How to Read Alice Winn's Books
Alice Winn has quickly established herself as a standout voice in modern historical fiction. Because her novels are standalone works set in completely different eras, there is no complex chronological timeline or multi-book continuity to track. The most rewarding way to experience her writing is in order of publication.
Recommended Reading Path
To dive into Alice Winn's literary world, readers should follow this simple sequence:
- Start with: In Memoriam (2023). This is her acclaimed debut novel, centering on a poignant queer romance amid the horrors of the Western Front during World War I. It introduces her signature style of combining meticulous historical research with deep emotional intimacy.
- Next up: Worship (Scheduled for release in February 2027). Her sophomore novel pivots to the legendary medieval world of Camelot, offering a fresh, queer reimagining of Arthurian lore.
Alice Winn Books in Publication Order
If you prefer to read works in the order they were released to the public, follow this list:
- In Memoriam (2023)
- Worship (Scheduled for February 23, 2027)
Alice Winn Books in Chronological Setting Order
For readers who want to follow the historical chronology of the settings rather than the order of publication, the books can be read as follows:
- Worship (Set in a legendary Arthurian medieval period)
- In Memoriam (Set during World War I, spanning 1913 to 1918)
An In-Depth Look at Alice Winn's Novels
In Memoriam (2023)
Alice Winn's debut novel, In Memoriam, is a heartbreaking and visceral story of love, class, and survival. The plot follows Henry Gaunt and Sidney Ellwood, two boys attending an English boarding school who hide their deep feelings for one another. When the devastating realities of World War I begin to claim their classmates, both enlist, eventually finding themselves reunited in the brutal trenches of the Western Front.
Winn drew significant inspiration from the student archives of Marlborough College, her former school, which documented the rapid loss of young alumni in the war. By blending letters, fictionalized school newspaper clippings, and raw battlefield scenes, the book captured critical acclaim. It won the 2023 Waterstones Debut Fiction Prize, Waterstones Novel of the Year, and Debut of the Year at the British Book Awards.
Worship (Scheduled for February 2027)
For her highly anticipated second novel, Winn transitions to historical fantasy and mythology. Published by Viking, Worship retells the classic legend of Tristan and Iseult within the broader context of King Arthur's Camelot. The story centers on Princess Isode of Ireland, a healer betrothed to Sir Palomides. Her life changes with the arrival of the mysterious Sir Tristram, who defeats Palomides in a tournament.
Tristram, however, is not seeking Isode's hand; he seeks only the "worship" and respect of Palomides to earn a place at the Round Table. When civil war begins to tear Camelot apart, Isode and Tristram must navigate a perilous voyage together, forcing them to see each other—and their loyalties—in a new light. The novel explores themes of devotion, sacrifice, and faith.
What to Know Before You Start Reading
To get the most out of Alice Winn's books, keep these helpful reading tips in mind:
- Unflinching Realism: Winn's battle scenes in In Memoriam are famously graphic and emotionally taxing. Readers should prepare for a visceral look at the trauma of the trenches.
- Reclaiming Queer History: Both novels center on queer dynamics in settings where those narratives were historically suppressed, offering a modern emotional depth to historic and legendary backdrops.
- Complete Standalones: Because the settings shift from WWI Europe to legendary Camelot, there is no shared universe or recurring cast between the two books.