best historical fiction books 2020

Best Historical Fiction Books of 2020: Explore the Past in Captivating Stories

If you are a fan of historical fiction, 2020 has been an exceptional year for captivating and immersive storytelling. From vividly imagined worlds to meticulously researched accounts, the following books have garnered critical acclaim and captivated readers around the world. In this article, we'll take a closer look at some of the best historical fiction books of 2020.

1. "The Vanishing Half" by Brit Bennett
"The Vanishing Half" by Brit Bennett is a powerful and beautifully crafted novel that explores themes of identity, race, and family. Set in the United States during the 1950s and 1960s, the book follows the lives of two African-American sisters who choose different paths—one embracing her racial heritage, the other passing as white. Bennett's masterful storytelling delves into complex issues while offering a compelling narrative that will keep readers hooked until the last page.

2. "The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue" by V.E. Schwab
V.E. Schwab's "The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue" is a genre-defying historical fantasy that weaves together elements of romance, folklore, and time travel. The story follows Addie, a young woman in 18th-century France, who makes a Faustian bargain to live forever but is cursed to be forgotten by everyone she meets. The novel effortlessly jumps across centuries, exploring Addie's experiences and the impact she leaves on the world. With rich descriptions and a unique premise, this book is a must-read for fans of historical fiction with a magical twist.

3. "Hamnet" by Maggie O'Farrell
"Hamnet" by Maggie O'Farrell is a haunting and tender novel that imagines the life of William Shakespeare's son during the devastating backdrop of the bubonic plague. O'Farrell's lyrical prose and meticulous research bring the characters and setting to life, providing a poignant exploration of grief, love, and the bond between a mother and her children. This beautifully written book offers a fresh perspective on one of history's greatest playwrights and the harsh realities of the time.

4. "The Book of Longings" by Sue Monk Kidd
Sue Monk Kidd's "The Book of Longings" is a bold and empowering novel that reimagines the life of Ana, the fictional wife of Jesus Christ. Set in Galilee during the first century, the story explores Ana's journey of self-discovery as she grapples with societal expectations, her own ambitions, and a faith that challenges traditional norms. Kidd's meticulous attention to historical detail and powerful storytelling make this book a thought-provoking and immersive read.

To discover more remarkable historical fiction books published in 2020, consider visiting reputable book review websites such as Goodreads, BookPage, and Book Riot. These websites provide comprehensive lists and recommendations, allowing you to explore various sub-genres and find the perfect book to satisfy your historical fiction cravings.

In conclusion, 2020 has offered readers a superb selection of historical fiction books that transport us to different times and places while exploring universal themes. Whether you are interested in stories set in the past or those that incorporate a touch of magic, there is something for every historical fiction enthusiast on this year's bookshelves. So, grab a cup of tea, settle into your favorite reading nook, and let these captivating tales transport you to a different era. Happy reading!
Proud Tang Fiction
Proud Tang

In the history records: In the 14th year of the Tianbao era, on the 9th day of the 11th month, An Lushan rebelled against the Tang Dynasty in Fanyang. The rebel forces quickly seized the capital, Luoyang, and then set their sights on Chang'an. Under the repeated instigation of Prime Minister Yang Guozhong, Emperor Li Longji ordered General Geshu Han, the defender of Tongguan, to launch a full-scale attack, resulting in a disastrous defeat. Tongguan was soon captured, and Chang'an was subsequently occupied by the rebel army. Li Longji hurriedly fled westward to Shu. During Li Longji's escape, a mutiny broke out at Ma Wei Slope,

238.83 Million words | 2021-01-24 08:54Update

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Emperor Wang Mang's Growth Plan Fiction
Emperor Wang Mang's Growth Plan

【[Submission for the Chronological Historical Genre Writing Contest: Possession Genre]】The male protagonist, Wang Ming, was fortunate enough to transmigrate into the body of Wang Mang and entered the noble social circle of the Wang family. Witness how this rich second-generation from the Han Dynasty, with his handsome appearance and wealth, manipulates the court and establishes his own empire

268.64 Million words | 2023-06-24 17:11Update

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The Hou Mansion's backyard is full of intrigue. Fiction
The Hou Mansion's backyard is full of intrigue.

