Historical Fiction
Step into captivating past worlds with our Historical Fiction collection. From epic sagas to intimate tales, discover narratives that blend well-researched history with imaginative storytelling. Explore stories that make history come alive for every kind of reader.
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Andrew O'Hagan
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Faber
And
Faber
Ltd.
Our Fathers
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"Our Fathers" by Andrew O'Hagan would resonate with you if you're drawn to the complex weave of family legacies against a backdrop of societal change. It's not just a narrative; it's a deep dive into the Scottish psyche, the clash between old and new, and the personal introspection that comes with caring for a dying relative with a storied past. This book wraps you in the poignancy of reflecting on both personal and national identity, with prose that's as mesmerizing as the land of Scotland itself.
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"Dancer" artfully weaves the grace and intensity of ballet with the poignant journey of Rudolf Nureyev, a master of movement who leapt beyond the confines of his circumstances. Colum McCann's skillful prose lifts Nureyev's story off the pages, making it a dance in itself. If you're drawn to narratives of perseverance, artistry, and the complex sacrifices for excellence, this novel will resonate deeply with you.
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Lewis Carroll
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Harper
Collins
Paperbacks
Three Lives
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"Three Lives" by Gertrude Stein may resonate with you if you find fascination in the raw and complex interior worlds of characters. It's not just a narrative but an experience, where the prose mirrors the innovation of modern art styles like those of Picasso and Cézanne. These heart-breaking portraits of women in an unforgiving world offer deep insights into the human condition and the struggle to find happiness, which might give you a profound understanding of the trials faced by individuals in different societal roles.
Camron Wright
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Shadow
Mountain
The Rent Collector
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The Rent Collector offers a powerful juxtaposition of despair and hope within the unlikely setting of a trash dump, drawing readers into a narrative that’s as much about the resilience of the human spirit as it is about the transformative power of literature. If you've ever believed in the idea that education can change lives, this story will resonate with you and stay long after you've turned the final page.
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"The Sea" might resonate deeply if you've ever found yourself revisiting the past, seeking solace from a current sorrow. Banville's prose is lyrical, with a richness that captures the essence of memory and its impact on the present. As Max grapples with his intimate memories and confronts his long-buried traumas, you'll find the narrative both seductive and disturbing, evoking a poignant sense of nostalgia that's hard to shake off.
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"Frankie & Stankie" is not just a window into the past struggles against racial injustice—it's a vibrant portal. As you follow Dinah and Lisa on their journey from innocence to a more acute awareness of their society's deep-seated inequalities, you experience the paradox of growing up in a world where the division of race is stark but the spirit of youth is universal. This novel's honest portrayal of childhood amidst social turmoil is both poignant and illuminating, perfect for those who appreciate historical depth woven seamlessly with personal growth.
Wendy Law-Yone
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Chatto
&
Windus
The Road to Wanting
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"The Road to Wanting" takes you on a profound emotional odyssey through the life of a character who has endured much and seeks solace. Wendy Law-Yone beautifully uncovers the veiled aspects of the East, blending the raw realities of exploitation with the healing grace of facing one's past. It's an evocative read that will resonate if you're interested in deeply personal narratives set against a backdrop of cultural turmoil.
Shaheen Akhtar
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Zubaan
Books,
Delhi
The Search
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If history woven with personal struggle piques your interest, "The Search" will resonate deeply with you. Akhtar intricately portrays the grim realities of war from a female perspective—giving voice to emotional resilience and the complex journey of healing that follows a nation’s turmoil. It's an engaging tale providing a distinct look into Bangladesh's past and the silent strength of its women.
Anita Shreve
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Abacus
Fortune's Rocks
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"Fortune's Rocks" feels like a journey into both the complexities of the human heart and a bygone era. If you're drawn to stories with rich character development and narratives that capture the emotional turbulence of youth and first love, this book will resonate with you. Anita Shreve's masterful description will transport you back in time, weaving a story that's as much about personal growth as it is about romance and societal norms.
Shukri al-Mabkhout
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Europa
Editions
(uk)
Ltd
The Italian
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"The Italian" is a powerful novel that navigates the complexities of cultural exchange and self-discovery. Mabkouth’s writing is immersive and evocative of the setting, and the characters are well-crafted and relatable. This book would be a compelling read for anyone interested in exploring the intricacies of cultural divisions and the personal growth that arises from confronting difference.
Rula Jebreal
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Penguin
Books
Miral
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"Miral" offers a profound and humanizing perspective on a complex geopolitical conflict, one that often gets reduced to news snippets and stereotypes. Through the lives of its female protagonists, the novel weaves personal stories of love, loss, and the quest for justice, inviting readers to look beyond the headlines and deeply empathize with those living in the heart of the struggle. If you're drawn to narratives that explore the resilience of the human spirit amidst adversity, this book will resonate with you.
