Today's Read Contributor Historical fiction has long held a special place in the hearts of readers who enjoy immersing themselves in the past, experiencing the sights, sounds, and emotions of times long gone. In 2025, however, the genre is evolving in significant ways, offering readers fresh perspectives on familiar events and introducing new voices that were previously marginalized in mainstream literature. What was once a genre centered largely on European and Western history has now become much more inclusive and diverse, opening the door to stories that reflect the complex histories of the world.
As historical fiction continues to grow, authors are taking more risks by blending speculative elements with real events, offering readers an innovative fusion of fact and imagination. This shift in narrative style is allowing writers to explore not just the well-trodden paths of the past but also the untold stories and alternative histories that provide new insights into the present.
Diverse Voices and Untold Stories
In the past, historical fiction was often dominated by stories of kings, queens, and generals—figures whose legacies were firmly entrenched in the public consciousness. Yet in 2025, there is a noticeable shift toward telling the stories of those who were traditionally left out of history books. More and more authors are taking up the mantle of storytelling for marginalized groups, including women, Indigenous peoples, and people of color.
For example, in The Forgotten Queens by Heather Delaney, readers are introduced to the stories of female rulers who shaped the political landscapes of medieval Europe but have largely been overlooked by traditional historians. These women, whose names are often relegated to footnotes, were central figures in the development of European monarchies. Delaney’s novel reimagines their lives, giving them a voice that history denied them.
Similarly, Voices of the Marginalized by Sayed Ali focuses on colonial India, telling the stories of everyday people who lived under British rule. Ali’s work offers a nuanced portrayal of the struggles faced by the working class and the resilience of communities in the face of oppression. The novel challenges the one-sided view of colonial history and gives voice to those whose stories have been silenced for centuries.
These books highlight the growing trend of historical fiction’s inclusivity. The genre is becoming a space where stories that were once left out of the mainstream narrative are finally being told. Authors are now shining a light on histories that reflect the experiences of people who have long been excluded from the dominant narrative.
The Rise of Alternate History and Speculative Fiction
In addition to exploring forgotten stories, historical fiction is also branching out into new subgenres, particularly alternate history and speculative fiction. Alternate history allows authors to ask “what if” questions, considering how small changes in the past could have dramatically altered the course of history. Writers of alternate history enjoy exploring the ripple effects of events such as the loss of a key battle or the survival of a long-dead civilization.
Sarah Brook’s The Empire Rewritten is a prime example of this trend. The novel imagines a world where the Roman Empire never fell, leading to an entirely different development of the modern world. This alternative history explores the ramifications of Roman dominance over centuries, suggesting that our contemporary world would have vastly different cultural, political, and technological norms. The speculative elements in Brook’s narrative allow for a creative rethinking of history, providing a fresh take on well-known periods.
Similarly, some historical fiction writers are integrating magical realism into their works, blending historical accuracy with fantastical elements. Authors like Isabel Allende and Salman Rushdie have long used this technique to evoke powerful emotional responses in their readers, and new writers are following in their footsteps. The blending of the real and the imaginary creates a unique space where authors can comment on history in a way that feels both imaginative and deeply rooted in real events.
In 2025, the trend of combining historical fiction with speculative and magical elements is growing. Readers are seeking stories that challenge their understanding of history, asking them to consider how the world might have been different if certain events had played out differently or if the forces of magic had been as real as the forces of war and diplomacy.
The Role of Historical Fiction in Understanding the Present
One of the most important roles that historical fiction plays in contemporary literature is its ability to bridge the gap between the past and the present. In times of political and social unrest, history has often been used as a tool to make sense of the present. Authors are using the genre to explore how past events shape modern-day issues such as racial injustice, gender inequality, and economic disparity.
For example, The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead, though set in the 1960s, continues to resonate in 2025 as it explores the brutal realities of racism and abuse in the American South. The novel’s focus on the suffering of Black boys in a corrupt reform school mirrors the experiences of marginalized groups in today’s society. By delving into the past, Whitehead’s work speaks directly to the present, demonstrating how the trauma of previous generations continues to affect current social and political dynamics.
Similarly, The Night Watchman by Louise Erdrich, which centers on the fight to preserve Native American rights, has garnered attention for its exploration of Indigenous resilience in the face of colonialism. Erdrich’s portrayal of the long history of displacement and cultural erasure in the United States highlights the ongoing struggles faced by Indigenous communities today.
Through these and other works, historical fiction becomes more than just a way to relive the past—it serves as a lens through which we can better understand the complexities of the present.
The Future of Historical Fiction
As we move further into 2025, the future of historical fiction looks incredibly exciting. The genre’s ability to adapt and evolve, incorporating diverse voices, speculative elements, and a deeper exploration of history’s complexities, suggests that it will continue to captivate readers for years to come. The growth of the genre’s inclusivity will likely inspire even more authors to explore histories that have been underrepresented, bringing fresh perspectives to the forefront of literary conversations.
In the coming years, we can expect to see more historical fiction that blends fact and fiction, examines untold stories, and offers alternative visions of the past. This evolution of the genre not only enriches our understanding of history but also challenges the ways in which we think about the present and future.
As historical fiction becomes more expansive and inclusive, it will likely continue to serve as a vital platform for exploring the complexities of identity, race, and history—making it an essential part of the literary landscape in 2025 and beyond.
