The Best Historical Fiction To Read On Your Weekend Getaway
Weekend getaways are a great time to catch up on all the reading you wish you could do during the week. Whether you're interested in romance reads or non-fiction titles, there's nothing like cracking open a book on a road trip or weekend away.
As explained on Book Riot, historical fiction is a genre that sets fictional stories in the real-life past. Authors of these books can utilize well-known historical events to craft a literary experience or uncover less-highlighted elements of the past to speak to neglected perspectives.
While they all have a historical setting in common, these books vary in their specific locations, time periods, and even sub-genres (per Celadon Books), making this a diverse category of books with something for everyone.
With this in mind, we've crafted a list of historical fiction recommendations to take on your weekend trip. Whether you're heading out to the snowy mountains or to a warmer climate, read on to discover the historical fiction you should take along with you.
A Lady's Guide to Fortune-Hunting by Sophie Irwin
Starting off the list is "A Lady's Guide to Fortune Hunting," a lighthearted romance novel set in Regency England. Mentioned on Penguin Random House's 2022 list of historical fiction, this recently released novel has been praised by reviewers for its comedic writing and headstrong heroine (per Goodreads).
Fans of Bridgerton might recognize this historical setting, but if you're looking for something with a bit of spice, then it's important to note that Sophie Irwin's debut novel doesn't contain any explicit scenes (per Kirkus Reviews). Overall, if you're interested in a fun and witty weekend read, this is a great pick for you.
Mademoiselle Revolution by Zoe Sivak
"Mademoiselle Revolution" by Zoe Sivak is another 2022 historical fiction featured on Penguin Random House's list of releases. Following Sylvie de Rosiers, a biracial, queer heiress who flees from 1791 Saint-Domingue to France, this story is crafted around an intersection between the Haitian and French revolutions (per Kirkus Reviews).
Containing themes of sexuality, racial identity, status, and freedom, this book is a good recommendation for those interested in a heavy focus on historical events (per Goodreads). As mentioned in some reviews, due to the topics of rebellion and racism, there are some graphic scenes in this title that readers are likely to find upsetting.
She Who Became the Sun by Shelley Parker-Chan
The next historical fiction title is an excellent recommendation for fans of fantasy. "She Who Became the Sun" by Shelley Parker-Chan is set in 1345 China and follows a peasant girl, called Zhu, who pursues the greatness foretold to her brother before his death (per Shelley Parker Chan).
With themes of queerness, power, grief, and fate, this epic fantasy novel has been praised for its historical representation and complex characters (via Goodreads). While some reviewers have complained about the book's pacing and follow-through, it's definitely a read worth considering for those interested in fantasy and historical fiction.
Velvet Was the Night by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Featured on Buzzfeed's list of historical fiction releases, "Velvet Was the Night" by Silvia Moreno-Garcia follows protagonist Maite, a secretary in 1970s Mexico. When Maite's neighbor suddenly goes missing, she begins investigating her disappearance alongside the criminal-for-hire, Elvis, who has been assigned to locate the woman (per NPR).
Throughout the mystery plotline, this novel also explores the political tensions of Mexico during this period, something the book's protagonist has only been interested in avoiding (via Goodreads). Named one of the best crime fiction novels of 2021 by Crime Reads, "Velvet Was the Night" is the perfect rec for those who are fans of slow-burn crime fiction.
Mother of Strangers by Suad Amiry
The last entry on this list, but by no means the least, is Suad Amiry's "Mother of Strangers." This novel, inspired by a true story, is based in Jaffa between the years of 1947 and 1951 (per Penguin Random House). Following two teenagers, Subhi and Shams, Amiry depicts the beginning of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as their relationship is severed when their city is unexpectedly bombed.
As mentioned in Goodreads reviews, this novel provides great insight into the beginning of an ongoing political conflict, something that many Americans may not be very knowledgeable about. In this way, "Mother of Strangers" is definitely worth considering for your weekend away.