Best LGBT Historical Fiction Books of 2026

The Song of Achilles by Ecco Press is a retelling of the legend of Achilles and the Trojan War from the perspective of Patroclus. The novel is an action-packed adventure, an epic love story, and a marvelously conceived and executed page-turner that brilliantly reimagines Homer's enduring masterwork, The Iliad. The book has been praised for its captivating retelling of The Iliad and its well-rounded and compassionate portrait of Achilles. The Song of Achilles is a remarkable achievement that offers a unique perspective on a timeless classic.

The Sweetness of Water is a powerful historical novel that tells the story of two freedmen brothers seeking refuge on a Georgia farm during the waning days of the Civil War. The unlikely friendship they form with the farmer and his wife alters all of their lives forever. The book also explores a forbidden romance between two Confederate soldiers and the chaos that ensues when their secret is discovered. Author Nathan Harris creates a memorable cast of characters and depicts Georgia during Reconstruction with candor and sympathy. This book is a must-read for fans of African American historical fiction.

Golden Terrace: Volume 1 is an ancient world historical romance book written by Cang Wu Bin Bai. The story takes place in the Great Zhou Empire, and it follows the life of Fu Shen, a commander of the Beiyan Cavalry, who returns from the battlefield only to find out that the emperor has arranged a marriage for him with his political rival, Yan Xiaohan. As the two men navigate their complicated relationship, they must also unravel the mystery behind the attack at the northern border. With a witty writing style and a twisting plotline, this book is a masterpiece that readers will adore.

Golden Terrace: Volume 2 by Cang Wu Bin Bai is an enthralling ancient world historical romance novel that revolves around the bond between Fu Shen and Yan Xiaohan. As they delve deeper into their investigation, they uncover deeper mysteries that enshroud the imperial court. The looming threat above the empire of Great Zhou remains omnipresent, and to establish peace in this turbulent land, they must conquer the impending danger and uncover the truths of the nation. The author's writing style is witty, with flowing prose and twisting plotlines that keep the reader engaged till the end.

Daughters of Nantucket: A Novel is a sweeping and emotional story set against the backdrop of Nantucket’s Great Fire of 1846. In this novel, three brave women fight to save everything they hold dear. Gerstenblatt's storytelling is a triumph, celebrating the courage and tenacity of women. The book is meticulously researched and beautifully paced, making it a moving story of hope, loss, perseverance, and survival. Overall, Daughters of Nantucket is a memorable story of friendship and courage that stands out in the biographical historical fiction genre.

"Don't Cry for Me" is an emotional and moving novel that tells the story of a Black father who seeks to make amends with his gay son through letters written on his deathbed. The novel explores themes of empathy, forgiveness, and the complexities of familial relationships. Author Daniel Black skillfully captures the trauma and lived experiences of Black fathers and queer sons, offering readers a poignant and ultimately hopeful portrait of reckoning and reconciliation. This book is a must-read for fans of Ta-Nehisi Coates, Robert Jones Jr., and Alice Walker, and is a valuable addition to the African American historical fiction genre.

Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh is a beautifully written novel that explores desire, duty, and memory through the story of Charles Ryder's entanglement with the Flytes, a great Catholic family. Set in the waning days of the English aristocracy's empire, the novel is both romantic and somber, with vivid descriptions of the sensuous pleasures denied by wartime austerities. Waugh's elegiac, lyrical style makes this novel a genuine literary masterpiece and one of the finest English novels of the 20th century. This Back Bay Books edition is a must-read for fans of classic LGBTQ+ literature.

Perfect Peace by Daniel Black is a powerful portrayal of a southern African American family in mid-twentieth century Arkansas. The novel follows the story of Perfect, the seventh child of the Peace family, who is born a boy but is raised as a girl by their mother. As Perfect grows older, they struggle to reconcile their true identity with the gender their mother imposed upon them, while their family grapples with their own beliefs about gender and love. Despite the heavy themes, the book is written with compassion and understanding, making it a poignant and thought-provoking read for anyone interested in exploring gender and family dynamics.

Fingersmith by Riverhead Books is a Dickensian novel of thrills and reversals that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. Sue Trinder, an orphan raised by baby farmer Mrs. Sucksby and a family of petty thieves, is recruited by con man Gentleman to assist in seducing the naïve gentlewoman Maud Lilly for her inheritance. But as the plan unfolds, Sue begins to care for Maud in unexpected ways. The novel is a smart and seductive enchantment with astonishing narrative twists and superb storytelling. The attention to historical detail and sensitivity to dialogue make this book a marvelous pleasure.