.” wrote Fable reviewer Carmen Parks.
When the Emperor Was Divine by Julie Otsuka
This novel is a haunting evocation of a family in wartime, painting a portrait of the Japanese American incarceration camps and illuminating a message for today. Told from five points of view, Julie Otsuka takes the reader from Berkeley, California in 1942 to being reclassified as enemy aliens overnight and facing the omnipresent loneliness and barbed wire fences of barracks.“I don't really have the words. It should be required reading in American schools, but instead, the events described in this book are purposefully omitted from all textbooks.” wrote Fable reviewer Abigail G.
Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo
Equal parts queer romance and coming of age, this novel explores identity and historical upheaval in San Francisco’s Chinatown during the 1950s. With the Red-Scare paranoia threatening everyone, including the Chinese American main character, Lily, America in 1954 is not a safe place to fall in love. But she finds it blooming with Kathleen in a lesbian bar called the Telegraph Club, and the two must risk everything to let their love blossom.“This book truly was such a beautiful experience to have read and so relatable and raw. I see myself in Lily SO much specifically the way she finally had enough of playing the “good” obedient daughter who didn’t ask twice when directed by her parents to do anything. My heart was shattered at the anxieties that I seem to have once shared with Lily pertaining to her entire life being flipped upside down if this “horrible mistake/feeling” got out to everyone. Kath’s gentle love truly only made my heart shatter even more when we got more of a glimpse as to her home life and the way everyone spoke about her in school. My first 5 star book in 2026!” wrote Fable reviewer lizzobereading about this book.
The Ballad of Jacquotte Delahaye by Briony Cameron
Follow a woman of color’s rise to power as one of the few female pirate captains to sail the Caribbean in this thrilling, swashbuckling story. As Jacquotte and her band struggle to survive against a ruthless pirate captain, Jacquotte becomes tempted by a mysterious young woman. When tasked with a dangerous scheme to heist a shipment of jewels, Jacquotte must rely on her wit and decide what price she is willing to pay to secure a better future for her crew.“Absolutely banging historical fiction. sapphic pirate ship captain?? I love. Also, I didn't realize till I read the author's note, but Jacquotte was actually a real person and that makes this even cooler,” wrote Fable reviewer Mia Nighgroh in a five star review.
Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell
This deeply moving novel brings the death of Shakespeare’s eleven-year-old son, Hamnet, and the years leading up to his production of his great play to the light. Mesmerizing and impossible to put down, this story paints a romantic and devastating image of 16th century English life in the face of the ever-present threat of The Black Death. “I’d be a fool if I gave in to my reluctance to read this book because it was literally everywhere. I see why it was everywhere. Never have I sobbed so utterly devastated over a character’s death than I did during this read. I’m a new mother, so everything devastating, every piercing sentence, every tear shed over Hamnet's death felt like a blow to my heart. If I could, I would read and re-read this book everytime I want to relive my privilege of being a mother. Also, I don’t think I’ve read a better written book in recent times,” wrote Fable reviewer Palak Sharma about this book.
The Lady of the Rivers by Philippa Gregory
The legend of Jacquetta, Duchess of Bedford, is brought to life in this story that details her treacherous path through battle in the War of the Roses to bring power to her family. After being introduced to the world of alchemy through marriage and joining King Henry VI’s court, Jacquetta must fight against visions of threats to England for her new king and queen to ensure a bold future with the throne of England for her daughter, Elizabeth.“Philippa Gregory is by far one of my most favorite authors. The Lady of the Rivers is book one in her renowned sixteen book series of the Plantagenet and Tudor Court. The book starts out with a bang and carries the reader to the depths and heights of the amazing life of Jacquetta of Luxembourg. There's history, magic, love, war and raw ambition strewn throughout the pages of this book that sets the tone for all the books in this series. I lost sleep over this book because I couldn't wait to see what would happen next. I’m so excited to continue my reading journey and can't wait to start reading book two,” wrote Fable reader BreeADoresReading🩷 after finishing this book.
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
The price of betrayal and the possibility of redemption are explored in this vivid story, enjoyed by millions of readers around the world. Khaled Hosseini reminds us how long the people of Afghanistan have been surviving the forces of violence. Get transported into the tragic sweep of history when an unlikely friendship forms between a wealthy boy and the son of his father’s servant at a crucial moment of transition and destruction.“Kite Runner was one of the best books I’ve ever come to read. I feel speechless after finishing it. Although it is filled with so much hurt, so much loss it contains unbelievable amounts of love and restoration. I would prepare yourself to read it but know that after you will be changed, you will grow with Amir and you will be a better person for it. And it shows how despite your past, despite your sins there is always a way to be better, to atone, to make things right again even if it seems impossible.” wrote Fable reviewer Logan in a five-star review. “You always have a choice, and there is always a Hassan there to show you love no matter your sins throughout your life. I only wish I could be as good as Hassan.”
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
A spellbinding love story for the ages unfolds when a former British combat nurse in 1945 is catapulted back in time to 18th century Scotland. Isolated between danger, passion, and violence, Claire finds her only hope for safety in Jamie, a young Scots warrior. Soon, Clair becomes torn between two different men in two different worlds.“I don't even know where to begin with Outlander. I had heard so many things from so many people, and I have no idea what took me so long to read this book. It was stunning. Every character felt so incredibly real, not simply words on paper. I became so attached to them so quickly,” wrote Fable reviewer Taya Prekop. “This is quite different to my normal reads, but I am an immediate convert to Diana Gabaldon's writing. It was descriptive, immersive, and poetic. I could not stop reading.”
Creation by Gore Vidal
Politics, war, philosophy and adventure collide in this grand tour of the ancient world. From serving as Persian Ambassador to the great king, and discussing nirvana with Buddha, to fishing on the riverbank with Confucius, Cyrus Spitama, now aged in Athens, recounts his days as he ponders the fundamental questions of his life. Revisit fifth century B. C. to explore why evil was created with good and how the universe was created.“A magnificent, and rare work. It spurred me to take a greater interest in ancient civilizations. It grapples with huge concepts - the meaning of existence; or, more correctly, it recounts the thoughts of the ancients in this respect. It is witty and sharp - it mocks all men, great and lesser, equally, for their futile aspirations,” wrote Dervla in a review of this book.As you can see from this varied list, there are many books to choose from if you’re ever wanting the vintage charm or heartbreak of historical fiction. Everyone needs something different and our values vary from person to person as well as our interests when it comes to what captures our attention. For that reason, we designed this list with different kinds of books that should work for many different kinds of people (and readers!).Whether you need those soft vibes with romance and whimsy, or thrilling plots to overcome social pressures, we hope you find a story that keeps you captivated until the very last page in these books. And remember, reading itself is an important habit. Explore these titles and thousands more on Everand, available in both audiobook and ebook formats, and expand your perspective with unlimited narration styles!
Hayley Dennings