Most Popular Historical Fiction Books of 2024 … So Far
We are at the end of June, and it’s the perfect moment to pause and reflect on the captivating stories that have graced our bookshelves this year. Historical fiction has always held a special place in my heart, whisking me away to different eras and immersing me in rich, vivid worlds. There’s something truly magical about how these books blend historical accuracy with the art of storytelling, allowing us to experience moments from the past through the eyes of compelling characters.
As I look back over the past six months, I’m struck by the sheer variety and quality of historical fiction released in 2024. From tales set in ancient civilizations to narratives woven through the tumultuous events of the 20th century, this year’s offerings have been nothing short of extraordinary. Each book on this list has not only captivated readers with its intricate plot and memorable characters but also brought history to life in a way that is both educational and entertaining.
In this blog post, I’ll share with you the most popular historical fiction books of 2024 so far. These novels have sparked conversations, garnered critical acclaim, and, most importantly, provided countless hours of literary escape.
Whether you’re a seasoned fan of the genre or new to historical fiction, these books are sure to transport you to another time and place.
The Women by Kristin Hannah
An intimate portrait of coming of age in a dangerous time and an epic tale of a nation divided, The Women follows twenty-year-old nursing student Frances “Frankie” McGrath as she transitions from a sheltered life in Southern California to the chaos of the Vietnam War. Inspired by the revelation that women can be heroes, Frankie joins the Army Nurse Corps after her brother ships out to serve. Amid the destruction and daily life-and-death struggles of war, she forms deep bonds and faces profound challenges. The true test comes when she returns home to a divided America, grappling with the anger of protesters and a country eager to forget the war. Kristin Hannah’s novel shines a light on the sacrifices and bravery of women in wartime, offering a richly drawn story of friendship, patriotism, and resilience.
Get it now: Amazon
The Phoenix Crown by Kate Quinn and Janie Chang
From bestselling authors Kate Quinn and Janie Chang, The Phoenix Crown is a thrilling narrative that intertwines the lives of two wronged women against the backdrop of early 20th-century events. In 1906 San Francisco, soprano Gemma and Chinatown embroideress Suling are brought together by Henry Thornton, a railroad magnate with a collection of Chinese antiques, including the legendary Phoenix Crown. Their fortunes take a dramatic turn when a devastating earthquake strikes and Thornton disappears. Five years later, the crown reappears at a Paris ball, sparking a final desperate quest for justice. The novel captures the chaos of the San Francisco earthquake and the opulence of Versailles, weaving a tale of resilience and determination.
Get it now: Amazon
Daughters of Shandong by Eve J. Chung
Eve J. Chung’s debut novel, Daughters of Shandong, is a powerful tale of survival and resilience set during the Communist revolution in China. Following the Ang family, who are cursed with daughters and no male heir, the story focuses on eldest daughter Hai and her mother and sisters as they are abandoned by their family amidst the civil war. Left to face the brutal cadres alone, they endure unimaginable hardships. Determined to survive, they embark on a perilous journey from Shandong to Taiwan, navigating the tumult of a nation in flux. Chung’s evocative prose and richly drawn characters bring to life a story of maternal love, sisterhood, and the fight for a better future.
Get it now: Amazon
Related: Exploring Culture Through the Pages of 20+ Absorbing Historical Fiction Books
The Underground Library by Jennifer Ryan
In The Underground Library, Jennifer Ryan weaves a heartwarming tale of resilience and community set against the backdrop of the Blitz. New deputy librarian Juliet Lansdown arrives at the Bethnal Green Library determined to revive it, despite the men in charge doubting her capabilities. Alongside Katie Upwood, harboring a secret, and Sofie Baumann, a Jewish refugee, Juliet transforms the library into a sanctuary. When bombs destroy their beloved library, Juliet relocates it to an Underground station, lending books to uplift spirits. Amid personal and communal tragedies, these women fight to keep the library—and their community—alive. Ryan’s novel celebrates the power of books and the strength of women in wartime.
