Ann Patchett Recommends These Historical Fiction Books—From ‘James’ to ‘Buckeye’
Ann Patchett's top historical fiction picks range from sweeping epics to modern classics
Key Takeaways
- 'James' is one of Ann Patchett's top historical fiction recommendations.
- 'Music Against the Night' is Ann Patchett's most anticipated historical novel.
- Her favorite historical fiction books span WWII, retellings and literary fiction.
Ann Patchett might not be known for writing historical fiction, but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t love reading it. In fact, over the years the bestselling author has shared plenty of her favorite historical fiction reads—and they span from classic retellings to epic World War II family dramas. Ready to discover her top historical fiction recommendations? Keep scrolling.
Ann Patchett’s favorite historical fiction books
From retellings to WWII epics, here are Ann Patchett’s favorite historical fiction books.
‘Buckeye’ by Patrick Ryan
This novel follows two families in a small Ohio town after World War II. After a stolen moment of passion is blown out of proportion, Cal Jenkins finds himself bound to Margaret Salt—even though he’s married to Becky and she’s married to Felix. Now, years later, those long-forgotten moments resurface and threaten to blow up both families. A must-read tale filled with family secrets, betrayal and the weight of the past.
What Ann says: “My very favorite book from last year was Buckeye by Patrick Ryan. And I loved, loved that book.”
‘Absolution’ by Alice McDermott
Set in 1963 Saigon, this novel follows two young American wives who form an unlikely alliance. There’s Tricia, a newlywed married to a rising oil engineer “on loan” to US Navy Intelligence, and Charlene, a picture-perfect hostess and mom of three who yearns to “do good” no matter the cost. After Tricia miscarries, she joins Charlene’s group of do-gooder American wives volunteering at hospitals and orphanages. But 60 years later, Charlene’s daughter reaches out to Tricia, and the two reconnect over what really happened in Saigon—and how Charlene shaped both their lives.
What Ann says: “Alice McDermott has always been one of our greatest writers but here she exceeds every expectation. Absolution is one of the finest contemporary novels I’ve read. It is a moral masterpiece.”
‘James’ by Percival Everett
Percival Everett reimagines Mark Twain’s Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, telling the story from the perspective of Jim—the enslaved man traveling alongside Huck down the Mississippi River. Originally published in 2024, the novel has since won both the National Book Award and the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, cementing its place as a modern classic that challenges and enriches the original tale.
What Ann says: “It’s the retelling of Huckleberry Finn from Jim’s point of view. It will rewire your brain. It’s a game-changing novel. It is the book we need, and I was floored by it.”
‘Music Against the Night’ by Yiyun Li
Set in the late 18th century, this novel follows two aspiring musical prodigies destined to fall in love. John Field, a sensitive Irish virtuoso, becomes a famous pianist in Russia, composing dreamy melodies he calls nocturnes. Oceans away in French India, Adelaide Percheron—orphaned and raised by her imperious grandmother—dreams of more than an advantageous marriage. Driven by her secret love of music and desire to see the world, she escapes to Paris and later Moscow, just as Napoleon’s army sets out to conquer the continent. Their paths converge in a sweeping tale of ambition, artistry and love. (Out October 13, 2026)
What Ann says: “2026 is the best year for fiction I’ve seen since I opened a bookstore 15 years ago. Amazing, amazing books this year. The best book is coming out in October. Yiyun Li’s Music Against the Night.”
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