Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres, but I feel like I did not read that much in 2021. I definitely plan on reading more in 2022. It was easy to narrow down my top books in this genre.
The Rose Code
Kate Quinn
The Rose Code by Kate Quinn was the first book I read by this highly-regarded author. The Rose Code is a story of friendship, found family, and the impacts of secrets that primarily takes place at Bletchley Park during WWII. I was so impressed with this book and absolutely loved it. It has inspired me to read all of Quinn’s backlist and am really looking forward to her new book, The Diamond Eye, coming out in 2022.
Publication date: March 9, 2021
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The Personal Librarian
Marie Benedict & Victoria Christopher Murray
The Personal Librarian is the story of Belle da Costa Greene, J P. Morgan’s personal librarian who became one of the most successful women of her time while passing as white. I could not put this book down. Not only was The Personal Librarian well executed, it gave the story a woman, who is often overlooked in history despite being a trailblazer, justice and authentication.
Publication date: June 29, 2021
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The Mountains Sing
Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai
The Mountains Sing is an honorable mention of sorts. I did not love it quite as much as the two books described above, but it still deserves a spot on my list. The Mountains Sing is a riveting novel about a multi-generational Vietnamese family that survives through the first Indochina War, the Great Hunger, the Great Reform, & the Vietnam War. It is a story about survival, the devastation of war, resilience, & humanity. This powerful and devastating book taught me so much about Vietnam’s history and really made me think.
Publication date: March 17, 2020
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Did you have any favorite historical fiction books in 2021?
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One response to “Best Books of 2021: Historical Fiction”
I really liked Hamnet last year. I too love historical fiction and tend to write it as well.
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