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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Random House

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

The Secret Thread

By Eve Chase - Published 2026

Genres:

How do you document a life? Each artifact – a hand-sewn yellow cotton dress, a vintage quilt, a chandelier droplet – holds memories and meaning. ...Read Review

Sunrise

By Téa Obreht - Published 2026

Genres:

Literary Western

Obreht’s electrifying novel opens in summer 2024, in the aftermath of a plane crash. Nina, a New York-based grad student and nanny, was ...Read Review

Runner

By Ashton Lattimore - Published 2026

Genres:

Unwitting half-sisters Dee and Lena both find their world and plans overturned by the death of their father, bootlegger Earl Jameson. The temptation ...Read Review

The Last of Earth

By Deepa Anappara - Published 2026

Genres:

Tibet’s peaks and canyons are treacherous, its high elevations devoid of vegetation, but its special beauty is seen through Anappara’s rich ...Read Review

Starting from Here

By Paula Saunders - Published 2025

Genres:

The authentic and clear voice of Starting from Here declares Paula Saunders’ novel exceptional on page one. The story of a girl’s ...Read Review

Buckeye

By Patrick Ryan - Published 2025

Genres:

Literary

Very occasionally, a book comes along so accomplished, so throbbing with the very essence of life, I know I will be pressing it ...Read Review

I’ll Be Right Here

By Amy Bloom - Published 2025

Genres:

Bloom excels at creating characters who combine a profound sense of alienation with a desperate desire for connection. In this short but intense ...Read Review