The Best Historical Fiction Books of 2025

Rating: 5

The Book of Records by Madeleine Thien offers an evocative tapestry of stories meticulously woven with imaginative and poignant threads that transcend time and geography. As Madeleine Thien invites readers into the lives of historical figures such as Hannah Arendt, Du Fu, and Baruch Spinoza, she meticulously reconstructs vibrant images of past worlds, from 17th-century Amsterdam to war-stricken Europe. However, what truly strikes at the heart is the voice of Lina, the compelling narrator and refugee from China, whose own story threads through these historical realms, creating a haunting resonance of exile, culture, and survival. Thien’s language is both elegant and raw, expertly capturing the unsettling feeling of displacement and the unyielding human desire for connection. Through Lina's eyes, narratives of loss and understanding unfold, challenging readers to reflect on how history and literature not only document humanity’s past but also sustain its future. Madeleine Thien’s novel is as much a celebration of literature's unifying force as it is a solemn reflection on the human condition—exile, connection, and the indomitable spirit that finds solace in stories. It melds history with fiction in a seamless blend, leaving a resounding impact that lingers long after the last page is turned, challenging notions of time and identity with a compassionate, yet critical, lens.

— Emma Davis

Rating: 5

The Safekeep by Yael Van Der Wouden is a haunting tribute to human frailty and the turbulent societal shifts in post-World War II Netherlands, seen through the intimate lens of personal grief and unexpected companionship. In her debut novel, Van Der Wouden crafts an emotional landscape that mirrors the political and cultural tumult of the 1960s, capturing the potent sense of loss and trauma still rippling through a country healing from war. Isabel, a protagonist defined by her solitude following her mother's death, is a beautifully nuanced character whose life evolves significantly upon the unexpected arrival of her brother’s girlfriend, Eva. The transformative journey they embark on is deeply layered, revealing strands of complex emotions and hidden traumas that challenge typical post-war narratives. Van Der Wouden’s portrayal of women's inner worlds is subtle yet profound, offering a fresh perspective that pays homage to countless unsung victims of conflict. Her writing is both literary and accessible, with prose that flows meditatively, yet purposefully, through the characters’ emotional landscapes. As readers journey with Isabel and Eva, the novel unfolds as a tribute to healing and resilience, delicately balancing moments of introspection with the broader themes of change. This book ultimately stands as a poignant reminder of the pathways to connection and understanding, reminding us that even within the shadows of the past, there is a chance for renewal and hope.

— Emily Johnson

Rating: 5

The Sirens by Emilia Hart is a mesmerizing interweaving of mythology, historical fiction, and magical realism that transports the reader across oceans, both literal and metaphorical, into realms of sirens, mermaids, and the elusive selkies. In this evocative narrative situated in Australia, Ireland, and a cursed British prison ship destined for New South Wales, Emilia Hart masterfully crafts a tale that traverses time and space, allowing the voices of her interconnected female narrators to resonate with power and grace. The novel immerses you in a world where age-old folklore collides with fresh, contemporary interpretations, offering a reimagining of traditional stories through a lens uniquely attuned to feminism and identity. Each woman narrates her tale with haunting clarity, echoing themes of longing, transformation, and the relentless tides of fate, as they navigate not only their own paths but also the stifling constraints of the worlds they inhabit. Hart’s writing is fluid and elegant, her words as enchanting as the sirens they depict, pulling readers under with each lyrical sentence. By blending historical settings with fantastical elements, she captures the essence of storytelling as an art form that transcends boundaries, illustrating how women’s stories shape our understanding of history and humanity as a whole. The Sirens is an ode to women’s resilience, a captivating journey into the depths of myth and meaning, where the allure of the unknown leads to revelations far beyond the horizon.

— David Miller

Rating: 4.8

There Will Be Bodies by Lindsey Davis once again immerses readers in the richly detailed tapestry of ancient Rome while unfolding a mystery that captivates and intrigues in equal measure. As the thirteenth installment in the beloved Flavia Albia series, Davis does not disappoint, returning with a compelling narrative set against the backdrop of 90 AD Stabiae, Italy. With meticulous attention to historical accuracy and a plot that intertwines the past's architectural grandeur with a murder most foul, Davis's latest offering transports readers into the sinews of Roman society. Flavia and her husband’s daunting discovery of a body, not claimed by the infamous Mount Vesuvius but hidden away in a storeroom, opens a complex exploration into the labyrinthine depths of Roman politics, culture, and human nature. Davis’s prowess as a historian is matched only by her ability as a storyteller, threading a narrative with enough twists and turns to keep even the most discerning of readers on the edge of their seats. Her characterization of Flavia Albia is both commanding and relatable, imbuing the narrative with threads of humor and a deeply human touch amidst the political machinations and social stratifications of the time. There Will Be Bodies is a testament to Davis’s skill in illuminating not only the ancient world but also the timeless human pursuit of truth and justice. It’s a novel steeped in mystery that elegantly bridges the gap between historical authenticity and riveting storytelling.

— Michael Johnson

Rating: 4.7

The Pretender by Jo Harkin takes readers on a riveting journey through the political intrigue and power struggles of 15th-century England, reimagining the compelling tale of Lambert Simnel with depth and deftness. By focusing on the transformative arc of John Collan from an unassuming village boy to a central figure in the Yorkist rebellion, Harkin offers a fresh perspective on the lesser-known historical episode, exploring the themes of identity, ambition, and the enduring quest for recognition. Through Harkin's vivid prose and meticulous attention to detail, the tumultuous landscape of medieval England comes alive, showcasing not only the external battles for power and legitimacy but also the internal battles for identity and belonging. The novel captures the precarious nature of identity in an era where lineage dictates fate, offering readers a poignant exploration of what it means to be someone caught between truth and political expediency. Harkin’s character development shines as political tensions and personal dilemmas intertwine, sweeping readers into a narrative both gripping and reflective. Her ability to humanize historical figures often left in the shadows of the public imagination imbues the story with both urgency and empathy. The Pretender, with its rich character portrayal and keen insights into the shifting sands of history, is a must-read for anyone intrigued by history’s unsung players and the echoes of rebellion that shape the tides of time.

— David Miller