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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Multi-Period

Fishbone Cinderella

By Elizabeth Lim - Published 2026

Genres:

In this absorbing family saga, we meet two fascinating women: Yut Ying, born in Guangdong in 1933, and her daughter, Marigold, born in San ...Read Review

When You Loved Me

By Beatriz Williams - Published 2026

Genres:

Author Beatriz Williams’ fourth novel set on fictional Winthrop Island at the “far edge of Long Island” explores lost love and historical events ...Read Review

Son of Nobody

By Yann Martel - Published 2026

Genres:

Literary

Son of Nobody purports to be a PhD dissertation offering a translation and commentary on fragments of a Trojan War epic. Hence, pages ...Read Review

The Unknown

By Riley Sager - Published 2026

Genres:

Welcome to the present-day uninhabited island of New Avalon, Vermont, where, in 1926, four women lived under the guidance of a spirit medium. Renowned ...Read Review

Summer of Love

By Kerri Maher - Published 2026

Genres:

Saga

Sisters Miranda and Winnie Hartley grow up in the wine country north of San Francisco. Each is smart, talented and ambitious. Their father ...Read Review

Songs from This and That Country

By Gail Sidonie-Sobat - Published 2025

Genres:

Literary

War, family, violence, music, love and forgiveness: Šobat weaves these human themes together in a beautifully written, unique tale spanning centuries and continents. ...Read Review

The Midnight Guests

By Alex Hay - Published 2026

Genres:

Mystery/Crime

The Midnight Guests begins at 2pm on 1 May 1926 with the opening of the upmarket Hotel Artemis in Mayfair, London. The hotel was created ...Read Review

The Story Keeper (US) / The Midnight Estate (UK/Australia)

By Kelly Rimmer - Published 2026

Genres:

Fiona Winslow has years of experience in conservation architecture, and her newest project needs her help badly. In 2010, she’s just purchased the ...Read Review