11 Favorite Historical Fiction Reads from a Bookstagrammer

There’s something special about a good historical fiction story. The characters pull at a nostalgic empathy and excitement, or a deep sense of curiosity and wonder or  for a time long ago. Somehow it’s easy to feel a kinship with the women in these novels—even though our daily experiences might be very different, some things will always connect us. Bookstagrammer and avid reader Tilly (@tillylovesbooks) says she’s “in her historical fiction era,” and you can be too with her 10 top picks of the year—plus one new release from the best-selling author Jodi Picoult!

“I love historical fiction because I love feeling like I’ve learnt something whilst reading, or that I’ve discovered the untold stories of the women who are often forgotten throughout history. I’m learning, whilst also feeling a deeper connection to the characters than I necessarily might in a nonfiction book!” — Tilly

Here are Tilly’s 11 top historical fiction picks of 2024 for your next cozy read or girlfriends book club!

1. Brotherless Night by V. V. Ganeshananthan
2. The Women by Kristin Hannah
3. Where The Heart Should Be by Sarah Crossan
4. The Silence in Between by Josie Ferguson
5. There are Rivers in the Sky by Elif Shakaf
6. Junction of Earth and Sky by Susan Buttenwieser
7. The Seven Sisters by Lucinda Riley
8. The Glassmaker by Tracy Chevalier
9. The Instrumentalist by Harriet Constable 
10. The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo
11. By Any Other Name by Jodi Picoult

Brotherless Night by V. V. Ganeshananthan

Set during the early years of Sri Lanka’s three-decade civil war, Brotherless Night is a heartrending portrait of one woman’s moral journey and a testament to both the enduring impact of war and the bonds of home.

“A blazingly brilliant novel . . . With immense compassion and deep moral complexity, V. V. Ganeshananthan brings us an achingly moving portrait of a world full of turmoil, but one in which human connections and shared stories can teach us how—and as importantly, why—to survive.” — Celeste Ng, New York Times bestselling author of Little Fires Everywhere

The Women by Kristin Hannah

The Women is the story of one woman gone to war, but it shines a light on all women who put themselves in harm’s way and whose sacrifice and commitment to their country has too often been forgotten. A novel about deep friendships and bold patriotism, The Women is a richly drawn story with a memorable heroine whose idealism and courage under fire will come to define an era.

“The Women is historical fiction at its very best. So moving, so wrenching, and yet, in the end, uplifting. Brava!” — Nicholas D. Kristof, Pulitzer Prize-winning coauthor of Half the Sky

Where The Heart Should Be by Sarah Crossan

In 1847, everything in Ireland was falling apart—but sixteen-year-old Nell was falling in love. Carnegie Medal winner Sarah Crossan’s first historical novel-in-verse is a suspenseful and heartbreaking story of love, family, and the forces that can destroy us or bind us forever.

“I hold my breath while reading Sarah Crossan’s books. Every word is filled with so much love, the book is practically throbbing. A beautiful, perfect, moving read.” — Cecelia Ahern, bestselling author of P. S. I Love You

The Silence in Between by Josie Ferguson

Imagine waking up and a wall has divided your city in two. Imagine that on the other side is your new-born baby … This is what happens to Lisette. The gripping historical debut about a family separated by the Berlin wall—perfect for fans of All the Light We Cannot See, In Memoriam and Alone in Berlin.

“A hauntingly beautiful exploration of love, family and societal unrest all set against the backdrop of the Berlin Wall . . . a poignant and heartfelt story that eloquently captures the resilience of the human spirit.” — Glamour

There are Rivers in the Sky by Elif Shafak

From the Booker Prize finalist, author of The Island of Missing Trees, an enchanting new tale about three characters living along two great rivers, all connected by a single drop of water. 

“An odyssey, an epic, a lament, and a tale of redemption, There Are Rivers in the Sky is a clarion call to honor the elemental forces that shape our memories, our histories, and our world. In short, a masterpiece.” — Ruth Ozeki, author of The Book of Form and Emptiness

Junction of Earth and Sky by Susan Buttenwieser

Spanning six decades and two continents, from the shores of WWII England to the underside of 1990s America, Junction of Earth and Sky unfolds–in multiple timelines–the enduring bond of grandmother and granddaughter, plagued by the past but determined to find their place in the world against all the odds. 

“Through masterfully woven multiple timelines and vividly drawn characters, Junction of Earth and Sky reveals three generations of women overcoming loss, domestic violence, and addiction, ultimately surviving thanks to an abiding love between grandmother and granddaughter.” — Virginia Pye, author of The Literary Undoing of Victoria Swain

The Seven Sisters by Lucinda Riley

In this sweeping, epic tale of love and loss—the first in a unique, spellbinding series—Lucinda Riley showcases her storytelling talents like never before.

“Lucinda Riley is one of the strongest authors in this genre of historical fiction. Her ability to weave stories together, using modern-day and historical settings, is top notch … This novel will appeal to readers of multiple genres as it contains excellent historical detail, heart-wrenching romance, and an engaging mystery.” — Historical Novel Society

The Glassmaker by Tracy Chevalier

From the bestselling historical novelist, a rich, transporting story that follows a family of glassmakers from the height of Renaissance-era Italy to the present day. Chevalier is a master of her own craft, and The Glassmaker is as inventive as it is spellbinding—a mesmerizing portrait of a woman, a family, and a city as everlasting as their glass.

“A richly-drawn tale about loyalty and heartbreak, as well as a love letter to the craftsmen—and women—who created exquisite treasures that endure through the ages. A stunning achievement. I couldn’t put it down.” — Fiona Davis, author of The Spectacular

The Instrumentalist by Harriet Constable

Music, intoxication, and betrayal combine in this “immersive, impassioned” (The Guardian) debut novel inspired by the true story of Anna Maria della Pietà, a Venetian orphan and violin prodigy who studied under Antonio Vivaldi and ultimately became his star musician—and his biggest muse.

“The Instrumentalist is more than a history lesson—with this novel, Constable has crafted an engrossing tale about an unexpected coup de musique.” — The New York Times

The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo

In a shabby house in the new capital of Madrid, a lowly kitchen scullion hides a gift for little miracles. But when her employer discovers Luzia Cotado’s secret talent, she demands Luzia use her illusions to win over the royal court.

“Impossible to put down.” — Stephen King

By Any Other Name by Jodi Picoult 

From the co-author of Mad Honey comes an “inspiring” (Elle) novel about two women, centuries apart—one of whom is the real author of Shakespeare’s plays—who are both forced to hide behind another name.A sweeping tale of ambition, courage, and desire about creating something beautiful despite the prejudices they face.

“Her best one yet. Jodi Picoult has combined her trademark research with an astonishing and heart-rending story, embedded in truth, and turned it into a gripping novel.” — Jojo Moyes, bestselling author of Me Before You

We want to know–what’s one book that changed your life? Share your book and why it was so meaningful by email or on Instagram  for a chance to be featured in an upcoming article!

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