3 Historical Fiction Books from the 2022 Fall Reading Guide That Will Transport You

If you’re anything like me, fall is the perfect season to cozy up with historical fiction books. There’s just something magical about slipping into another time and place while the leaves rustle outside and a warm drink is in hand. In the 2022 Fall Reading Guide, I chose three standout historical fiction books that truly transported me—from the bohemian cafés of postwar Paris to the dazzling, dangerous clubs of 1920s London, to the frenzied brilliance of an artist whose work shaped modern art.

Top 3 Historical Fiction Books

The Village Idiot by Steve Stern

In The Village Idiot, we follow Chaim Soutine, a Jewish painter whose chaotic brilliance and inner torment defined a generation of modern art. The novel opens in 1917 Paris and offers a mesmerizing portrait of a man both haunted and electrified by his creative impulses. We watch as he navigates hunger, poverty, unrequited love, and explosive genius—trying to make sense of his talent and place in a world on the brink of upheaval.

I picked this one because I’m always fascinated by novels that explore art, identity, and what it means to live for your craft. For readers who enjoy character-driven stories like The Paris Architect or Lust for Life, this novel felt like watching a canvas come to life—full of passion, pain, and persistence. It made me reflect on how brilliance often comes from the messiest parts of ourselves.

You can get a copy on Amazon.

Jacqueline in Paris by Ann Mah

Set in postwar Paris, Jacqueline in Paris imagines the formative year Jacqueline Bouvier spent studying abroad—long before she became Jackie Kennedy. As she absorbs the art, culture, and political unrest swirling around her, she also begins to carve out her own identity, separate from her privileged American upbringing. This is a coming-of-age story wrapped in couture, history, and quiet rebellion.

I selected this novel because I loved the idea of seeing a well-known public figure before she became a cultural icon. For readers who adored Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald or The Paris Wife, this story delivers a reflective and atmospheric look at youth, independence, and self-discovery. It made me nostalgic for my own moments of growth and reminded me how travel and new surroundings can shape the rest of our lives.

You can get a copy on Amazon.

Shrines of Gaiety by Kate Atkinson

In the glittering world of 1920s Soho, Shrines of Gaiety introduces us to Nellie Coker, a bold and ruthless club owner whose empire of nightlife hides darker secrets. As the city recovers from war, Nellie must protect her legacy while navigating threats from rival gangs, corrupt cops, and her own ambitious children. Atkinson weaves together multiple storylines with her signature wit and emotional punch.

I included this book because I love a novel that captures the glamour of a bygone era while also pulling back the curtain on its shadows. Perfect for fans of Peaky Blinders or The Night Watch, this novel made me feel like I was right there in a smoky club, sipping gin and keeping one eye on the exit. It’s stylish, sharp, and full of tension—and it left me wanting more from every character.

You can get a copy on Amazon.

What Historical Fiction Story Are You Escaping Into This Fall?

Have you read any of the titles from the 2022 Fall Reading Guide Historical Fiction Books list? I’d love to hear which stories swept you away—or which ones are still on your list! Let’s chat in the comments.