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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Anne Clinard Barnhill

Monster: The Dark Missions of Edgar Brim

By Shane Peacock - Published 2018

Genres:

Monster, second in Shane Peacock’s The Dark Missions of Edgar Brim trilogy set in Victorian times, brings us to a world where ...Read Review

Unquiet Spirits

By Bonnie Macbird - Published 2017

Genres:

Mystery/Crime

In her second Sherlock Holmes novel, Bonnie MacBird gives us a rollicking tale worthy of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle himself. Upon finding another ...Read Review

Manhattan Beach

By Jennifer Egan - Published 2017

Genres:

The latest book by Pulitzer Prize-winner Jennifer Egan is quite a change from A Visit from the Goon Squad. In Manhattan Beach, the ...Read Review

These Healing Hills

By Ann H. Gabhart - Published 2017

Genres:

Inspirational Romance

At the end of WWII, when Francine Howard discovers the man she thought she was going to marry is bringing home his English ...Read Review

Nine Lessons: A Josephine Tey Mystery

By Nicola Upson - Published 2017

Genres:

Mystery/Crime

In Nine Lessons, Nicola Upson serves up multiple murders, romances on the rocks and a horrible act occurring years ago at the heart ...Read Review

Glass Town

By Steven Savile - Published 2017

Genres:

Historical Fantasy

This is a strange novel, a fantasy set in the 1920s and the 1990s. The story involves two brothers who both love the ...Read Review

The Secret of Nightingale Wood

By Lucy Strange - Published 2017

Genres:

Children/Young Adult Mystery/Crime

A debut novel, this is a delightful tale of love and loss, family and friends, and mystery and magic. The story begins when ...Read Review

If Not Now, When?

By Primo Levi - By William Weaver (trans.) - Published (c1983)Published 2017

Genres:

Literary

Primo Levi’s novel, If Not Now, When?, was first translated from the Italian in 1983. Levi has written several novels chronicling Jewish experiences ...Read Review