Get it now: Amazon
Diva by Daisy Goodwin
Diva by Daisy Goodwin delves into the scandalous love affair between opera legend Maria Callas and Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis. Known as la divina, Callas rises from a challenging upbringing in Nazi-occupied Greece to become the toast of the opera world. Her passionate romance with Onassis offers her a taste of unimaginable luxury and companionship. However, the affair ends abruptly when Onassis marries Jacqueline Kennedy, leaving Callas heartbroken. Through this novel, Goodwin brings to life Callas’s extraordinary talent, drive, and resilience, depicting how she overcame personal heartbreak to reclaim her voice and legacy.
Get it now: Amazon
The Storm We Made by Vanessa Chan
Vanessa Chan’s The Storm We Made is a gripping novel set in 1945 Malaya, where Cecily Alcantara becomes an unlikely spy for the Japanese forces during World War II. As the war’s brutality reaches its peak, Cecily’s past actions come back to haunt her, endangering her family. Her son Abel has disappeared, her youngest daughter is hidden to avoid conscription, and her eldest daughter grows increasingly resentful. A decade earlier, lured by General Fujiwara’s vision of an “Asia for Asians,” Cecily’s espionage efforts inadvertently facilitated a harsher occupation. Now, as her family’s survival hangs in the balance, she must confront the consequences of her actions to save them. Chan’s novel explores themes of betrayal, redemption, and the enduring strength of family.
Get it now: Amazon
Related: Most Anticipated Historical Fiction Books of 2024
The Medicine Woman of Galveston by Amanda Skenandore
In The Medicine Woman of Galveston, Amanda Skenandore introduces us to Dr. Tucia Hatherley, a woman haunted by a fatal mistake that made her vow never to practice surgery again. Struggling to support her disabled son, Tucia reluctantly joins a traveling medicine show led by a charismatic showman. Finding a tentative sense of belonging among the performers, her resolve is tested when a hurricane traps them in Galveston, Texas. In the face of the storm’s chaos and an unwelcoming village, Tucia is forced to confront her fears and return to the operating table. Skenandore’s novel is a compelling exploration of redemption, resilience, and the courage to face past mistakes.
Get it now: Amazon
Sharpe’s Command by Bernard Cornwell
Bernard Cornwell’s Sharpe’s Command immerses readers in the gripping world of Britain’s peninsular wars in the early 19th century. The rogue hero, Captain Richard Sharpe, is tasked with an undercover mission deep within enemy territory in the Spanish countryside. As two French armies approach, Sharpe and his men find themselves vastly outnumbered, the only line of defense against a devastating attack. Cornwell, praised by George R. R. Martin for bringing history to life, crafts a tale of bravery, strategy, and relentless determination in the face of overwhelming odds.
Get it now: Amazon
1666 by Lora Chilton
In 1666, Lora Chilton brings to life the harrowing journey of three Indigenous Patawomeck women through a powerful narrative rooted in oral tradition. Set against the backdrop of the 17th century, the novel follows their struggle after the murder of their tribe’s men, their forced march to the coast, and the horrors of a slave ship journey to Barbados. Their escape back to Virginia is a testament to their resilience and strength. Chilton’s evocative storytelling captures the pain and endurance of these women, offering a poignant glimpse into a dark chapter of history.
Get it now: Amazon
Related: New Historical Fiction Books for Your TBR
All We Were Promised by Ashton Lattimore
Ashton Lattimore’s stunning debut, All We Were Promised, takes readers to 1837 Philadelphia, where Charlotte, an escaped slave from the White Oaks plantation, begins a new life. She befriends Nell, a wealthy Black abolitionist, and together they face the challenges of their era. When Charlotte learns that a friend from White Oaks is in Philadelphia and planning an escape, she and Nell must grapple with their ideals and the sacrifices they are willing to make. Praised by Adriana Trigiani, this riveting story explores themes of friendship, freedom, and the fight for justice.
