8 Stunning Historical Novels by Latine Writers

⚓ Books    📅 2025-10-08    👤 surdeus    👁️ 2      

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I love reading Latin American historical fiction. I get lost in the depth of the stories, the cultural references so like my own, and the similarity and yet differences between the collective history of the region: the military dictatorships that looked the same and yet not, the political and economic turmoil, the wounds from colonization and imperialism that continue to smart. Every year, I make sure to pick a few new Latine historical fiction novels to add to my collection, knowing that regardless of where in Latin America the author or their family hail from, I’ll feel at home.

The novels I included here all resonate with centuries, if not millennia, of that history, with dozens of those cultures. Period-wise, they span from the sixteenth to the twentieth centuries, serving as witnesses to endless change. Location-wise, they range from Guatemala to Argentina to Brazil, with several other countries included in the mix. Whether you’re interested in the historical aspect or the story itself, these novels will give you precisely what you’re looking for, and probably quite a few things you didn’t know you were looking for. Shall we get started? Dig in. You’ll have a longer TBR when we’re done.

La Hacienda cover

La Hacienda by Isabel Cañas

When Beatriz marries Don Rodolfo Solórzano, she’s fully planning to ignore the rumors about his late wife’s death. But it turns out it’s hard to do that when you’re suddenly plagued by visions and voices. Especially when your only help is a young priest who just so happens to be a witch as well.

Cantoras cover

Cantoras by Carolina de Robertis

When a military coup in 1977 instates a dictatorship in Uruguay, oppression is brutal. One of the many transgressions is homosexuality, so five women turn to an isolated cape to live their lives as freely as possible. The book sees Romina, Flaca, Anita “La Venus”, Paz, and Malena move between Cabo Polonio and Montevideo for over three decades.

On a Night of a Thousand Stars cover

On a Night of a Thousand Stars by Andrea Yaryura Clark

Paloma Larrea lives a perfect life with her parents in New York. But soon, a comment from an old schoolmate of her father’s leads her to question his past. A search through her parents’ lives during the last dictatorship in Argentina, aided by an activist group made up of the children of those who were forcibly disappeared, soon leads her to question her identity as well.

The Curse of the Flores Women book cover

The Curse of the Flores Women by Angélica Lopes

Set in Brazil, primarily in 1910 and 2010, the book follows the Flores women as they cope with a curse placed on them: their husbands won’t ever live for very long. Forced to rely only on themselves, they become lacemakers. Several generations later, 18-year-old Alice turns to a lace veil to find her heritage.

The House on Biscayne Bay cover

The House on Biscayne Bay by Chanel Cleeton

Another dual timeline novel, The House on Biscayne Bay is focused on the grand estate of Marbrisa and its inhabitants. First, Robert and Anna Barnes, the wealthy couple who built it, and generations later, Carmen Acosta, will all come to learn that Marbrisa might very well be too good to be true.

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Daughter of Fire by Sofia Robleda

Set in 1551 Guatemala, the novel follows Catalina Cerrato as she embarks upon a quest to rewrite the sacred text of Popol Vuh, the forbidden history of the K’iche people. Born to a member of the Spanish hierarchy and a Mayan noblewoman, Catalina strives to confront and, if possible, reconcile her origins.

Las Madres by Esmeralda Santiago book cover

Las Madres by Esmeralda Santiago

A car accident leaves fifteen-year-old Luz with dead parents and a brain injury. Trying to grapple with her new life, she welcomes new friends Ada and Shirley.

Decades later, Ada and Shirley’s daughter Graciela suggests taking a vacation in Puerto Rico to help Luz’s daughter Marysol better understand her mother. But you know what they say about best laid plans.

A Woman of Endurance cover

A Woman of Endurance by Dahlma Llanos-Figueroa

Set in Puerto Rico in the 19th century, the novel follows Pola, an African woman who is captured, enslaved, and forced to bear and birth future enslaved people. Once deeply spiritual, Pola loses her faith and self-love… until love in multiple forms helps her begin to heal.

If you can’t get enough of Latin American literature, why not try a brief introduction to Latin American comics, or new Latine romance books to read in 2025?

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