About
- Established in 1997, the Historical Novel Society is an international literary society devoted to promotion and advocacy for the genre of historical fiction.
Membership
- Historical Novel Society members include authors, readers, librarians, editors and industry professionals – membership is entirely open, and anyone enthusiastic about the genre is welcome.
Events
- Our worldwide membership loves to meet. Many travel thousands of miles to attend our conferences in person; many more enjoy our virtual options from home. Others form member connections in their area through regular Local Chapter meet-ups. Discover what’s on with conferences, Local and Virtual Chapters, and more.
Book Reviews
- Our exclusive, members-only print magazine, the Historical Novels Review, publishes reviews of hundreds of historical fiction books each quarter, in addition to features and columns. Become a member to receive the magazine and enjoy all our other benefits.
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Articles
- We publish articles in our members-only print magazine, Historical Novels Review, as well as web features exclusive to this site. All are original pieces, commissioned by our Features Editors based on topics of interest to members – interviews with historical fiction authors, publishers, and agents; explorations of novels and subgenres; guides, and regular columns on historical fiction market news, debut authors, and more. Articles are written by vetted contributors, most of whom are Society members. If you’re a member interested in joining the team, Contact Us.
Awards
- HNS Awards have helped discover authors and launch their careers (e.g., Michel Faber, Ruth Downie, Nikki Marmery, Hilary Green, Elizabeth Macneal, and many more) and provided vital support for others. Our ARA Award is one of the most generous of all literary prizes. If you’d like to partner to sponsor an award, Contact Us.
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Lisa See

Lady Tan’s Circle of Women

By Lisa See - Published 2023

Genres:

No mud, no lotus. This aphorism captures the essence of Lisa See’s latest novel: pithy, yet entertaining; thought-provoking, yet down-to-earth; dark, yet ...Read Review

The Island of Sea Women

By Lisa See - Published 2019

Genres:

Literary

Life for women in Jeju, a remote Korean island, is very different than in other places. Here women are the breadwinners, working outside ...Read Review

China Dolls

By Lisa See - Published 2014

Genres:

In China Dolls, Lisa See (New York Times bestselling author of Shanghai Girls and Snow Flower and the Secret Fan) brings to life ...Read Review

Dreams of Joy

By Lisa See - Published 2011

Genres:

Literary

“Just remember, a person is his – or her – history… What is your history and what are you going to be?” Continuing from the ...Read Review

Shanghai Girls

By Lisa See - Published 2009

Genres:

Literary Saga

Pearl and May are two sisters born in Shanghai, China, in the early 20th century. Raised in luxury with traditional Chinese parents, they ...Read Review

Peony in Love

By Lisa See - Published 2007

Genres:

Romance

Enter the enticing world of the Peony Pavilion, a 16th-century Chinese opera now entwining the lives of three Hangzhou women over a hundred ...Read Review