It is said that there are many rumors in front of the widow's door, but Yan Su feels that there are also many rumors in the backyard of the marquis's mansion. Dealing with troublesome concubines and avoiding conspiracies, she can't do without using tactics if she wants to survive. While Yan Su was focusing on dealing with various rumors in the backyard, she said, "Oh, Marquis, can you let go of your hands around me?" ********* Scene one: Yan Su grabbed her collar and looked guardedly at Marquis Shen in front of her. Marquis Shen raised an eyebrow, a smile playing at the corners of his eyes and lips. "Don't block me. Do you not remember who it was that sneaked under my bed to peep while I was bathing?" Scene two: Y

289.12 Million words | 2021-09-02 16:20Update

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Ming Dynasty Divination Master Fiction
Ming Dynasty Divination Master

A high school student who has a hobby of fortune-telling, accidentally gets hit on the head by a clay sculpture of Guiguzi, the ancestor of fortune-telling in a temple, and travels back in time to the Ming Dynasty. He possesses the body of a poor and destitute fortune-teller's apprentice, starting a life of making a living through fortune-telling in ancient times. He quickly discovers that there is something new in his mind, making his fortune-telling abilities extraordinary. PS: There are two book lover groups, , which are both super book lover groups, and all book lovers are welcome to join.

48.39 Million words | 2023-04-18 10:32Update

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Tang Dynasty Scouts Fiction
Tang Dynasty Scouts

In the Sino-Vietnamese self-defense counterattack war, Captain Zhang Wenji, the leader of a reconnaissance battalion subordinate to the military, was assigned the mission to scout the military defense layout in Liangshan. However, due to a two-minute mistake, he lost his life in the artillery fire and transmigrated to the body of a soldier in the city of Luoyang in the fourth year of Wu De in the Tang Dynasty. Being aware of the future course of history, he decisively left the city, brandishing his three-foot-long sword in pursuit of fame and success. How did he become the indispensable general of Li Shimin? At the establishment of the Tang Dynasty, the four borders were in constant turmoil. Led by Zhang Yunwen, a series of special operations teams launched attacks from all sides, leaving vivid marks in the expansion history of the Tang Empire. A new book titled "Dragon Authority" has been released at http://www.k.com/book/.html. Your continued support is greatly appreciated! If you enjoy this book, please add me on QQ for discussions. QQ: [redacted]. You can also join the group: [redacted]. Thank you, brothers, for your support! I am just an enthusiast of military affairs, and the depictions of special operations in the book are mostly products of imagination. There may be many mistakes, and I ask for your understanding!

151.26 Million words | 2021-05-17 11:19Update

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Xinghan Fiction
Xinghan

- He was originally a harmonious soldier in the future naval expeditionary forces but inexplicably became Liu Cong, who was disregarded and bullied in the late Eastern Han Dynasty. - Facing tens of thousands of troops led by Cao Cao on the outside and internal challenges from Liu Bei who sought to replace Liu Biao, the usurpation of power by Cai Mao and Zhang Yun, as well as Sun Quan's covetousness from the east of the Yangtze River. - Gathering the wisdom of Zhuge Liang, battling against Cao Cao. Let's witness Liu Cong's battles of wits and bravery with various warlords, rising

107.54 Million words | 2023-01-13 00:59Update

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One Imperial Junhou Fiction
One Imperial Junhou

The flourishing and prosperous Ronghan Dynasty may seem calm and peaceful on the surface, but beneath it lies a turbulent undercurrent. The military forces are expanding relentlessly, factions engage in deceitful power struggles, and the major aristocratic families are consumed by insatiable greed. All of these slowly corrode this ancient and venerable empire. ...

