5 Historical Fiction Books Set in Boston That Bring the City’s Revolutionary Past to Life
Step into Boston's past with these unforgettable novels inspired by the city's rich history
Key Takeaways
- Discover five historical novels every Boston history fan should read.
- Boston's landmarks and history shine in these compelling historical fiction novels.
- From Abigail Adams to Puritan Boston, these books span centuries.
Boston, Massachusetts, is one of the most historic cities in the United States. It’s where the Boston Tea Party took place in 1773 and played a pivotal role in the American Revolution. Since then, the city has continued to thrive, captivating countless authors who have tried to capture its rich history on the page. One genre that particularly shines when exploring Boston? Historical fiction. Below, we share some of the best historical fiction books set in Boston that bring the city’s storied past to life. Keep scrolling to discover them!
Best historical fiction books set in Boston
From classics to feminist tales, here are the best historical fiction books set in Boston.
‘The Boston Girl’ by Anita Diamant
This New York Times bestseller is set in early 1900s Boston and follows Addie, the daughter of Jewish immigrants who are struggling to adapt to American life. But Addie has different dreams—she’s determined to go to college and forge her own path. Spanning decades of Addie’s life, from her youth to old age, this sweeping novel beautifully captures what it means to pursue your dreams against all odds and the resilience required to build a life on your own terms.
What readers are saying: “What a fantastic, interesting family story reflecting the morals and prejudices of the early twentieth century. In addition, as a former Boston resident, with a forever fondness for the city, it was a delight to picture all of the familiar landmarks as they must have been a century ago. Anita Diamant is a very talented author. I am already reading another of her novels now!”
‘The Scarlet Letter’ by Nathaniel Hawthorne
Nathaniel Hawthorne’s classic tale is set from 1642 to 1649 and takes place in the Puritan Massachusetts Bay Colony, which Boston would later become the capital of. The plot follows Hester Prynne, a woman who is shunned by her religious community for committing adultery. To make her pay for it, they force her to wear a scarlet “A” on her chest, which turns out to cause even more pain for her and her daughter. A classic tale of what it really means to be a woman in early America.
What readers are saying: “I read The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne as a freshman in college and over 50 years later I am still stunned at what a complex book this masterpiece is.”
‘The Dante Club’ by Matthew Pearl
This thrilling historical mystery is set in 1865 Boston and follows the members of the Dante Club: poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Dr. Oliver Wendell Holmes, James Russell Lowell and publisher J.T. Fields. The literary group is working to translate Dante’s Divine Comedy into English, but Harvard’s elite are determined to ignore Dante’s influence in America. As tensions rise, a series of gruesome murders begins plaguing Boston—each one mirroring a punishment from Dante’s Inferno. Now the Dante Club members must use their intimate knowledge of the text to catch a killer before he strikes again.
What readers are saying: “The Dante Club is a well-written and well-researched historical fiction. It brings the poets and poetry alive, and has taught me much about Dante and myself, which has amazed and astounded me. This book is an in-depth look at not just Dante and the Longfellow group, but our selves and our inner souls and demons, and how we must, each one of us, battle and struggle to find the light.”
‘Back Bay’ by William Martin
William Martin’s dual timeline novel weaves between 1814 and the mid-1970s, connecting two mysteries across centuries. In 1814, a priceless golden tea set vanished from the prominent Pratt family, triggering a scandal that reverberates through Boston society. Over 150 years later, in the 1970s, historian Peter Fallon stumbled upon documents that could finally reveal what happened to the legendary tea set. Determined to solve the historical puzzle, he heads to the Pratt estate, where he uncovers secrets that some would prefer to stay buried.
What readers are saying: “I am constantly looking for an author or series to try, and I found this series of books by William Martin about the Boston area, so decided to try the first. I am so glad that I did! Even though these books were written many years ago, they paint a wonderful picture of one of my favorite places. I also loved the characters in the book, from the Boston Brahmin to the Southie family; you get a real sense of the colorful folk who inhabit the area. The mystery of the Revere tea set is an intriguing one and using the history of the building of the Back Bay in Boston added a wonderful backdrop.”
‘A Founding Mother’ by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie
This Reese’s Book Club pick offers a sweeping, intimate portrayal of Abigail Adams—wife of one president, mother to another, and a force in her own right. Set in revolutionary Boston, the novel follows Abigail as she manages the family farm, makes shrewd investments, and fearlessly offers political counsel to her husband John, famously urging him to “remember the ladies” in the new government. A powerful take that reveals just how important women are to our history.
What readers are saying: “I loved learning about America’s history through the eyes of Abigail Adams! She was such an extraordinary woman, and so ahead of her time. As you follow Abigail through her journey of being a wife, mother, friend and founder of this great nation, you’ll be moved to tears and laughter. It’s evident that both authors put an immense amount of research into this novel.”
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