Best Historical British & Irish Literature Books of 2025

The Dictionary of Lost Words is a biographical historical fiction book about Esme, a young girl who grows up in the Scriptorium, an Oxford garden shed where her father and a team of lexicographers are collecting words for the first Oxford English Dictionary. Esme discovers that words relating to women's and common folks' experiences often go unrecorded and begins to collect them for her own dictionary: the Dictionary of Lost Words. Set during the women's suffrage movement and with the Great War looming, this book is a delightful, lyrical, and deeply thought-provoking celebration of words and their power to shape the world. Overall, this book is a beautiful exploration of history and language that anyone who loves words will enjoy.

The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle is a gripping and highly addictive murder mystery that follows the story of Aiden Bishop, tasked with identifying the killer of Evelyn Hardcastle in a never-ending cycle. Stuart Turton's inventive twist on time-turning and locked-room mystery will keep readers guessing until the very end. The book is a blend of Agatha Christie's whodunnit, Downton Abbey's setting, and the time-travel element of Groundhog Day. Overall, the book is an excellent read, and its unique blend of genres makes it stand out among other thrillers.

The Giver of Stars: A Novel by Jojo Moyes is a #1 New York Times bestseller and a Reese's Book Club pick. The story is set in Depression-era America and follows Alice Wright, who marries an American hoping to escape her stifling life in England. She becomes part of Eleanor Roosevelt's new traveling library, delivering books with a team of women known as the Packhorse Librarians of Kentucky. The book is a captivating tale of love, friendship, and self-actualization. It's a richly rewarding exploration of the depths of friendship, good men willing to stand up to bad and a celebration of women's abilities to work together. The Giver of Stars is a must-read for anyone who enjoys historical fiction and strong female characters.

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon is a captivating time-travel romance novel that introduces Claire Beauchamp Randall and Jamie Fraser. The story is set in the Scottish Highlands in 1743, where Claire finds herself after walking through a standing stone. Amid danger, passion, and violence, Claire learns that her only chance of safety lies in Jamie, a young Scots warrior. The novel is a perfect escape reading with marvelous and fantastic adventures, romance, and sex, and the author's use of historical detail and character development makes it a superior read. It's easy to see why Outlander is one of the top ten best-loved novels in America.

This deluxe edition of Pride and Prejudice is a beautifully crafted and designed collectible edition that would make a perfect gift or addition to any library. Jane Austen's classic novel tells the story of two warring hearts in eighteenth century England, as Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy navigate their pride and prejudices towards each other. Despite being published over two centuries ago, the novel continues to enthrall readers to this very day. The leather-bound edition is a perfect keepsake for any avid reader of British and Irish literature.

The Nature of Fragile Things is a gripping novel about the power of female friendship and mother love. Set in San Francisco in 1906, the story follows Sophie Whalen, a young Irish immigrant who marries a widower with a mysterious past. Sophie soon discovers hidden ties to two other women, and their fates intertwine on the eve of a devastating earthquake. Susan Meissner's writing is spellbinding, taking readers on a harrowing journey through the early 20th century San Francisco. The book explores themes of resilience, love, and female solidarity, making it an excellent addition to any women's friendship fiction bookshelf.

The classic samurai novel about the real exploits of the most famous swordsman.. Miyamoto Musashi was the child of an era when Japan was emerging from decades of civil strife. Lured to the great Battle of Sekigahara in 1600 by the hope of becoming a samurai—without really knowing what it meant—he regains consciousness after the battle to find himself lying defeated, dazed and wounded among thousands of the dead and dying. On his way home, he commits a rash act, becomes a fugitive and brings life in his own village to a standstill—until he is captured by a weaponless Zen monk.. The lovely Otsu, seeing in Musashi her ideal of manliness, frees him from his tortuous punishment, but he is recaptured and imprisoned. During three years of solitary confinement, he delves into the classics of Japan and China. When he is set free again, he rejects the position of samurai and for the next several years pursues his goal relentlessly, looking neither to left nor to right.. Ever so slowly it dawns on him that following the Way of the Sword is not simply a matter of finding a target for his brute strength. Continually striving to perfect his technique, which leads him to a unique style of fighting with two swords simultaneously, he travels far and wide, challenging fighters of many disciplines, taking nature to be his ultimate and severest teacher and undergoing the rigorous training of those who follow the Way. He is supremely successful in his encounters, but in the Art of War he perceives the way of peaceful and prosperous governance and disciplines himself to be a real human being. He becomes a reluctant hero to a host of people whose lives he has touched and been touched by. And, inevitably, he has to pit his skill against the naked blade of his greatest rival.. Musashi is a novel in the best tradition of Japanese story telling. It is a living story, subtle and imaginative, teeming with memorable characters, many of them historical. Interweaving themes of unrequited love, misguided revenge, filial piety and absolute dedication to the Way of the Samurai, it depicts vividly a world Westerners know only vaguely. Full of gusto and humor, it has an epic quality and universal appeal.. The novel was made into a three-part movie by Director Hiroshi Inagai. For more information, visit the Shopping area

A Most Intriguing Lady by Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, is a captivating historical novel about Lady Mary Montagu Douglas Scott, a Duke's daughter who is an amateur sleuth for high society's inner circle. Set in Victorian London, Lady Mary and Colonel Walter Trefusis, a distinguished war veteran, team up to solve a series of audacious crimes while indulging in a highly charged romance. The book is well-written, fast-paced, and full of passion, making it a fantastic read for fans of historical fiction and mystery genres. Overall, A Most Intriguing Lady is a triumph and a unique addition to the women's friendship fiction books category.

The Last Kingdom, the first book in Bernard Cornwell’s series, The Saxon Chronicles, is a captivating historical fiction that depicts the fierce battles between the Danes and the last remaining kingdom in Britain in the ninth century. The novel follows the journey of a young warrior who finds himself at the center of the battle for England's fate. Cornwell's vivid descriptions of the characters and their struggles, as well as his attention to historical details, make this story come alive. The Last Kingdom is a thrilling adventure that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.

Hallowe'en Party: A Hercule Poirot Mystery is an authorized edition from the Queen of Mystery, Agatha Christie. The story follows Hercule Poirot as he is called in to find the evil presence responsible for the murder of a hostile thirteen-year-old girl after she boasts about witnessing a murder at a Halloween party. This historical British and Irish literature book is published by William Morrow & Company and is a thundering success, featuring an exceptional detective that outthinks every reader. The book is a must-read for fans of the mystery genre and those who enjoy Agatha Christie's work.