Reading Recommendations

If You Like Historical Fiction

10/17/24 If You Like

collage of historical fiction book covers including "Sacrificio," "Lavender House," "Siren Queen," "The Rib King," and more.

If you enjoy reading about characters living in a different time or navigating real historical events, here are some tips to help you find your next historical fiction read! Browse award winners, get recommendations from our staff, or make a selection from our list of historical fiction authors linked directly to our catalog, so you can conveniently place holds and check item availability. You might also find reading suggestions at If You Like Historical Romance.

Find award winners.

The Walter Scott Prize recognizes historical fiction novels published in the last year. Browse the Walter Scott Prize award winners.
The Society of American Historians awards a Prize for historical fiction every other year. View the Society of American Historians award and past winners.
The Crime Writers’ Association awards the Historical Dagger for a historical crime novel published in the last year in the UK in English.
Make a selection from the Goodreads Readers’ Favorite Historical Fiction of 2024.

Awards for Young Adult and Children’s Historical Fiction:

Get reading recommendations from our staff.

Staff Picks 2024 – Best of Historical Fiction

Here are a few of our staff members’ favorite historical fiction selections of 2024– covering a span of hundreds of years. Read a trippy reimagining of Montezuma and Cortez’s meeting, see how an 18th century midwife handles being on trial for murder, or experience Huckleberry Finn from the point of view of James, the enslaved man at the center of the narrative. Looking for epic narratives that deal with the present as well as history? Take a peek at our Best of Fiction list.

New this year: we’ve included some recommendations at the bottom of the list that were our favorite reads from previous years. Hopefully, these will have a shorter hold list for you!

Adults:

Kids:

Use your library card to access NoveList Plus.

Find reading recommendations, read-alikes, reviews, and lists of award-winning books on the book database NoveList Plus, which is free to access with your library card!

On the left side of the NoveList homepage, select “Historical Fiction” to view lists of recommended reads. Or, select “Browse By” at the top of the site and choose “Genre,” then select “historical fiction” from the drop-down menu to browse new and popular picks.

When viewing a title in NoveList Plus, you can read a brief description of the book and see reviews. Click “Check availability” to see if the book is available to borrow.

Subscribe to the historical fiction newsletter from NextReads.

Receive a monthly list of historical fiction books in your email. Listed books are linked to the Indianapolis Public Library catalog, so it’s easy to place a hold on anything that catches your eye. See a sample issue of the historical fiction list or sign up for NextReads newsletters.

Make a selection from one of these historical fiction authors.

Upcoming Author Talks & Book Discussions

Event: WitLITS Book Discussion Group
Date & Time: Friday, May 09, 10:30am
Location: Spades Park Branch
Description: A read aloud group exploring classic literature in a group reading.
No Registration Required.

Event: Celebrate with our Unbook Club!
Date & Time: Saturday, May 10, 2:00pm
Location: InfoZone Branch
Description: Celebrate the joy of reading through book tastings, creating a reading persona, and making a fun craft! This is part of the InfoZone’s yearlong 25th Anniversary Celebration.
Register Here

Event: Adult Book Discussion at West Indianapolis
Date & Time: Monday, May 12, 5:00pm
Location: West Indianapolis Branch
Description: We will be discussing “Blind Ambition” by Ever Lee Hairston. The author herself will be speaking at our meeting! Copies of this month’s book can be picked up from the West Indianapolis Branch. Adults are invited to this free monthly book discussion program.
No Registration Required.

Event: Teen Anime/Fandom Club at East 38th Street
Date & Time: Monday, May 12, 5:30pm
Location: East 38th Street Branch
Description: Watch, read, and discuss various fandoms and their subjects.
No Registration Required.

Event: Rainbow Reads Book Club
Date & Time: Tuesday, May 13, 6:00pm
Location: Eagle Branch
Description: Highlighting LGBTQ+ authors and stories, Rainbow Reads Book Club provides a safe and inclusive space to gather and discuss books.
Register Here

Need more help?

Ask a Library staff member at any of our locations or call, text or email Ask-a-Librarian. The Tinker Station helpline at (317) 275-4500 is also available. It is staffed by device experts who can answer questions about how to read, watch and listen on a PC, tablet or phone.

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