Best Historical Fiction Books April 2025

The Song of Achilles

Achilles, the golden warrior, and Patroclus, the awkward prince, forge an unlikely bond that deepens into a passionate romance. Miller’s lyrical prose breathes new life into Homer’s epic, exploring the tender moments between battles and the raw emotions of young love. As the Trojan War looms, their relationship is tested against duty and fate. A heart-wrenching tale that had me captivated until the final page, pondering the enduring power of love and the cruel whims of the gods.

The Tiger’s Wife

In a war-torn Balkan country, young doctor Natalia grapples with her grandfather’s mysterious death. As she unravels his past, she discovers two peculiar tales: one of a deathless man who cheats fate, and another of a deaf-mute girl who befriends a tiger escaped from a zoo. Obreht’s lyrical prose weaves folklore and reality, exploring the power of storytelling in the face of loss. A haunting debut that lingers long after the final page.

Tinkers

In this haunting debut, Paul Harding weaves a tapestry of memory and time, exploring the lives of three generations of New England clock repairmen. As George Washington Crosby lies dying, his mind wanders through a landscape of recollections, blurring the lines between past and present. Harding’s lyrical prose captures the essence of human experience, from the mundane to the profound, inviting readers to ponder the fleeting nature of existence. A meditation on family, legacy, and the intricate mechanisms that govern our lives, “Tinkers” is a small masterpiece that lingers long after the final page.

The Book of M

In a world where shadows vanish and memories fade, Ory and Max fight to hold onto their love amidst chaos. When Max loses her shadow, Ory desperately searches for her across a transformed America. Their journey intertwines with a cast of unforgettable characters, each grappling with loss and hope. Fitzgerald’s haunting prose explores the power of memory and the resilience of the human spirit, leaving readers spellbound and questioning the nature of identity itself.

The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle

When the Emperor Was Divine

Julie Otsuka’s haunting novel follows a Japanese-American family uprooted from their Berkeley home during World War II. Through spare, lyrical prose, she captures the confusion and heartbreak of internment, exploring themes of identity, loyalty, and loss. Otsuka’s intimate portrayal of one family’s experience sheds light on a dark chapter in American history, leaving readers to grapple with the human cost of fear and prejudice. A poignant reminder of how quickly the familiar can become foreign.

The Buddha in the Attic

Julie Otsuka’s “The Buddha in the Attic” is a haunting, lyrical tale that follows the lives of Japanese picture brides who came to America in the early 1900s. Through a collective voice, Otsuka weaves together their hopes, fears, and struggles as they navigate a new world. The prose is sparse yet powerful, capturing the essence of these women’s experiences with startling clarity. I found myself deeply moved by their resilience and the quiet strength that permeates every page. It’s a book that lingers long after you’ve finished, a testament to the immigrant experience and the human spirit.

The Bonesetter’s Daughter

Ruth Young’s life is turned upside down when her mother, LuLing, begins showing signs of dementia. As she delves into LuLing’s past, Ruth uncovers a tale of love, loss, and resilience spanning generations in China. Through old manuscripts and family secrets, she learns of her grandmother’s life as a bonesetter’s daughter and the sacrifices made for survival. Amy Tan’s lyrical prose weaves a poignant story of cultural identity, mother-daughter relationships, and the power of understanding our roots.

The Valley of Amazement

Amy Tan’s “The Valley of Amazement” is a mesmerizing journey through time and culture. Set against the backdrop of early 20th-century Shanghai, this novel weaves a tapestry of love, loss, and identity. Tan’s vivid prose brings to life the world of courtesans and the complex relationships between mothers and daughters. I found myself completely absorbed in the characters’ struggles, particularly Violet’s journey of self-discovery. The historical details are rich and evocative, transporting me to another era. A truly unforgettable read that lingered in my mind long after I turned the last page.

The Kitchen God’s Wife

Winnie Louie’s daughter Pearl knows little about her mother’s tumultuous past in China. But when a family crisis forces Winnie to reveal her long-held secrets, she recounts a tale of love, loss, and resilience. From her arranged marriage to a cruel man, to finding unexpected love during wartime, Winnie’s story is a poignant journey through 20th century China. As Pearl listens, she discovers the strength and wisdom that shaped her mother, bridging the cultural gap between them and healing old wounds.