Best Renaissance Historical Fiction Books of 2025

The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O’Farrell is a historical fiction novel that brings the world of Renaissance Italy to life through the captivating story of Lucrezia de’ Medici. After her sister’s death, Lucrezia is forced into the limelight and must navigate an unfamiliar court and a husband who is not what he seems. O’Farrell’s masterful weaving of historical detail and captivating characters creates an unforgettable portrait of a young woman trying to find her place in a troubled court. This book is a must-read for fans of Renaissance historical fiction.

Don Quixote, a Spanish masterpiece, is a tragicomedy novel that narrates the story of a self-created knight-errant, Don Quixote, and his loyal squire, Sancho Panza, as they set out on a journey through sixteenth-century Spain. This expanded P.S. edition, translated by Edith Grossman, is a major literary achievement that offers readers an honest, robust, and freshly revelatory Quixote for our times. Grossman's rendition of Cervantes' prose is agile, playful, formal, and wry, leaving his light-footed prose and sly, gentle mockeries intact. Overall, this new version of Don Quixote is a thoroughly modern and marvelous translation that is neither overly traditional nor colloquial.

The Last Masterpiece: A Novel of World War II Italy by Laura Morelli is a captivating historical fiction book that takes readers on an unforgettable adventure through Nazi-occupied Italy. With expertly drawn characters and beautifully rendered settings, the book tells the story of two women, a German photographer, and an American stenographer, who race against time to find priceless masterpieces looted from Florentine art collections. Inspired by true events, this book is a must-read for anyone who loves art, history, and thrilling tales of bravery and sacrifice.

Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel is a gripping historical novel about Thomas Cromwell's rise to power in England during the 1520s. With the country on the brink of disaster, Henry VIII wants to annul his marriage and marry Anne Boleyn, but the pope and most of Europe oppose him. Cromwell steps in to help break the opposition, but at what cost? Mantel's writing is powerful, and her portrayal of Henry VIII is sexually pathetic and in need of a down-to-earth counselor. This book is a brilliant reimagining of life under Henry VIII and a must-read for fans of historical fiction.

The King's Pleasure: A Novel of Henry VIII (Tudor Rose, 2) by Alison Weir is a fascinating historical novel that explores the private side of the legendary king Henry VIII and his dramatic and brutal reign. Weir gives Henry himself a voice, telling the story of his remarkable thirty-six-year reign and his six marriages. The book brings to life the idealistic monarch who expanded Parliament, founded the Royal Navy, modernized medical training, composed music and poetry, and patronized the arts. Weir meticulously illustrates Henry VIII's significant relationships with not just his six wives but also his political allies and rivals and such shrewd advisers. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone who loves historical fiction and wants to learn more about one of England's most famous kings.

The Magdalene Deception by Gary McAvoy is a thrilling novel that explores what would happen if the Vatican had hidden a manuscript revealing a different story about what happened after Christ’s death. The story follows Michael Dominic, a young Jesuit priest, and Hana Sinclair, a reporter, as they try to prevent sinister forces from obtaining the manuscript. McAvoy weaves numerous storylines together effectively, capturing the secrecy and deep-rooted history of the Vatican and its politics. The book is recommended for those who love a good thriller with historical implications and Vatican and Catholic politics.

The Mirror & the Light is the third and final installment of Hilary Mantel's Booker Prize-winning Wolf Hall Trilogy. Set in the Renaissance era, the novel follows Thomas Cromwell's rise to power and wealth in the aftermath of Anne Boleyn's execution. Mantel's writing is vivid and engaging, offering a compelling portrait of a man who defied and defined his age. The Mirror & the Light is a triumphant conclusion to the trilogy, showcasing Mantel's mastery of historical fiction and her ability to bring the past to life in a way that is both captivating and thought-provoking.

"Orlando: A Biography" by Virginia Woolf is a fantastical and funny romp through history that examines the true nature of sexuality. The book follows Orlando's journey from a passionate sixteen-year-old nobleman in Queen Elizabeth I's court to a liberated woman of the 1920s. Along the way, Orlando transforms into a thirty-six-year-old woman and engages in sword fights, trades barbs with wits, has a baby, and drives a car. Woolf's deliriously written, breathless-making book is a classic of both lesbian literature and the Western canon. Overall, this book is a work of political satire and feminist fantasy that laid the groundwork for today's cultural landscape, making it a unique and important read.

The Betrothed by Alessandro Manzoni is a classic novel that has remained relatively unknown to English readers until now. Set in 17th century Italy, the story follows two young lovers who are forced to flee their village after a powerful lord prevents their marriage. Through their journey, the novel explores themes of war, class tensions, social injustice, religious faith, and a devastating plague. Michael F. Moore's translation brings Manzoni's timeless masterpiece to life in a way that is both vigorous and companionable. This book is a landmark literary occasion and a must-read for anyone interested in Italian literature and culture.

The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory is a captivating Renaissance historical fiction novel that explores the Tudor court of King Henry VIII and the infamous Boleyn family. The story follows Mary Boleyn as she falls in love with Henry VIII and her role as an unofficial queen, but soon realizes she is a pawn in her family's ambitious plots. Her sister, Anne, then takes center stage as she becomes Henry's adviser and confidant, leading to a treacherous political landscape. Sisterly rivalry is the basis of this fresh and wonderfully vivid retelling of the story of Anne Boleyn. Overall, the book is a riveting historical drama with a woman of extraordinary determination and desire living at the heart of the most exciting and glamorous court in Europe.