349.05 Million words | 2020-11-21 13:11Update

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The Succession of the Crimson Mansion Fiction
The Succession of the Crimson Mansion

Xing'er traveled through the Red Chamber and became Jia Lian's trusted servant. However, he unintentionally made an enemy out of Wang Xifeng, which set him on a path towards success. Every word seems to be filled with blood. Ten years of hardship are anything but ordinary. Here, there are the warmth and coldness of human emotions, as well as the fickleness of the world. Lin Daiyu, with her lonely and proud spirit, the alluring Qin Keqing, the talented but lonely Xue Baochai, the elegant and heroic Shi Xiangyun, the diverse beauties of the Jia Residence, and the still alluring Li Wan. Even the lowliest ants can leap to success, opening a different path to victory, igniting the journey of a loser's counterattack!

593.17 Million words | 2022-05-28 07:01Update

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Strong soldiers/army Fiction
Strong soldiers/army

Fans of the Iron Blood Army's history, please show your support! Author's custom tag: Hot-blooded

208.73 Million words | 2021-03-12 21:05Update

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Ace Special Forces in the Turbulent End of the Sui Dynasty Fiction
Ace Special Forces in the Turbulent End of the Sui Dynasty

To save the beauty, he ventures alone into the forbidden palace, putting aside grievances, he joins the army to campaign in the west. Embracing literary talents, gathering fierce generals, he vies for control of the Central Plains. Calming the desolate north, conquering Persia, setting sail overseas. Liu Ziqiu, the ace special forces soldier, travels through the end of the Sui Dynasty, rising against the chaos, expanding territories. He will present to you an extraordinary story of the Sui and Tang Dynasty... Group ID: [Please provide the group number]

505.72 Million words | 2023-03-29 06:41Update

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Babylonian Empire Fiction
Babylonian Empire

Here, once was the pinnacle of the development of Mesopotamian civilization, here, a new era of unity will be embraced! Surviving between two great super empires, evolving under the watchful eyes of envious neighbors, growing stronger amidst the turmoil of the Iran-Iraq War. Reborn as Saddam's son, rewriting the destiny of Iraq! The new Babylonian Empire stands tall atop the world!

281.38 Million words | 2021-04-18 03:37Update

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The Days of Being Soldiers Together. Fiction
The Days of Being Soldiers Together.

There is a place called barracks! There is a person called soldier! There is a way to wake up called emergency assembly! There is a kind of patience called five kilometers! There is a torment called 400-meter obstacle! There is a walk called marching! There is a title called martyr! There is a blanket called tofu block! There is a dream called waking up naturally! There is a dance called capture boxing! There is a heaven called guesthouse! There is a carefree act called collectively peeing on the highway!... Regret for two, five, or twelve years after serving in the military, but regretting for a lifetime for not serving. The barracks is a great furnace. Going in as iron and coming out as steel. The old squad leader used to advise us to become as tough as steel and not become a scrap of iron. The old squad leader also said that there are two places that truly temper men, one is the barracks and the other is the prison. Only those who have no way out would choose prison, so let us ambitious youth

456.94 Million words | 2022-11-07 00:58Update

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Ride and Hack: Independence as the King Fiction
Ride and Hack: Independence as the King

A regular office worker in a modern society who loves playing the game of horse riding and slaughter accidentally travels to the world of the horse riding and slaughter game, embarking on a tumultuous journey towards becoming a king...

52.81 Million words | 2023-05-24 05:24Update

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Xiangba Three Kingdoms Fiction
Xiangba Three Kingdoms

Zhang Xiang, an ordinary unemployed young man, crossed over to the end of the Eastern Han Dynasty and unexpectedly became the younger brother of Zhang Fei. Liu Bei, that big-eared bandit, can forget about realizing his dream; there

309.37 Million words | 2023-01-13 02:10Update

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Song Shi's enchantment Fiction
Song Shi's enchantment

