21 LGBTQ+ Historical Fiction Books That Will Blow Your Mind

Recently updated on November 29th, 2024 at 07:54 pm

LGBTQ+ historical fiction offers a unique and powerful way to explore the past through the lens of diverse voices and experiences.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply someone who loves a great story, these novels bring to life the rich and often overlooked narratives of LGBTQ+ individuals throughout history.

From tales of forbidden love to stories of resilience and identity, LGBTQ+ historical fiction transports readers to different eras while shedding light on the struggles and triumphs of those who paved the way for future generations. Dive into this genre to discover beautifully crafted stories that resonate with both heart and history.

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The Best LGBTQ+ Historical Fiction books

1. Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo

An profound historical fiction focusing on lesbian culture in the 1950s.

We follow a Chinese American character coming of age and exploring her sexuality in 1950s San Francisco.

This well-researched book portrays the challenges of a difficult era. The heartwrenching story takes you on an emotional rollercoaster. Once you start reading this book, you won’t be able to put it down.

An incredible historicalfiction.

2. Tipping the Velvet by Sarah Waters

You can’t write a post on queer historical fiction books without mentioning Sarah Waters. Tipping the Velvet is a classic.

We follow Nan King, an oyster girl captivated by music hall phenomenon Kitty Butler – a male impersonator.

This is a well-written, gripping historical fiction for adults. Plus, it has an incredible BBC adaptation.

 3. The Color Purple by Alice Walker

A modern classic depicting the lives of African American Women in Georgia between the wars. It won both the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award.

We follow Celie, young Black girl born into poverty and segregation.

Separated as girls, sisters Celie and Nettie keep in touch through a series of letters.   But then she meets the glamour Shug Avery – a women who has taken charge of her own destiny.

4. Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

Song of Achilles is one of the most popular queer historical fiction books. Perfect for fans of Greek Mythology and character-driven books.

This Greek Mythology retelling focuses on the heart-breaking romance between Achilles and Patroclus. Likewise, the ending will devastate you.

We follow Achilles and Patroclus. Handsome Achilles charms everyone he meets. While Patroclus is an awkward young prince exiled from his homeland.

5. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

A popular historical fiction novel about an ageing movie icon. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo was the #3 most-read book amount GoodReads reviewers in 2021 and ranked at the Top of the Amazon bestseller list.

Evelyn Hugo is ready to tell the truth about her scandalous life. But she chooses an unknown reporter to tell the story. Why her?

This book definitely lives up to the hype. It features an incredible main character and a gripping plot. If you’re after queer historical boks then you’ll love The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. 

6. The Price of Salt by Patricia Highsmith

The Price of Salt is a classic with an intriguing story. Plus it has an incredible adaptation featuring Rooney Mara and Cate Blanchett as Carol.

We follow  Therese Belivet, a stage designer trapped in a department-store day job. One day her salvation arrives in the form of Carol Aird. 

Carol is an alluring suburban housewife in the throes of a divorce.  They fall in love and set out across the United States.

But a private investigator pursues them. He eventually blackmails Carol into a choice between her daughter and her lover.

7. The Mercies by Kiran Millwood Hargrave

Looking for historical books with witches? Then you need to read The Mercies.

Set in a small Norwegian Coastal village in the 1600s. A storm kills off all the island’s men.

Two women struggle to survive against both natural forces and men sent to rid the community of alleged witchcraft.

The detailed world-building and research makes this a treat to read. A dark and emotional read.

8. The Gentlemen’s Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee

A historical romance, a bisexual main character and an intriguing mystery. 

Henry “Monty” Montague was born to be a gentleman. But he was never one to be tamed. The finest boarding schools in England and the constant disapproval of his father haven’t been able to curb any of his roguish passions.

But as Monty embarks on his Grand Tour of Europe, his quest for a life filled with pleasure and vice is in danger of coming to an end. Not only does his father expect him to take over the family’s estate upon his return.

9. Fingersmith by Sarah Waters

A gripping historical fiction crime novel written by Sarah Waters. Set in London 1862, it’s perfect if you’re looking for something similar to Charles Dickens. But sapphic.

Sue Trinder is an orphan. She’s left in the care of Mrs. Sucksby. Her house also houses a family of petty thieves (fingersmiths).

One day, the most beloved thief of all arrives—Gentleman, an elegant con man. He has an enticing proposition for Sue. If she wins a position as the maid to Maud Lilly and helps Gentlemen, they will all share in Maud’s inheritance.

10. Plain Bad Heroines by Emily Danforth

Romance, a gothic setting and elements of horror. This dual POV flips between 1902 and the present day.

The story starts in 1902, at The Brookhants School for Girls. We follow Flo and Clara, two impressionable students. And they’re also obsessed with a daring young writer – Mary MacLane.

To show their devotion to Mary, they establish their own private club. And they call the club The Plain Bad Heroine Society. 

