One of the must-reads was 'All the Light We Cannot See' by Anthony Doerr. It beautifully captured the atmosphere of the time and had complex, engaging characters.
One must - read historical fiction novel is 'War and Peace' by Leo Tolstoy. It vividly portrays Russian society during the Napoleonic era. Another great one is 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen which gives insights into the English upper - class life in the 19th century. Also, 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco is a brilliant historical mystery set in a medieval monastery.
A good option for beginners is 'The Sign of the Four' by Arthur Conan Doyle. It has elements of historical London and an exciting mystery. 'Black Beauty' is also easy to read and it shows the life of horses in 19th - century England. And 'Robinson Crusoe' which is about a man's survival on an island in the 17th century can be a good start for those new to historical fiction.
One great example is 'War and Peace' by Leo Tolstoy. Although Tolstoy was Russian, Russia is part of Europe. This novel vividly depicts the Napoleonic Wars and the impact on Russian society. It delves deep into the lives of various characters, from nobles to peasants. Another is 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco. Set in a medieval Italian monastery, it combines mystery, theology, and historical details. The complex plot and detailed descriptions of the era make it a classic in European historical fiction.
Definitely 'Number the Stars'. It really makes the horror of the Holocaust real for young readers. It's a story of courage and friendship in a very difficult time.
Some well - known ones could be 'War and Peace' by Leo Tolstoy. It gives a vivid picture of Russian society during the Napoleonic era. Another is 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen, which shows the social life and marriage market in early 19th - century England.
The must-read fiction novels of 2014 could be 'The Silkworm' by Robert Galbraith (J.K. Rowling) and 'Landline' by Rainbow Rowell. 'The Silkworm' has an intriguing mystery, while 'Landline' offers a heartfelt and relatable story. Give them a try!
Another great choice is 'War and Peace' by Leo Tolstoy. It's a massive but incredibly detailed and engaging work that provides a comprehensive look at Russian society during the Napoleonic Wars.
I would also recommend 'All the Light We Cannot See' by Anthony Doerr. This novel is set during World War II and follows the lives of a blind French girl and a German boy. It beautifully weaves together their stories, showing the impact of the war on individuals, and also provides a lot of historical details about the occupation of France and the German military.
The book 'Lincoln in the Bardo' by George Saunders is a must - read. It's a unique take on historical fiction as it focuses on the death of Abraham Lincoln's son and Lincoln's visit to the cemetery. The writing style is experimental, with multiple voices, which makes it an interesting read and gives a different perspective on a well - known historical figure.
One must - read historical fiction from 2017 is 'The Essex Serpent' by Sarah Perry. It's set in Victorian England and weaves a tale of mystery and social change around the supposed sighting of a mythical serpent. The characters are richly drawn, and it gives a great sense of the time period's superstitions and scientific progress.