Originally published on 5/26/25

Rich, diverse cultures and traditions, stunning landscapes, major global events like war and revolutions… Asian history is full of compelling moments, people and settings, and millions of readers flock to historical fiction books set in Asian countries. Many of these stories feature strong characters struggling with family obligation, navigating change or overcoming strife—factors that make for a compelling read. 

Reading a book set in Asia is the perfect way to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. To help, Woman’s World has rounded up 10 of the best historical fiction novels set all over Asia. Whether you decide to travel back in time to 1945 Malaya with Vanessa Chan’s debut novel, The Storm We Made (a book Melissa D’Agnese, Woman’s World Senior Editor, says stayed with her “long after I finished the last page”) or head to Vietnam during wartime with Kristin Hannah’s The Women, you’re sure to find a story that enthralls, educates and makes you think. 

Keep reading to discover our entire list of historical fiction books set in Asia. 

‘The Women’ by Kristin Hannah 

Unforgettable characters and deeply captivating moments abound in The Women, the newest saga from beloved author Kristin Hannah. It’s 1965 and 20-year-old nursing student Frances “Frankie” McGrath joins her brother to serve in Vietnam in the Army Nurse Corps. Even after the overwhelming day-to-day of the war, the real challenge Frankie will face is coming home to a changed America. A story of the women who courageously served their country.

What readers are saying: “I enjoy books that take me back in time, and this one opened my eyes to the past,” says Patty Bontekoe, Woman’s World Executive Editor.  “This book spans 20 years of Frankie’s life, including her time in Vietnam and her attempts to return to ‘normal’ once she comes home. I was bowled over by Frankie’s  strength and courage and Hannah’s exquisite storytelling!”

‘The Storm We Made’ by Vanessa Chan 

Readers are transported back to 1945 Malaya in this rich, spellbinding saga that follows Cecily Alcantara, a mother who was also an unlikely spy for Japanese forces during WWII. Ten years prior, a chance meeting with General Fuijwara lured her into a life of espionage. Now, she’ll do anything to save her family. This captivating story shines a light on the dangers of war and the lengths to which we’ll go to save the ones we cherish.

What readers are saying: “After a long week at work, my favorite way to unwind is by brewing a hot cup of tea and cracking open a historical fiction book,” admits D’Agnese. “I devoured this debut novel in just one weekend. The story was so moving that it stayed with me long after I finished the last page—now I cannot wait to read the author’s next book!”

‘Homeseeking’ by Karissa Chen

Karissa Chen’s dazzling debut novel follows Haiwen, a recently widowed man who sees his long-lost love, Suchi, for the first time in almost 60 years at a market in Los Angeles. Soon, he is transported back in time, recalling when they first met as young children in Shanghai, later fell in love and had it all taken away from them after Haiwen joined the Nationalist Army in 1947 to save his brother from the draft. Haiwen left Suchi with nothing but his beloved violin and a note that said ‘Forgive me’—but even after 60 years, will she ever be able to?

What readers are saying: I always reach for books that combine historical fiction, lost loves and flashbacks into one page-turning tale,” shares D’Agnese. “So when I heard this novel did exactly that, I knew I had to read it. Filled with descriptive details and a heart-wrenching love story, I found myself rooting for Haiwen and Suchi. Their saga captured me from page one, and didn’t let go. This intense read had me crying, laughing and sitting on the edge of my seat in equal measure. I really cannot wait for Karissa Chen’s next book!”

‘The Henna Artist’ by Alka Joshi 

Brimming with vibrant imagery and moving moments, this novel by bestselling author Alka Joshi captivates. When 17-year-old Lakshmi escapes from an abusive marriage, she travels by herself to 1950s Jaipur. Here, she becomes a talented henna artist — and confidante — to the wealthy women of Jaipur. She’s entrusted with secrets but vows to never reveal her own as she pursues an independent life. One day, years later, the husband Lakshmi left back home finds her. But when he shows up, he brings Lakshmi’s sister — a young girl she’s never met. Now, Lakshmi must decide how to proceed with the life she desires. A story about self-discovery, family and love.

What readers are saying: “The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi is a vivid look at life in India in the ’50s and one woman’s search for independence — and it has got to be one of the most stunning debuts I’ve ever read. This book is so rich in culture that I felt like I was there the entire time. The characters also felt entirely realistic, and I was a huge fan of Lakshmi and so many of the women in the novel. I was so sad when the book ended, so I was incredibly excited to learn there are two more books after this.

