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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WW2

Walking Through Shadows

By Bev Marshall - Published 2002

Genres:

In Walking Through Shadows, Bev Marshall writes about a young woman challenged by a physical defect. Sheila develops a strong fantasy life. Her ...Read Review

When the Emperor was Divine

By Julie Otsuka - Published 2002

Genres:

Literary

Don’t let looks deceive you; although small, this novel packs a powerful punch as it recounts one of the greatest forced migrations ...Read Review

Before Hiroshima: The Confession Of Murayama Kazuo

By Joshua Barkan - Published 2000

Genres:

Short Stories

Joshua Barkan’s first collection of stories, Before Hiroshima, includes a novella and five short stories. Though only 148 pages in its entirety, Barkan’...Read Review

Red Gold

By Alan Furst - Published 1999 Published 2002

Genres:

Thriller

As the cover art suggests, this story would make a great film noir. Jean Casson, aka Jean Louis Marin, is an unemployed film ...Read Review

When the Elephants Dance

By Tess Uriza Holthe - Published 2002

Genres:

Literary

After the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941, American and Allied troops retreated from the Philippine Islands, which were first bombed and ...Read Review

Lovely Green Eyes

By Arnost Lustig - Published 2002

Genres:

Literary

Fifteen-year-old Hanka Kaudersova must make a choice. Does she seize the opportunity to pass herself off as an Aryan to work in a ...Read Review

Miracle At St. Anna

By James McBride - Published 2002

Genres:

Literary

For those not old enough to remember overt racism, this story will reveal just how bad it was for the soldiers of the 92...Read Review

Snow Island

By Katherine Towler - Published 2002

Genres:

Children/Young Adult

Alice Daggett is sixteen years old in the summer before WWII. Unlike most young women her age, she lives on an isolated and ...Read Review

While Mortals Sleep

By Jack Cavanaugh - Published 2001

Genres:

Inspirational

The series Songs in the Night makes an unforgettable impact on readers through this first volume. Here is a book that everyone, especially ...Read Review