9 Books Set in the 1920s That Are Filled With Love, Secrets and Ambition
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Books set in the 1920s transport readers to a decade brimming with transformation, where the world stood on the brink of modernity. The aftermath of World War I brought about a wave of change, and the Roaring Twenties became synonymous with newfound freedom, creativity, and ambition. In these novels, the 1920s come to life, showcasing a world where tradition clashed with progress and old conventions were replaced by new dreams.
Whether you’re fascinated by the glitz and glamour or the underlying social tensions, these books delve into the heart of the era, exploring themes of love, ambition, and the pursuit of identity in a rapidly changing society.
Books Set In the 1920s
- The Last Nude by Ellis Avery
- The Jazz Palace by Mary Morris
- Villa America by Liza Klaussmann
- The Last Ballad by Wiley Cash
- The Paying Guests by Sarah Waters
- The Aviator’s Wife by Melanie Benjamin
- The Perfume Collector by Kathleen Tessaro
- Lovers at the Chameleon Club, Paris 1932 by Francine Prose
- The Paragon Hotel by Lyndsay Faye
The Last Nude by Ellis Avery: Set in 1920s Paris, this novel tells the story of Rafaela Fano, an Italian-American model, who becomes the muse and lover of Art Deco painter Tamara de Lempicka. Their passionate relationship is fraught with artistic ambition, betrayal, and the shifting cultural landscape of the era.
The Jazz Palace by Mary Morris: Set in the vibrant and gritty world of 1920s Chicago, this novel follows Benny Lehrman, a Jewish pianist, and Pearl Chimbrova, the daughter of a saloon owner, as they navigate the dangers and opportunities of the Jazz Age. Their passion for music and each other is challenged by the violence and prejudice of the era.
Villa America by Liza Klaussmann: Set on the French Riviera in the 1920s, this novel tells the story of Sara and Gerald Murphy, expatriates who inspired F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Tender is the Night. Their home becomes a gathering place for the era’s luminaries, but beneath the glittering surface, secrets and personal dramas unfold.
The Last Ballad by Wiley Cash: In 1929 North Carolina, Ella May Wiggins, a young mother working in a textile mill, becomes an unlikely hero in the labor movement. Her courage and determination to fight for workers’ rights are set against the backdrop of the turbulent and dangerous times of the late 1920s.
The Paying Guests by Sarah Waters: Set in 1922 London, the novel explores the aftermath of World War I as Frances Wray and her mother take in lodgers to make ends meet. The arrival of the Barbers, a young couple, sets off a chain of events that leads to passion, betrayal, and a shocking crime.
The Aviator’s Wife by Melanie Benjamin: Anne Morrow Lindbergh, a shy and reserved woman, marries the famous aviator Charles Lindbergh and is thrust into the spotlight of the 1920s. The novel explores Anne’s journey from an ambitious young woman to a wife and mother coping with the highs and lows of fame and family life.
The Perfume Collector by Kathleen Tessaro: In 1920s Paris, Grace Monroe inherits an apartment and a collection of perfumes from a mysterious benefactor. As she uncovers the secrets behind the perfumes, she learns about the life of the woman who created them and discovers unexpected connections to her own life.
Lovers at the Chameleon Club, Paris 1932 by Francine Prose: While primarily set in Paris, the novel includes sections set in 1920s New York, following the lives of various characters as they move between these two vibrant cities. The narrative explores the interplay of art, love, and identity during the Jazz Age.
The Paragon Hotel by Lyndsay Faye: Alice “Nobody” James, a gun moll on the run, arrives in 1920s Harlem, where she finds refuge at the Paragon Hotel, a safe haven for people of color. As she becomes embroiled in the lives of the hotel’s residents, Alice confronts her own past and the secrets that threaten their safety.
Conclusion
Whether you’re drawn to stories of love, ambition, or the vibrant culture of the Roaring Twenties, these novels bring the era to life in unforgettable ways. As you explore these books, you’ll find yourself transported to a time of both change and continuity, where the challenges and triumphs of the past still resonate.
If you’re interested in the 1920s era, these books represent historical fiction at its best. And how about the Roaring Twenties in New York City?