Tanya Maria Barrientos
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Nal
Trade
Family Resemblance
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"Family Resemblance" could resonate deeply with you if you're drawn to stories of personal discovery and the complexities of family history. Tanya Maria Barrientos weaves a narrative that bridges the gap between past and present, taking you on a journey through the protagonist's exploration of cultural identity. This book is a good choice if you seek a tale that offers insight into the migrant experience and the nuance of belonging.
Yu Hua
|
Picador
Asia
Brothers
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"Brothers" will resonate with you, especially if you enjoy stories woven through with family dynamics and personal ambition. As you turn the pages, you'll navigate the complex relationship between Baldy Li and Song Gang, brothers by fate who carve divergent paths amid the tumultuous backdrop of the Cultural Revolution. Yu Hua meticulously draws characters that stay with you, tangled in a web of love, rivalry, and the inexorable pull of destiny. This novel isn't just a family saga; it's a mirror reflecting the transformative journey of not just two men but of a nation itself.
The Gap of Time: The Winter's Tale Retold (Hogarth Shakespeare)
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Recommendation: This enchanting retelling of Shakespeare's The Winter's Tale takes readers on a mesmerizing journey of lost identity, heartbreak, and ultimate redemption. Jeanette Winterson's clever and beautiful prose breathes new life into the timeless story, leaving readers emotionally moved and intellectually captivated. Pulsating with authenticity and imaginative generosity, this novel demands multiple readings to fully appreciate its many layers. Prepare to be transported to a world where the past and present collide, where lost things are found, and where forgiveness prevails. A must-read for lovers of Shakespeare and those seeking a truly unforgettable literary experience.
Fannie Flagg
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Vintage
Welcome To The World Baby Girl
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Recommendation: Welcome to the World, Baby Girl! is perfect for readers looking for a heartwarming story that will keep them guessing until the end. Fannie Flagg's unforgettable characters and surprising plot twists make this book a joy to read. With themes of love, survival, and overcoming adversity, this novel is a must-read for anyone seeking a touching and inspiring story.
William Safire
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Avon
Books
Freedom: A Novel of Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War
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If you're a history buff with a penchant for immersive storytelling, "Freedom" should be on your must-read list. William Safire invites you into the intimate chambers of political strategy and onto the chaotic grounds of war with a cinematic touch. You'll appreciate how he breathes life into historical figures, making this pivotal period in American history resonate with the urgency and drama of its time.
Jonathan Coe
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Penguin
Books
The Rain Before It Falls
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This book, with its deep emotional undercurrents, could resonate with you if family sagas stir something in your soul. Jonathan Coe's craftsmanship in weaving secrets across generations turns the quest for truth into a compelling journey that explores the bonds and bruises of mother-daughter relationships. It's not just a tale; it's a mirror to the haunting nature of family legacies.
Wesley Stace
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Vintage
Books
Misfortune - A Novel
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Misfortune is a great read for someone interested in historical fiction with a twist. The book uniquely explores the concept of gender and inheritance in a comedic and tragic way. The story is entertaining, thought-provoking, and engaging. Readers will empathize with Rose's journey and understand the complexities of societal expectations and family values.
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This book could be a good read for someone who is fascinated by the complexities of human relationships and desires a deep exploration of passion. Through the intertwining relationships of Ursula, Gudrun, Gerald, and Rupert, the book delves into the regenerative and destructive aspects of love. Set against the backdrop of a world consumed by war, this novel provides a thought-provoking and instructive vision of humanity's dance with life and death. Lawrence's unexpurgated version, with its different central relationships and radically different ending, is hailed by many as his masterpiece.
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"Sucking Shrimp" offers an eclectic mix that might intrigue you if you're into vibrant storytelling with a touch of eccentricity. Stephanie Theobald crafts a narrative that threads the needle between offbeat humor and the strange allure of a foreign culture, all while toying with the idea of madness. It's a literary dish with a spice that could just captivate your palate.
Zoë Wicomb
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Virago
You Can't Get Lost in Cape Town
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"You Can't Get Lost in Cape Town" is a poignant exploration of identity and belonging in a society that enforces racial divisions. Zoë Wicomb's writing is not only literary artistry but also a historical witness that resonates with emotional depth. By delving into the challenges faced by mixed heritage individuals during apartheid, this book offers a perspective that is as educational as it is affecting. If you're drawn to stories that combine the richness of personal experience with the complexities of social justice, this read will likely stay with you long after the last page.