11. A Marvellous Light by Freya Marske

I’m obsessed with A Marvellous Light. It has an excellent balance of romance, mystery and academia worldbuilding.

Set in a magical world of Edwardian England, this historical fantasy features a romance between two men. As they navigate a world of magic and mystery, their relationship develops.

A Marvellous Light is rich in world-building and has a slow-burn romance that’s truly enchanting.

12. Maurice by E.M Forster

If you’re diving into queer historical fiction, Maurice should definitely be on your list! E.M. Forster wrote this incredible novel in 1914, but it was so ahead of its time that it didn’t get published until 1971.

The story follows Maurice, a young man who starts to figure out his sexuality after dealing with unrequited love. But in Edwardian society, staying true to himself means going against all the rigid rules around class, wealth, and politics.

Since then, Maurice has become a classic and was even adapted into a film starring Hugh Grant!

13. She Who Became The Sun by Shelley Parker Chan

A rise to power, destiny and war. Set in 14th-century China, this well-written epic has complex characters and an emotionally charged plot. 

It opens in a famine-stricken village. Two children are given two fates. The boy – greatness. The girl – nothingness.

In 1345, China lies under harsh Mongol rule. And for the peasants in the Central plains – greatness is only on stories.  So when Zhu Chongba is given a fate of greatness, everyone is mystified as to how it will come to pass.

14. A Million to One by Adiba Jaigirdar

Are you a fan of a heist? Then you’ll love A Million to One. A historical heist set on the Titanic.

A thief. An artist. An acrobat. An actress.

A Million to One follows Josefa, Emilie, Hinnah and Violet. They don’t seem to have anything in common. But they’re united by one goal – stealing the Rubaiyat. A jewel-encrusted book aboard the RMS Titanic. A book that might be the golden ticket to solving all their problems. 

Adiba Jaigirdar writes incredible queer books with well-developed characters.

15. Charming Young Man by Eliot Schrefer

A captivating addition to the world of LGBTQ+ historical fiction. It offers a fresh and intimate look at the complexities of identity and love in the 1930s.

We follow Léon, a young gay man navigating the vibrant yet perilous art scene of Paris during the height of the Great Depression.

Schrefer masterfully weaves together historical detail and emotional depth.

16. A Little Light Mischief by Cat Sebastian

A lighthearted Sapphic Regency romance.

We follow Molly Wilkins and Alice. Molly Wilkins is done with thieving, cheating and stabbing.

She’s determined to keep her hands to herself. But then she finds herself tempted to seduce her employer’s prim and proper companion, Alice. How can she resist when Alice can’t seem to keep her eyes off Moll?

A fun Regency romance with funny banter, crime and likeable main characters.

17.  The Animals at Lockwood Manor by Jane Healey

Searching for gothic historical fiction? The Animals at Lockwood Manor features a creepy haunted manor, an intriguing mystery and romance.

We follow Hetty Cartwright. She’s tasked with the evacuation and safekeeping of the Natural History Museum’s collection of mammals.

Once she and her exhibits arrive at Lockwood Manor, however, where they are to stay for the duration of the war, Hetty soon realizes that she’s taken on more than she’d bargained for.

18. Cantoras by Carolina de Robertis

Set 1970s Uruguay during a dictatorship. Cantoras is a beautifully written and heartbreaking book about love, friendship and freedom in an oppresive political climate.

Set in 1977 Uruguary, a military government crushed political dissent. And the everyday rights of people are under attack. Homosexuality is dangerous and to be punished. 

The book follows five queer women. Romina, Flaca, Anita “La Venus,” Paz, and Malena. Five cantoras, women who “sing”.  And they find one another.

19. Infamous by Lex Croucher

Are you a fan of Bridgerton? Then you’ll enjoy Infamous. A lighthearted Regency romance at an extended party.

It deals with identity and coming of age in an era where being queer is not accepted.

We follow 22 year old aspiring writer  Edith ‘Eddie’ Miller. Eddie and her best friend Rose have always done everything together. Climbing trees, throwing grapes at boys, sneaking bottles of wine, practising kissing . . .

20. Like a Love Story by Abdi Nazemian

A moving and vibrant LGBTQ+ historical fiction novel that takes readers back to New York City in the late 1980s, during the height of the AIDS crisis.

We follow 3 teens—Reza, Judy, and Art—whose lives become intertwined as they navigate the complexities of love in a time of fear and uncertainty

Nazemian’s storytelling beautifully captures the era’s intensity while celebrating the resilience and love that blossomed in the face of overwhelming adversity.

21. The Miseducation of Cameron Post by Emily m. Danforth

A must-read for anyone into LGBTQ+ historical fiction.

We follow Cameron Post, a teenage girl in rural Montana, dealing with the guilt and confusion of her first same-sex kiss—right after learning her parents have died in a car accident.

As if that’s not enough, Cameron is sent to a religious conversion camp by her conservative aunt.

The novel is a raw and honest exploration of identity, love, and the struggle to find yourself. A powerful coming of age story.

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