Top Tips for Finding Engaging Historical Fiction Books

Defining Historical Fiction

What is Historical Fiction?

• Historical fiction is a literary genre where the story takes place in the past, typically at least 50 years before the author’s lifetime.
• Historical novels capture the details of the time period as accurately as possible for authenticity.
• Historical fiction can be set in any time period, from classical antiquity to World War II.

Crafting Compelling Historical Novels
Key Elements of Good Historical Fiction

• Good historical fiction should immerse readers in the past, using historical details to create a vivid and believable setting.
• The author should strive to create a sense of authenticity, using historical accuracy to inform the story.
• Historical fiction writers blend detective work and empathy to create imagined stories within real historical contexts.

Finding Your Next Historical Fiction Read
Researching Historical Eras and Settings for Writing Historical Fiction

• Choose a real person from history or an ordinary person living in extraordinary times to inspire your story.
• Use letters, diaries, accounts written by others, and biographies as valuable sources to add color to your story.
• Visit galleries, museums, and talk to people to get a better sense of the time period and characters.

Exploring Historical Fiction Subgenres

• Historical fantasy combines historical accuracy with fantastical elements, such as magic or mythical creatures.
• Alternate history explores what would have happened if historical events had unfolded differently.
• Historical mystery combines historical accuracy with detective fiction, often featuring a mystery to be solved.
• Historical romance combines historical accuracy with romantic fiction, often featuring a love story set in the past.

Evaluating Historical Fiction Books
Assessing Historical Accuracy in Historical Novels

• Historical fiction does not have to be historically accurate, but it should strive to be plausible and authentic.
• Authors should balance historical accuracy with a creative license, using their imagination to create engaging stories.
• Get the broad strokes right but take creative liberties with smaller details.

Judging Character Development and Plot

• Create characters that fit the era, using historical accuracy to inform their worldviews.
• Use characters to explore settings, rather than prioritizing setting construction.
• Remember to show both sides of history, including the perspectives of marginalized groups.

Discovering New Historical Fiction Authors 
Using Book Reviews and Recommendations

• Read book reviews and recommendations to find new historical fiction authors and books.
• Look for books that have won awards or received critical acclaim.

Exploring Online Historical Fiction Communities

• Join online forums and social media groups dedicated to historical fiction to discover new authors and books.
• Participate in discussions and ask for recommendations to find your next great read.

Start Your Historical Fiction Journey

• Writing historical fiction is a delicate dance between accuracy and imagination.
• Start by choosing a setting and era, then conduct extensive research to create a vivid and believable world.Remember to focus on what hasn’t changed in a historical setting, such as natural landscape features.

Finding engaging historical fiction books can be a delightful journey into different eras, cultures, real people, and perspectives.

Here are some tips to help you discover captivating historical fiction reads:

1. Explore Different Time Periods and Settings
Historical fiction spans a wide range of time periods and settings, from ancient civilizations to recent history. Consider exploring eras that interest you personally or that align with historical events you find intriguing.

Whether it’s the Tudor era of England, World War II Europe, or ancient Egypt, each period offers unique narratives and rich historical contexts to explore.

2. Research Award-Winning and Critically Acclaimed Titles

Look for books that have received awards or accolades within the historical fiction genre.

Awards like the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, the Man Booker Prize, or historical fiction-specific awards such as the Walter Scott Prize can indicate quality storytelling and meticulous historical research.

Reading reviews and recommendations from reputable sources can also help you identify standout titles.

3. Follow Favorite Authors and Series

If you’ve enjoyed historical fiction from specific authors or series in the past, consider exploring more of their works.

Many historical fiction authors develop series that follow characters or families across multiple books, offering continuity and deeper explorations of historical events and settings.

Following authors on social media or subscribing to their newsletters can keep you informed about new releases and upcoming titles.

4. Join Online Book Communities and Forums
Engage with online book communities and forums focused on historical fiction.

Platforms like Goodreads and Reddit’s books, as well as historical fiction-specific websites often feature discussions, reading recommendations, and book clubs dedicated to the genre.

Participating in these communities allows you to interact with fellow readers, share insights, and discover hidden gems recommended by like-minded enthusiasts.

5. Explore Different Subgenres within Historical Fiction

Historical fiction encompasses a variety of subgenres, each offering unique storytelling approaches and thematic focuses.

Whether you prefer historical mysteries, romance, biographical fiction, or tales of adventure, exploring different subgenres can introduce you to diverse narrative styles and perspectives within historical settings.

6. Read Author Interviews and Historical Background

Delve into author interviews, articles, and background research related to historical events depicted in fiction.

Many authors provide insights into their research process, sources of inspiration, and the historical accuracy behind their narratives.

Understanding the historical context and factual basis of a story can enhance your appreciation of the author’s interpretation and storytelling techniques.

