11 Books Set In Alternate 1920s
There’s something endlessly magnetic about the Roaring Twenties—the glitz, the jazz, and a world poised on the brink of radical transformation. But what happens when authors reimagine that iconic era, infusing it with magic, speculative history, and fantastical twists? You get spellbinding alternate 1920s stories that are as dazzling as a speakeasy under moonlight.
1. The Diviners by Libba Bray
🔮 Glamour meets the supernatural in a jazz-age New York dripping with secrets.
When flapper Evie O’Neill is exiled to New York City, she hopes for endless nights of dancing and mischief. Instead, she discovers she has a strange power—and becomes entangled in a series of dark, occult murders.
💭 Why it’s unforgettable: The vibrant descriptions and eerie atmosphere make this book a wild ride through a haunted version of the 1920s. Plus, Evie is the kind of bold, flawed heroine you can’t help but root for.
2. The Last Days of New Paris by China Miéville
🎭 Surrealism runs wild in an alternate 1940s Paris where magic and art collide.
Though technically post-1920s, Miéville’s fantastical alternate history has echoes of that wild era of artistic rebellion. In this surreal world, strange manifestations born of art and imagination roam the streets.
💭 Why it’s unforgettable: The imaginative world-building is jaw-dropping, blending historical references with fantastical imagery that feels like a fever dream.
3. A Song for a New Day by Sarah Pinsker
🎶 A futuristic twist on the vibrant, rebellious spirit of the 1920s.
This speculative tale reimagines the thrill of music and nightlife in a dystopian world where public gatherings are forbidden. Musician Luce Cannon defies the odds, bringing secret concerts back to life.
💭 Why it’s unforgettable: The electric pulse of music and defiance channels the same raw energy that defined the Jazz Age.
4. The Lady’s Guide to Celestial Mechanics by Olivia Waite
🧵 A sapphic romance where science meets societal rebellion.
Set in an alternate Regency era with echoes of the 1920s’ progressive spirit, this charming tale follows Lucy Muchelney, a lady astronomer who navigates love and science against societal norms.
💭 Why it’s unforgettable: The lush romance and feminist themes make this book feel timeless yet daringly modern.
5. Gods of Jade and Shadow by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
🪞 Myth and jazz collide in 1920s Mexico.
When Casiopea Tun accidentally frees a Mayan god from imprisonment, she’s thrust into a quest that takes her from small-town obscurity to the glitzy ballrooms of Mexico City—and the terrifying depths of the underworld.
💭 Why it’s unforgettable: The vibrant blend of Mexican folklore and the heady atmosphere of the Jazz Age creates a spellbinding experience.
6. Amberlough by Lara Elena Donnelly
🎭 Spy intrigue and cabaret decadence in a world on the brink of political upheaval.
Clyde Barrow, a smuggler and rogue, finds himself caught between his mission as a spy and his love for the flamboyant cabaret performer Aristide. Amberlough City glitters even as darkness looms.
💭 Why it’s unforgettable: Think Cabaret meets James Bond—with a dash of forbidden love and heartbreak.
7. The Binding by Bridget Collins
📚 A lush, romantic tale where books hold people’s memories.
Set in a world reminiscent of the early 20th century, this mesmerizing novel follows Emmett Farmer, an apprentice binder who discovers that his past may have been stolen—and hidden in a book.
💭 Why it’s unforgettable: The concept of memory-binding books and the forbidden romance at its heart make this story both captivating and haunting.
8. Radiance by Catherynne M. Valente
🎥 A fantastical Hollywood-inspired alternate universe.
In this dazzling speculative fiction novel, the golden age of cinema extends beyond Earth to other planets. As filmmakers and stars navigate a surreal and cinematic cosmos, mysteries unravel.
💭 Why it’s unforgettable: The lush prose and imaginative world-building will transport you to a glittering, interplanetary version of the roaring ’20s.
9. The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles
📖 A love letter to libraries and defiance during an alternate war-torn Paris.
Though set in a slightly later period, this novel captures the same spirited defiance and literary passion that defined the bohemian ’20s. Librarian Odile faces both personal and political battles as Paris stands on the brink.
💭 Why it’s unforgettable: The celebration of books and bravery feels timeless and relevant.
10. The Watchmaker of Filigree Street by Natasha Pulley
🕰️ Steampunk meets mystery in an atmospheric alternate London.
Although it skews toward the Victorian era, the story’s intricate clockwork inventions and secret societies echo the innovative spirit of the 1920s.
💭 Why it’s unforgettable: Pulley’s intricate plotting and lush atmosphere make this book feel both nostalgic and thrillingly imaginative.
11. The Gilded Wolves by Roshani Chokshi
💎 A dazzling heist set in an alternate Belle Époque Paris.
Séverin and his crew navigate a world of ancient artifacts, forbidden secrets, and high-stakes missions. Magic, danger, and opulence blend seamlessly in this beautifully crafted story.
💭 Why it’s unforgettable: The lush descriptions and complex characters will have you rooting for their wild heists and aching hearts.
Which Alternate 1920s Tale Captured Your Imagination?
Have you danced through a speakeasy filled with magical mysteries? Or navigated the smoky intrigue of a fantasy noir world? Let us know which book transported you to an unforgettable alternate 1920s! We’d love to hear your favorites and hidden gems. 🎷📚✨
