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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Penguin

An Act of Love

By Carol Drinkwater - Published 2021

Genres:

Inspired by an extraordinary true story, An Act of Love follows Sara who, with her parents, finds refuge in a lovely but dilapidated ...Read Review

The Tuscan Contessa

By Dinah Jefferies - Published 2020

Genres:

This novel opens on a shuttered square on a summer evening in 1944; three crows appear, one after the other, a bad omen. Set ...Read Review

The Missing Sister

By Dinah Jefferies - Published 2019

Genres:

Mystery/Crime

The bestselling author of The Tea Planter’s Wife has written another historical mystery featuring complex family relationships, love, and betrayal. Annabelle (Belle) ...Read Review

Home Fires and Spitfires (Wartime Midwives Series)

By Daisy Styles - Published 2020

Genres:

Saga

It is 1940 and, after recent upheavals, Mother and Baby Home Mary Vale in the Lake District is ready to receive new patients. These ...Read Review

The Secret Guests

By Benjamin Black - Published 2020

Genres:

Literary Thriller

Booker prize-winning Irish author John Banville has written this novel under the pen name he uses for his popular “Quirke” crime novels, to ...Read Review

The Wartime Midwives (Wartime Midwives Series)

By Daisy Styles - Published 2019

Genres:

‘We came in shame to a home for women and babies, to give birth hidden away from society’. 1939, and single girls giving birth ...Read Review

Loch of the Dead

By Oscar de Muriel - Published 2018 Published 2019

Genres:

Mystery/Crime

In this suspenseful Gothic novel set in Scotland in 1889, Ian Frey and ‘Nine Nails’ McGray face an evil that challenges their detective skills ...Read Review

The Liverpool Nightingales (The Nursing Series)

By Kate Eastham - Published 2019

Genres:

Starting her story in 1870 and moving the location to a deprived area of Liverpool, the latest offering from Kate Eastham sees another group ...Read Review

Mandodari: Queen of Lanka

By Manini J. Anandani - Published 2018

Genres:

Historical Fantasy

In mythological times in India, an apsara is enamored with the god Shiva, who seduces her. Although it enrages his consort, Parvati, who ...Read Review