The deadline for publishers to submit books published in 2019 for The Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction 2020 passed on 20th December 2019 (a little earlier than in previous years).
Like other historical fiction fans, I shall be eagerly awaiting the announcement of the longlist and the ‘Academy Recommends’ list in March. Last year, I only managed to read five of the twelve longlisted novels but those five represented all but one of the six shortlisted novels. You can find links to my reviews here. This year I’ll try to read as many as possible of the longlisted novels that I haven’t read already and all those that make it on to the shortlist.
There were some fantastic historical fiction novels published in 2019 and listed below are some I’ve read that I’d love to see make the longlist (subject to them meeting all the eligibility criteria). (Links from the titles will take you to my reviews.)
In addition, there are some books in my TBR pile I haven’t got around to reading yet but which, judging from reviews, may well deserve a place. Finally, there are a few others that I’m yet to acquire but which also look like possible contenders for inclusion. (Links from the titles will take you to the book description on Goodreads.)
Check back when the longlist is announced to see how my picks match the judges’ choices – if at all!
Books I read and loved in 2019
Once Upon A River by Diane Setterfield
The Secrets We Kept by Lara Prescott
The Confessions of Frannie Langton by Sara Collins
Blackberry and Wild Rose by Sonia Velton
Blood & Sugar by Laura Shepherd-Robinson
The Phoenix of Florence by Philip Kazan
Nemesis (Tom Wilde #3) by Rory Clements
The Glittering Hour by Iona Grey
The Photographer of the Lost by Carolyn Scott
The Mathematical Bridge by Jim Kelly
The Glass Woman by Caroline Lea
The Familiars by Stacey Halls
The Road to Grantchesterby James Runcie
The Night Tiger by Yangsze Choo
Fled by Meg Keneally
The Mermaid’s Call by Katherine Stansfield
This Mortal Boy by Fiona Kidman
Books in my TBR pile
The Hiding Game by Naomi Wood
Things in Jars by Jess Kidd
Wakenhyrst by Michelle Paver
The Doll Factory by Elizabeth Macneal
The Binding by Bridget Collins
Books ‘on my RADAR’
The Offing by Benjamin Myers
Are any of your favourites on my list? What other historical fiction novels published in 2019 do you think deserve to be nominated?
Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme created by The Broke and the Bookish and now hosted by Jana at 
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