Reading historical fiction is one of the most captivating literary genres. Historical fiction transports us to a different era and location, much like fantasy or science fiction. The distinction is that historical fiction recounts actual occurrences and day-to-day existence. It's intriguing to learn about living in earlier eras. Historical fiction has the power to take us to other places, much as people enjoy traveling to different regions of the world to experience different lifestyles.
The following historical fiction books are scheduled for publication in April 2024:
1. All We Were Promised by Ashton Lattimore
In turbulent pre-Civil War Philadelphia, a rich young abolitionist teams up with a housemaid who harbors a terrible family secret to help an enslaved girl escape. In this captivating tale of friendship, deceit, and women stepping across borders for freedom, they will risk all for one other. Ballantine Books anticipates publishing this book on April 2, 2024.
2. American Daughters by Piper Huguley
Piper Huguley's historical fiction explores the extraordinary connection between Portia Washington and Alice Roosevelt, the daughters of President Teddy Roosevelt and educator Booker T. Washington, in the style of America's First Daughter. Piper Huguley's American Daughters is a bold historical book and revelatory portrait that vividly depicts two passionate and alive women who over a century ago cultivated a connection that transcended politics and race. This book is scheduled to be published by William Morrow Paperbacks on April 2, 2024.
3. Clear by Carys Davies
Taking place in the 1840s during the last stages of the infamous Scottish Clearances—which saw entire communities of the rural poor driven off the land in a relentless program of forced evictions—this singular, beautiful, deeply surprising novel explores the differences and connections between us, the way history shapes our deepest convictions, and how the human spirit can survive despite all odds. It is a stunning, exquisite novel about a minister sent to a remote island off of Scotland to “clear” the last remaining inhabitant, who has no intention of leaving. Clear is a meaningful and enjoyable book to read. It is delicate and captivating, moving and surprising. This book is scheduled to be published by Scribner on April 2, 2024.
4. The Stone Home by Crystal Hana Kim
A movingly beautiful family drama and coming-of-age tale that, via the eyes of a tiny community residing in a reformatory facility, exposes a terrible side of South Korean history. The Stone Home is an intensely touching tale of a mother and daughter's love and two brothers whose relationship is put to an unimaginably tough test. It is inspired by true events and is recounted through alternate timeframes and two personal perspectives. Kim crafts a poetic investigation of the legacy of violence and the complex psychology of power, highlighting the incredible acts of loyalty and friendship that may develop in the shadows. She does this by capturing a horrible era of history with astounding restraint and sensitivity. The anticipated release date of William Morrow's book is April 2, 2024.
5. The House on Biscayne Bay by Chanel Cleeton
In this haunting new novel from New York Times bestselling author Chanel Cleeton, murder haunts a gothic house in Miami, entwining the lives of two women as the past and present clash.This book is scheduled to be published by Berkley on April 2, 2024.