Books Set In New York During the 1920s Jazz Age
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For readers who want to dive into this fascinating period, this list of books set in New York in the 1920s offers a journey through the highs and lows of a city at the center of the Roaring Twenties. The 1920s in New York City was a time of vibrant change, marked by the glitz of the Jazz Age, the rise of speakeasies, and the clash between old-world values and new social freedoms. It was an era where the city never slept, and stories of ambition, love, and power were written in the very fabric of its streets.
From the glittering ballrooms of Manhattan to the gritty speakeasies hidden in shadowy alleys, these novels capture the essence of a city in flux. Whether you’re drawn to tales of romance, mystery, or the pursuit of the American Dream, the books in this list provide a window into a time when New York was a beacon of both opportunity and excess.
Books Set In New York In the 1920s
- A Certain Age by Beatriz Williams
- The Other Typist by Suzanne Rindell
- Bright Young Things by Anna Godbersen
- The Girls at the Kingfisher Club by Genevieve Valentine
- The Diviners by Libba Bray
- Passing by Nella Larsen
- A Fine Imitation by Amber Brock
A Certain Age by Beatriz Williams: New York socialite Theresa Marshall is swept into a scandalous affair with a younger man during the height of the Roaring Twenties, leading to a series of dangerous entanglements. The novel captures the excitement and moral complexities of the Jazz Age.
The Other Typist by Suzanne Rindell: Rose Baker, a proper typist for a New York City police precinct, is drawn into a world of speakeasies and deceit when she meets the glamorous and mysterious Odalie. The boundaries of morality and identity blur as Rose’s fascination with her coworker deepens.
Bright Young Things by Anna Godbersen: In the summer of 1929, three young women—Letty, Cordelia, and Astrid—arrive in New York City seeking fame, fortune, and love. Amidst the glittering lights and glamorous parties, they discover that the city holds both dazzling opportunities and dangerous secrets.
The Girls at the Kingfisher Club by Genevieve Valentine: Set in the 1920s, this retelling of the fairy tale “The Twelve Dancing Princesses” follows the lives of twelve sisters who escape their oppressive father by sneaking out to dance in New York City speakeasies. The novel captures the energy and danger of the Jazz Age as the sisters find freedom on the dance floor.
The Diviners by Libba Bray: Set in 1920s New York City, this novel follows Evie O’Neill, a young woman with a unique supernatural ability. As she becomes entangled in a series of mysterious and gruesome murders, Evie explores the glamorous, yet dark, underbelly of the city during the Jazz Age.
Passing by Nella Larsen: Set in 1920s Harlem, this novel tells the story of two African American women, Irene and Clare, who can “pass” as white. As their lives intersect and their identities blur, the novel explores themes of race, identity, and the social pressures of the Jazz Age.
A Fine Imitation by Amber Brock: Set in 1920s New York City, this novel follows Vera Bellington, a high-society woman who becomes enthralled with an enigmatic artist who challenges her perceptions of love, art, and her place in the world. The story delves into the glamour and secrets of Manhattan’s elite during the Jazz Age.
Conclusion
As we close the chapter on this journey through 1920s New York, it’s clear that the allure of the Jazz Age remains as compelling as ever. These historical fiction novels not only bring to life the glamour and grit of the city but also explore timeless themes of ambition, love, and the human spirit.
The 1920s were just as interesting outside of New York, so don’t miss out on these books from the 20s era but not set in New York.
Whether you’re new to this period or a longtime fan, these books offer a rich tapestry of stories that reflect the pulse of a city that never truly sleeps. If you’re eager to explore more stories from the past, be sure to check out our historical fiction page for even more literary treasures.
