One of the best is 'War and Peace' by Leo Tolstoy. It vividly depicts Russian society during the Napoleonic era, with complex characters and a grand narrative. Another great one is 'Gone with the Wind' which shows the American South during the Civil War. Scarlett O'Hara's character is really memorable. Also, 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco is a brilliant historical mystery set in a medieval monastery.
Well, 'I, Claudius' is an excellent historical novel. It gives a unique perspective on the Roman Empire, as told through the eyes of Claudius. Then there's 'The Pillars of the Earth' by Ken Follett. It details the building of a cathedral in 12th - century England, and the social and political situations of that time. 'Wolf Hall' by Hilary Mantel is also great. It focuses on the life of Thomas Cromwell in Tudor England.
Some of the top historical novels include 'A Tale of Two Cities' by Charles Dickens. It presents a vivid picture of the French Revolution and its impact on both France and England. 'The Three Musketeers' by Alexandre Dumas is another classic. It takes readers to 17th - century France with its adventures of Athos, Porthos, Aramis and D'Artagnan. And 'The Good Earth' by Pearl S. Buck, which offers insights into rural Chinese life in the early 20th century.
I think 'The Scarlet Letter' by Nathaniel Hawthorne is one of the best. It's set in Puritan New England and explores themes like sin and redemption. Another is 'Moby - Dick' which is not only an adventure story but also has a lot to say about the whaling industry and the human condition in the 19th century. And of course, 'Don Quixote' by Miguel de Cervantes, which is a very early and influential historical novel about a man's delusions of chivalry in Spain.
'The Mermaid and Mrs Hancock' by Imogen Hermes Gowar is also a notable 2018 historical fiction. It combines elements of the Georgian London setting with the magical idea of a mermaid. The story delves into the society of that era, exploring themes like class, gender, and the power of rumors while also having an element of the fantastical.
One great 2019 historical fiction is 'The Dutch House' by Ann Patchett. It tells a story of family, love, and loss over decades, set in a grand old house. Another is 'The Testaments' by Margaret Atwood which is a continuation of the dystopian world she created in 'The Handmaid's Tale' but also has historical elements. And 'The Water Dancer' by Ta - Nehisi Coates is a powerful story about slavery and the Underground Railroad, with a touch of magical realism.
Some of the well - known historical fiction books from 2020 could be 'The Vanishing Half' by Brit Bennett. It tells the story of twin sisters in the context of racial segregation in America. Another one might be 'Hamnet' by Maggie O'Farrell which delves into the family life of Shakespeare.
One great historical fiction book is 'The Pillars of the Earth' by Ken Follett. It vividly depicts the building of a cathedral in 12th - century England, with complex characters and a detailed portrayal of the era's social structure, politics, and architecture.
One of the best is 'Wolf Hall' by Hilary Mantel. It offers a vivid portrayal of Thomas Cromwell's life in the Tudor court. Another great one is 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco. It combines mystery and historical elements set in a medieval monastery. 'All the Light We Cannot See' is also highly regarded. It tells a moving story about a blind French girl and a German boy during World War II.
In 2017, 'Homegoing' was considered a great historical fiction work. It tells the story of two half - sisters in Ghana and follows their descendants through different paths, one in Africa and one sold into slavery in America. It's a powerful exploration of family, history, and the impact of slavery. Also, 'The Ministry of Utmost Happiness' by Arundhati Roy offered a look at India's complex history through the eyes of its characters.
One of the best 2021 historical fiction books is 'The Four Winds' by Kristin Hannah. It tells a powerful story about a woman's struggle during the Great Depression.
Well, 'Hamnet' by Maggie O'Farrell is also a remarkable 2020 historical fiction book. It delves into the family life of Shakespeare, exploring the relationship between him and his family, especially focusing on the death of his son Hamnet. It's beautifully written, with vivid descriptions that bring the past to life.
I also recommend 'All the Light We Cannot See' by Anthony Doerr. Set during World War II, it tells the story of a blind French girl and a German boy. The book beautifully weaves together their individual stories against the backdrop of the war.