The best historical fiction of 2025

Let these compelling tales whisk you away to another century

Book covers of Perspectives by Laurent Binet, The Eights by Joanna Miller and The Pretender by Jo Harkin
The most notable historical fiction books of the year so far
(Image credit: Harvill Secker / Penguin / Bloomsbury Circus)

Historical fiction has enjoyed a "surge" in popularity in recent years, with an array of books "vividly" transporting readers to "bygone eras", said Forbes. Here are some of the most compelling works of the year so far.

The Pretender by Jo Harkin

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Irenie Forshaw is a features writer at The Week, covering arts, culture and travel. She began her career in journalism at Leeds University, where she wrote for the student newspaper, The Gryphon, before working at The Guardian and The New Statesman Group. Irenie then became a senior writer at Elite Traveler, where she oversaw The Experts column.