Best Historical Fiction of 2023

by Tom Crewe

A smart, sensual debut. Full review >

get a copy

bookshelf

by Ken Follett

A treat for fans of historical fiction. Full review >

get a copy

bookshelf

by Rachel Eliza Griffiths

A stunning and evocative portrait of love, pride, and survival. Full review >

get a copy

bookshelf

by Lauren Grodstein

Delicate, warm account of a brutal, cold time, grounded in humanity, small details, and unwavering clarity. Full review >

get a copy

bookshelf

by Rachel Heng

Like a drop of rain that holds the reflection of the world, crystalline and beautiful. Full review >

get a copy

bookshelf

by Tania James

A smart, sharp tale, as well crafted as the object at its center. Full review >

get a copy

bookshelf

by Dan Jones

An enjoyable romp through the darkest of ages. Full review >

get a copy

bookshelf

by Victor LaValle

Acrobatic storytelling, both out there and down-home. Full review >

get a copy

bookshelf

by Ariel Lawhon

None Full review >

get a copy

bookshelf

by Daniel Mason

Like the house at its center, a book that is multitudinous and magical. Full review >

get a copy

bookshelf

by James McBride

If it’s possible for America to have a poet laureate, why can’t James McBride be its storyteller-in-chief? Full review >

get a copy

bookshelf

by Alice McDermott

This transporting, piercing, profound novel is McDermott’s masterpiece. Full review >

get a copy

bookshelf

by Fiona McFarlane

A masterpiece of riveting storytelling. Full review >

get a copy

bookshelf

by Hanna Pylväinen

Ambitious and resonant, a vivid, fascinating, and moving novel. Full review >

get a copy

bookshelf

by Luis Alberto Urrea

Top-shelf historical fiction delivered with wit and compassion. Full review >

get a copy

bookshelf

by Abraham Verghese

By God, he's done it again. Full review >

get a copy

bookshelf

by Jesmyn Ward

Ward may not tell you anything new about slavery, but her language is saturated with terror and enchantment. Full review >

get a copy

bookshelf