‘Daughters of Shandong’ by Eve J. Chung 

This book takes place in China in 1948 as the country’s civil war is raging. But in rural Shandong, the Angs are only concerned with their lack of a male heir. Then, when the army closes in, the rest of the family flees, leaving behind the girls and their mother. Soon, the eldest daughter, Hai, is chosen to stand trial for her family’s crimes. What follows is a heart-wrenching yet hopeful story of resilience and unbreakable family bonds.

What readers are saying: “I kept hearing about this book as a must-read, so I grabbed a copy, and it didn’t disappoint,” says Bontekoe. “Hai is an incredible character. As she struggles to find her own identity in a culture that views women as less-than, she grows up and makes decisions that change the course of her life—and those who come after her. Her story will stay with me.

‘A Thousand Splendid Suns’ by Khaled Hosseini

A movingly told saga unfolds in Khaled Hosseini’s A Thousand Splendid Suns. Set in Afghanistan from the 1960s to the 2000s, a teenage Mariam is married off to an older man so she can bear him a child. When that doesn’t happen, he becomes abusive and then takes a second wife. The women form an unbreakable bond amid the hardships they face. 

What readers are saying: “No words can describe the heaviness I am feeling in my heart right now. I will never re-read this as it is too emotionally devastating (I genuinely can’t remember the last time a book made me cry so much), but I know it is a story that will stay with me for the rest of my life — that, I have no doubt.”

‘The Covenant of Water’ by Abraham Verghese 

The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese is the story of three generations of an Indian Malayali Christian family who are afflicted by a mysterious disorder. This disorder, referred to as “The Condition,” causes at least one family member in each generation to die by drowning. The narrative follows the life and losses of Big Ammachi—a 12-year-old bride who becomes the family’s matriarch. Her story is woven with tales from two doctors who join the Indian Medical Services — perspectives inspired by Verghese, who is a physician himself. The Covenant of Water tackles family, tradition, legacy, grief, love and sacrifice themes.  

What readers are saying: “What a magnificent work of art!  I thought this would take me months to finish, but I couldn’t stop reading it and never wanted it to end. Captivating from the very first line until the last.” 

‘The Lotus Shoes’ by Jane Yang 

This national bestseller takes place in 1800s China when tightly bound feet—a.k.a “golden lilies” were considered a sign of an honorable woman. After being sold as a maidservant to Linjing, a member of the powerful Fong family, Little Flower is hopeful that her golden lilies, as well as her embroidery talents, will one day be her ticket to freedom. But when Linjing finds out about Little Flower’s gifts, things take a turn for the worse, and soon they are both forced to join the Celibate Sisterhood, where any sort of disobedience is punishable by death. Now, Little Flower must decide if she can trust Linjing and rely on her talents before her chance at freedom is ruined forever. A powerful story about friendship and hope.

What readers are saying: “I have read a lot of books about China and their customs, this is the first time with so many details about foot binding. I couldn’t put it down. The relationship between Little Flower and her young mistress is captivating, full of betrayal, compassion, regret and the triumph of love. Excellent read!” 

‘Pachinko’ by Min Jin Lee

From New York Times bestselling author Min Jin Lee comes an inspirational tale set in the early 1900s. Teenage Sunja is adored by her crippled, fisherman father, but that all changes after she winds up pregnant by a wealthy, married stranger. Now Sunja has no choice but to marry a minister on his way to Japan, a decision that will haunt her and her son for generations to come. A page-turning tale about love, loyalty, sacrifice and ambition. 

What readers are saying: “This novel is such a remarkable portrayal of four generations of Korean Japanese immigrants, their hardships followed by eventual monetary successes, with the doom of their cultural heritage always hanging over their necks. Highly recommend it!” 

‘The Lion Women of Tehran’ by Marjan Kamali 

Unforgettable characters, vivid descriptions and a moving friendship…this historical fiction novel set in the 1950s has it all. Following the death of her rich father, 7-year-old Ellie and her mother are forced to move into a small home in the middle of downtown Tehran, Iran. Feeling desperate and alone, the child spends her first night praying for a friend. Enter Homa, a sweet girl Ellie meets on her first day of school. But when a now-teenage Ellie and her mother are allowed to return to their former lavish lifestyle, she soon forgets her former friend until one day fate throws them together again, and this time nothing can prepare the two girls for what’s to come. 

What readers are saying: “Such a wonderful story of two young girls from different classes growing up in Iran. Their bond is infinite during the times when citizens, especially women, are kept down and denied even the smallest of rights. Definitely a book that I would recommend.”

Link to original: https://www.womansworld.com/entertainment/books/historical-fiction-books-set-in-asia-must-read-novels