Anita Diamant
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Scribner
Good Harbor - A Novel
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This book could be a good read for someone who is looking for an emotional and uplifting story about the power of friendship during difficult times. Good Harbor is a beautifully written novel that explores the lives of two women who form an unlikely friendship while facing their own personal struggles. The book is particularly powerful in how it deals with the topic of cancer, showing a realistic portrayal of the challenges patients face, but also offering hope and optimism. Additionally, the novel has strong themes of creativity and the writing process, making it an excellent choice for anyone interested in literature and the arts. Overall, Good Harbor is a truly inspiring story that will leave readers feeling moved and empowered.
Lorna Landvik
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Bantam
Books
Oh My Stars
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Oh My Stars can be a great read for anyone who enjoys novels that are filled with emotional depth and heartwarming stories. The book's most unique feature is its ability to evoke powerful emotions in readers, making them laugh, cry, and cheer for its characters. Landvik's masterful storytelling is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who reads this book.
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"The Collaborators" dives into the complex and emotive subject of people's choices under the oppressive Nazi occupation of France. Hill's storytelling doesn't just captivate; it challenges you to ponder the thin line between survival and betrayal. If you're drawn to human stories set against the backdrop of war, where the characters' moral choices are tested to the extreme, you would find this book both thought-provoking and engrossing.
Edward Rutherfurd
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Century
New York
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Imagine being swept through the ages with intimate portraits of people who've shaped New York's heartbeat. Edward Rutherfurd's "New York" is a masterful journey linking personal stories and historical events, serving as a metaphor for the American experience itself. It's not just a read; it lets you live through the evolution of America's most iconic city. If you're fascinated by how individual lives intersect with grand historical narratives, this book is a portal through time.
Roddy Doyle
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Vintage
Books
Usa
Oh, Play That Thing - The Last Roundup
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If you relish historical fiction teeming with wit, Roddy Doyle's "Oh, Play That Thing" will transport you to 1920s America alongside the clever, cheeky Henry Smart. Doyle weaves a captivating narrative blending adventure, crime, and music—jazz becomes Henry's baptism into a new world. A pilgrimage through a vividly drawn era, with a soundtrack by none other than Louis Armstrong, awaits you in these pages.
Colleen McCullough
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Harper
The Independence of Miss Mary Bennet
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Mary Bennet may have been overshadowed by her sisters in Pride and Prejudice, but in The Independence of Miss Mary Bennet, she finally takes center stage. This book is a captivating exploration of Mary's journey to claim her independence and make her mark on the world. With its warm, witty, and ultimately satisfying narrative, this novel is perfect for any reader who has ever felt overshadowed and longed to break free from societal expectations. Get ready to be swept away by Mary's courageous and captivating story.
Gert Hofmann, Michael Hofmann|
Minerva
The Film Explainer
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If you're taken by the charm of old cinemas and the delightfully quirky jobs that came with them, "The Film Explainer" will be a special read for you. It's like peering through a mischievously cracked lens at history, embracing both the laughter and the pathos of a bygone era. Not to mention, it's a sweet ride through the quips and follies of a man wrestling with his time, all embedded in a narrative that's deceptively profound.
Fannie Flagg
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Vintage
Welcome To The World Baby Girl
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Welcome to the World, Baby Girl! is a heartfelt story of Dena Nordstrom, a young TV interviewer, who battles emotional struggles while navigating the ups and downs of the media industry. Fannie Flagg's witty writing style shines through the unforgettable cast of characters, making this a page-turner till the end. Highly recommended for those interested in the media industry or anyone looking for a heartwarming read.
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"Mountain Time" invites you into the soulful world of unresolved family dynamics and the quest for personal peace. It's the kind of book that paints vast, natural landscapes not just as a setting, but as an integral character influencing the lives within. Ivan Doig's talent for intertwining the grandeur of the American West with the intimate struggles of love and family creates a narrative that's both grounding and sweeping. If you're drawn to stories where the environment echoes the emotional turmoils of its characters, this novel will resonate with you deeply.
Andrew O'Hagan
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Faber
&
Faber
The Life and Opinions of Maf the Dog, and of His Friend Marilyn Monroe
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If the glitz and glam of 20th-century Hollywood, combined with a unique narrative twist sounds intriguing to you, then diving into "The Life and Opinions of Maf the Dog, and of His Friend Marilyn Monroe" will be a treat. Witnessing events and changes from the perspective of Marilyn Monroe's canine companion offers you a fresh lens on history and celebrity culture, making this book a distinctive read that cleverly blurs the lines between fiction and reality.
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If you gravitate towards books that were ahead of their times, igniting debates and challenging status quos, "Turbott Wolfe" might just resonate with you. William Plomer's narrative delves deep into the theme of racism with a boldness that was especially striking for its era. It's not just an engaging story about societal and racial tensions in 1920s South Africa, but a historical milestone that echoes the complexities of human relationships across color lines.