7. Visit Local Bookstores and Libraries

Local bookstores and libraries often curate displays and recommendations for historical fiction books.

Browsing shelves and talking to knowledgeable staff can lead to unexpected discoveries and personalized recommendations based on your reading preferences.

Independent bookstores, in particular, may offer unique selections and insights from staff passionate about historical fiction.

8. Attend Author Readings and Book Events

Keep an eye out for author readings, book signings, and literary festivals in your area or online.

These events provide opportunities to hear authors discuss their works, ask questions, and gain deeper insights into the stories behind their historical fiction.

Connecting with authors and fellow readers at these events can enrich your reading experience and inspire new discoveries.

9. Utilize Online Bookstores and Recommendation Algorithms

Online book retailers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Book Depository use recommendation algorithms based on your browsing and purchase history to suggest books you may enjoy.

Explore curated lists, “Customers Also Bought” sections, and personalized recommendations to uncover new historical fiction titles aligned with your interests.

10. Embrace Diverse Perspectives and Themes

Historical fiction offers opportunities for exploring diverse perspectives, voices, and themes that may be overlooked in traditional historical narratives.

Seek out books that explore lesser-known events, marginalized communities, or unconventional protagonists to broaden your understanding of history and appreciate the richness of human experiences across different cultures and time periods.

By exploring these tips and avenues, you can cultivate a rewarding reading experience filled with engaging historical fiction that transports you to different worlds while deepening your appreciation for the complexities of ancient history and human nature.

11. Seek Recommendations from Book Bloggers and Booktubers

Book bloggers and Booktubers (YouTubers who focus on book reviews and recommendations) often specialize in specific genres, including historical fiction.

Their reviews, reading vlogs, and themed recommendation lists can provide valuable insights into new releases, underrated gems, and beloved classics within the genre.

Following book bloggers on platforms like Instagram and Twitter or subscribing to Booktube channels allows you to stay updated on the latest trends in historical fiction and discover titles that resonate with your reading preferences.

Many bloggers and Booktubers also engage with their audience through interactive features such as monthly reading challenges or themed reading months dedicated to actual historical figures or periods, offering curated reading lists and fostering community discussion around historical fiction.

12. Consider Book Awards and Historical Fiction Societies

Exploring book awards and historical fiction societies can lead to discovering acclaimed titles and authors recognized for their contributions to the genre.

Organizations like the Historical Novel Society and the Romantic Novelists’ Association offer annual awards for outstanding historical fiction across various categories, from literary fiction to genre-specific works like historical romance or mystery.

Winners and nominees of these awards write historical fiction and often represent a diverse range of storytelling styles and historical periods, providing a curated selection of high-quality reads recommended by literary experts and peers within the historical fiction community.

Following these awards and joining historical fiction societies can provide access to curated reading lists, author interviews, and opportunities to connect with fellow enthusiasts who share your passion for immersive historical storytelling.

13. Attend Literary Festivals and Virtual Author Events

Literary festivals and virtual author events provide unique opportunities to engage directly with historical fiction authors, hear them discuss their creative processes, and gain deeper insights into the historical contexts of their novels.

These events often feature panels, readings, and discussions centered on historical fiction, allowing you to discover new authors and gain firsthand knowledge about their inspiration and research methods.

Whether attending in person or virtually, participating in these events fosters connections with authors and fellow readers who share your enthusiasm for these historical characters and narratives.

It also offers a chance to ask questions, explore thematic elements in depth, and develop a deeper appreciation for the intricacies of historical storytelling.

14. Explore Anthologies and Short Stories in Historical Settings

Besides full-length novels, exploring anthologies and short story collections set in historical settings can offer varied and concise glimpses into different time periods and themes.

Anthologies often feature contributions from multiple authors, each bringing their unique perspectives and storytelling styles to brief yet impactful narratives.

These collections may focus on specific historical figures, events, regions, or cultural perspectives, providing a mosaic of experiences that highlight the diversity and richness of historical fiction.

Short stories, on the other hand, offer concise explorations of characters, settings, and themes within a historical framework, making them ideal for readers seeking immersive experiences in a shorter format.

Exploring anthologies and short stories allows you to sample different authors and historical periods, uncovering hidden gems and discovering new favorites while enjoying the versatility and depth that historical fiction has to offer.

By incorporating these additional strategies into your search for engaging historical fiction books, you can expand your reading horizons, discover compelling narratives from diverse perspectives, and enrich your appreciation for the intricacies of history brought to life through captivating storytelling.

Whether you’re drawn to sweeping epics set in distant eras or intimate character-driven dramas of everyday life, exploring the breadth and depth of historical fiction offers endless opportunities to embark on literary journeys that resonate with the past while illuminating timeless themes and human experiences.