Backlist Historical Fiction Published Before 2000

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Lately, I’ve been pondering backlist historical fiction, referring to books published over a year ago. While historical fiction is often categorized by the time period it depicts, what about the era in which it was written? Considering this adds an intriguing perspective to sorting historical fiction. Books are not only shaped by the historical period they portray but also by the time in which they were written. The context of the author’s era significantly influences their interpretation and portrayal of history.

I’ve highlighted some older backlist historical fiction books released between 2010 and 2020, but there is a wealth of historical fiction predating that timeframe. Historical fiction is not a recent genre; narratives about the past have been woven since storytelling’s inception. Even figures like Achilles and Odysseus were celebrated heroes in ancient times, their stories evolving over time. These tales, whether based on real events or myth, were considered historical from their inception.

While we’re not reaching as far back as ancient Greece in this exploration, the five historical fiction books discussed here represent a different era in historical storytelling: the 20th century. These novels span diverse settings from ancient Athens to 1930s India, offering a glimpse into varied historical periods.

1. Not Without Laughter by Langston Hughes (1930): Hughes draws on his upbringing in the American Midwest, portraying young Sandy Rogers’ journey guided by his grandmother’s resilience and the transformative power of literature.

2. The Last of the Wine by Mary Renault (1956): Set in Athens during the Peloponnesian War’s end, the story follows Alexias and Lysis navigating societal changes while studying under Socrates and experiencing love.

3. Sunlight on a Broken Column by Attia Hosain (1961): This novel delves into Laila’s struggle with tradition and modernity in 1930s Lucknow, highlighting the clash between personal desires and societal expectations.

4. Beloved by Toni Morrison (1987): Morrison’s haunting narrative explores the enduring trauma of slavery through Sethe’s experiences in Ohio, haunted by memories of her past and the ghost of her deceased child.

5. Women of the Silk by Gail Tsukiyama (1991): Transported to 1920s rural China, the novel follows Pei’s journey as she finds solidarity and strength among fellow silk factory workers, advocating for change through friendship and conviction.

For readers interested in expanding their historical fiction repertoire, exploring backlist titles offers a rich and diverse selection. Additionally, consider other historical fiction recommendations to enhance your reading experience and discover lesser-known narratives.

This article was crafted by the Editorial Desk. This week, we’re spotlighting a piece on upcoming literary events for the remainder of 2025. From book awards to author milestones and Banned Books Week, these are the key dates for readers to mark on their calendars. Dive into an excerpt below and unlock the full post by becoming an All Access member.