Get it now: Amazon
Table for Two by Amor Towles
Amor Towles, the 1 New York Times bestselling author of A Gentleman in Moscow, returns with Table for Two, a rich collection of short stories set in New York City and Golden Age Hollywood. The New York stories explore themes of marriage, fate, and fleeting encounters. The centerpiece novella follows Evelyn Ross, a character from Rules of Civility, as she reinvents herself in 1930s Los Angeles amidst the glitz of movie screens and dive bars. Towles’ elegant prose and keen insights into human nature make this collection a transportive and captivating read.
Get it now: Amazon
All Our Yesterdays by Joel H. Morris
Joel H. Morris’s debut, All Our Yesterdays, reimagines the infamous Lady Macbeth in 11th-century Scotland. The novel delves into the young girl’s early life, marked by her mother’s death and a mysterious prophecy, leading to a tumultuous marriage with a cruel husband. Using her wit and cunning, she navigates the treacherous landscape of her husband’s downfall and her newfound freedom with her young son. When she meets the enigmatic thane Macbeth, her life takes a dramatic turn. Morris’s captivating storytelling breathes new life into a legendary character, exploring themes of power, survival, and destiny.
Get it now: Amazon
Can’t We Be Friends by Eliza Knight and Denny S. Bryce
Eliza Knight and Denny S. Bryce team up to deliver Can’t We Be Friends, a poignant novel inspired by the friendship between jazz legend Ella Fitzgerald and movie star Marilyn Monroe. Initially resistant to Marilyn’s requests for singing lessons, Ella eventually forms a powerful bond with the actress. Chanel Cleeton hails this portrayal of two extraordinary women as a must-read, highlighting the unlikely but deep friendship that transcends their differences and societal expectations. The novel beautifully captures their personal struggles, triumphs, and the enduring strength of their relationship.
Get it now: Amazon
Becoming Madam Secretary by Stephanie Dray
Becoming Madam Secretary by Stephanie Dray follows the inspiring journey of Frances Perkins, who arrives in New York City determined to tackle social injustice. Initially clashing with the ambitious young lawyer Franklin Delano Roosevelt, their relationship evolves over twenty years into a formidable political partnership. As Perkins becomes a key figure in Roosevelt’s administration, her dedication to public service and social reform shines through. Lisa Scottoline praises this novel for its inspirational and triumphant narrative, capturing the essence of a woman who made history and changed the world.
Get it now: Amazon
James by Percival Everett
In James, Percival Everett offers a brilliant, action-packed reimagining of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, narrated from the perspective of the enslaved Jim. As Jim learns he is about to be sold to a man in New Orleans, which would permanently separate him from his wife and daughter, he decides to hide on Jackson Island and devise a plan. Simultaneously, Huck Finn fakes his death to escape his abusive father. This sets the stage for their shared journey down the Mississippi River, aiming for the elusive promise of freedom. While the familiar elements of Twain’s classic tale remain—floods, storms, unexpected death and treasure, and the con artists Duke and Dauphin—Everett casts Jim’s agency, intelligence, and compassion in a radically new light. Harrowing yet ferociously funny, James is a transformative retelling that deepens our understanding of a beloved story through the eyes of one of its most poignant characters.
Get it now: Amazon
As we reflect on the most popular historical fiction books of 2024 so far, it’s clear that this year has offered readers a rich tapestry of stories that transcend time and place. From Kristin Hannah’s deeply moving The Women, which honors the often-overlooked sacrifices of female war veterans, to Percival Everett’s innovative reimagining of a classic with James, each novel brings a unique perspective on historical events and figures. These books invite us to explore different eras, understand diverse experiences, and appreciate the complexities of human resilience and courage. Whether through the lens of war, social upheaval, or personal transformation, these narratives remind us of the enduring power of storytelling to connect us with the past and illuminate our present.
For both longtime enthusiasts of historical fiction and newcomers to the genre, these books provide a captivating journey through history’s many layers. They not only entertain but also educate, offering fresh insights into the lives of those who came before us. As we continue through 2024, these novels serve as a testament to the genre’s ability to evolve and remain relevant, engaging, and profoundly impactful. So, whether you’re seeking an epic tale of adventure, a poignant exploration of human spirit, or a reimagined classic, the historical fiction books of this year promise to deliver unforgettable reading experiences. Happy reading!