Jianyan's crossing to the south, only half of the Great Song's territory remained. In the thirty-second year of Shaoxing, Zhao Shen, the strongest revitalizing monarch in the history of the Southern Song Dynasty, ascended the throne as Emperor Xiaozong. With great determination, he strived for progress and worked hard to govern the country. The Northern Expedition of prosperity slowly unfolded under the wheels of history, and the era of Qianchun's good governance began to show light. However, the Southern Song Dynasty had a ruler for restoration but lacked ministers for expansion to the north. There were no more figures like Yue Fei, Fan Zhongyan, or Wang Anshi in the court... Arriving in the prosperous Southern Song Dynasty, should one indulge in the pleasures of Qinhuai River, immersed in the beauty of skilled women, and enjoy a carefree life as a scholar, or should one engage in political affairs and contribute to the glorious era of the Great Song Dynasty? Let's witness the enchantment of the Song court. In simple terms, this is a fascinating story about romantic encounters, promotion, and accomplishing small tasks to ensure the invincibility of the Great Song Dynasty, unhindered by the iron cavalry of the grasslands.

573.43 Million words | 2020-08-14 19:05Update

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The Power of the Three Kingdoms Overwhelms the World Fiction
The Power of the Three Kingdoms Overwhelms the World

Biochemical expert Liu Bang accidentally traveled to the end of the Eastern Han Dynasty and became Liu Xun, the son of Liu Zhang. Faced with the fratricidal struggle between father and son, and the schemes of treacherous villains, where will Liu Xun go from here? This is a tale of heroism and legend, weaving together both iron and blood with tender emotions. A true son should be like Liu Xun, like the son of Liu Jingsheng, a loyal and courageous warrior! Join our book lovers' group: [group information].

55.40 Million words | 2022-01-20 13:54Update

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Victoria's Secret Fiction
Victoria's Secret

A thousand years ago, the decisive battle between light and darkness took place. As the goddess slumbered, she left behind a prophecy, foretelling the coming of the savior. And now, a millennium later, the reborn soul finds itself lost in this world, burdened with a heavy responsibility, struggling to break free from the chains of mundane existence. Walking a precarious tightrope between good and evil, will he fulfill the prophecy and save humanity? Or will he bring about the destruction of all things? The vengeful judge returns from afar. What exactly is Victoria's secret?

157.55 Million words | 2023-06-28 15:13Update

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The Rise and Fall of My Lord in Late Ming Fiction
The Rise and Fall of My Lord in Late Ming

"Rise and Fall of My Sovereign in the Late Ming Dynasty" Synopsis A young migrant worker from the north travels to Mount Wuling for sightseeing. After getting drunk, he unintentionally saves a spirit fox and receives its assistance. As a result, he travels through time to the late Ming Dynasty and becomes Zhu Youjian, the Prince of Xin. (Reader group ID)

395.69 Million words | 2022-07-30 15:24Update

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A Guide to Jia Lian in the Red Chamber Fiction
A Guide to Jia Lian in the Red Chamber

The unparalleled talents of the Twelve Beauties of Jinling could not escape the tragic fate of being inevitably associated with sorrow and tears. Even the astounding stubborn stone is nothing more than an irreparable stone! The collapse of the Red Chamber resonates loudly, shattering the dream into pieces. The empty space of the antique lamp and ancient Buddha may not be truly empty, as they recite the lingering resentment of Cao Xueqin. The Red Chamber has lost its dreams, leaving only remnants of dream shadows!

454.54 Million words | 2021-10-30 22:24Update

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Tang Dynasty Detective Fiction
Tang Dynasty Detective

A reincarnated criminal investigation expert in the Tang Dynasty, using his intelligence to solve a series of brutal crimes. Originally planning to live a peaceful life with his lovely young wife, he becomes entangled in a web of conspiracies. In an instant, the court and martial world are filled with hidden currents, as storms approach the Great Tang Empire. Witness how Li Canghai, with his meticulous mind and brilliant deduction skills, unravels one bizarre and incredulous case after another.

302.00 Million words | 2021-10-18 14:26Update

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