Sue Monk Kidd
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Headline
Book
Publishing
The Secret Life of Bees
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"The Secret Life of Bees" envelops you in a young girl’s poignant quest for truth and love amidst the turbulent backdrop of the Civil Rights Movement. Lily's journey to discover more about her mother will lead you through a vivid narrative filled with deep emotional landscapes and the thrumming life of bees—a metaphor for community and care that can resonate with anyone looking for belonging or healing. Sue Monk Kidd’s blend of rich characters and the spiritual connection they foster with nature makes this novel both an enlightening and touching read.
Antonio Gomes
|
Goa,
1556
&
Broadway
Book
Centre
The Sting of Peppercorns
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If you're interested in the intersections of personal life and historical upheaval, "The Sting of Peppercorns" could resonate with you. It navigates the poignant shifts within a family set against the backdrop of Goa's political shifts, exploring cultural identity and change through multifaceted characters. This novel offers a vivid portrait of a society at the cusp of major transformation, making it a compelling read for those fascinated by history’s impact on familial ties and social structures.
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Lorrie Moore
|
Faber
I Am Homeless If This Is Not My Home
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If you've ever felt torn between places and people, or if you've ever had to find your footing amid national chaos and personal turmoil, this book speaks volumes. It's a story that unflinchingly explores themes of loss, love, and what it means to truly be home. Lorrie Moore's narrative captures the raw essence of human connections, woven into the tapestry of a country's frenzy, which might resonate deeply with your own experiences.
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Journal Kyaw Ma Ma Lay, Margaret Aung-Thwin, William Frederick|
Ohio
University
Press
Not Out of Hate: A Novel of Burma
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"Not Out of Hate" is a rare gem, giving us a glimpse into a pivotal time in Burmese history through the lens of a complex relationship. If you're intrigued by the interplay of East and West or by the personal stories that mirror larger societal shifts, this book's perspective will captivate. Plus, as a trailblazer being the first of its kind in English, it's a meaningful addition to any discerning reader's collection.
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Henry James, Charles R James, Henry; Edited and with an Introduction and Notes by Anderson|
Penguin
The Bostonians
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Recommendation: The Bostonians is a must-read for those who appreciate satirical storytelling. Henry James skillfully captures the nuances of the women's rights movement, presenting a clash between two distant cousins who vie for control over the captivating Verena Tarrant. With its thought-provoking exploration of feminism, love, and ambition, this novel will keep you engrossed from start to finish. Get ready to dive into a world where passion and ideology collide in unexpected ways.
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Megan Mayhew Bergman
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Scribner
Almost Famous Women : Stories
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This book is a great read for those interested in biographical stories of remarkable women who were overshadowed by their famous counterparts. The author's captivating writing style brings to life the rebellious, creative spirits of women like Beryl Markham or Joe Carstairs, inspiring readers to appreciate these women's contributions to history.
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If politics and courtroom dramas intrigue you, "The Porcupine" by Julian Barnes might just be the book you're looking for. Julian Barnes deftly explores the fall of totalitarianism in a gripping narrative that pits old regime against new in a battle of wits and wills. With its concise prose and insightful look at human nature, you're likely to find yourself engrossed in the strategic game between a fallen leader and the embodiment of a new era.
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Anyi Wang, Susan Chan Egan, Michael Berry|
Columbia
University
Press
The Song of Everlasting Sorrow
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If you're drawn to stories that entwine personal fates with vast historical canvases, "The Song of Everlasting Sorrow" might just resonate with you. It offers a window into a woman's life sculpted against the backdrop of a changing Shanghai, capturing the allure and pain of a bygone era with intimate storytelling. As Wang Qiyao's life unwinds through China's turbulent times, her pursuit of beauty and longing for the glamorous life become a poignant reflection of the universal quest for meaning amidst life's impermanence.
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Travel Back in Time with Historical Fiction
At Thryft, we invite you to journey through eras gone by with the finest historical fiction. Our selection captures the essence of different times, portraying epoch-defining events and the lives of people who inhabit them. Whether it's ancient history or modern tragedies, our curated collection immerses you in the vast tapestry of human experience. Join us in exploring these rich, vivid histories.
Our collection includes a diverse range, from ancient civilisations to modern wartime stories. Dive into tales from the Historical Fiction section to find the perfect match for your interests.
Absolutely! While these stories integrate fictional elements, they often provide valuable insights into historical contexts. Pair your reading with factual resources from our History collection for a fuller understanding.
Yes, we celebrate diverse voices and settings, including many stories set in Asia. Explore novels that delve into Asian history and its multifaceted narratives in our Asian Historical Fiction section.
Think about the time period or event you're curious about. Our Historical Fiction page offers detailed descriptions to help you find stories that align with your interests.