I would say 'All the Light We Cannot See' by Anthony Doerr. This book is set during World War II and follows the parallel lives of a blind French girl and a German boy. It's beautifully written and really captures the essence of that historical period. Also, 'The Book Thief' by Markus Zusak is excellent. It's narrated by Death and tells about a girl in Nazi Germany who steals books. Then there's 'A Tale of Two Cities' by Charles Dickens, which is set during the French Revolution.
Then there's 'Washington Black' by Esi Edugyan. This novel takes the reader on a journey from the Caribbean to the Arctic in the 19th century. It's a story about a young boy's escape from slavery and his adventures, exploring themes of race, freedom, and identity.
I highly recommend 'The Underground Railroad'. It's not only a great work of historical fiction but also a powerful exploration of race in America. The way Colson Whitehead uses the concept of the railroad is both imaginative and thought - provoking.
I highly recommend 'The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle' by Stuart Turton. It's a mystery - thriller with a unique time - loop concept that keeps you on your toes. 'A Column of Fire' by Ken Follett is also great. It's a historical fiction that continues the Kingsbridge series and is full of political intrigue and complex characters. And 'The Alice Network' by Kate Quinn, which is set during World War I and II and tells the story of female spies.
Some highly recommended young adult historical fiction books are 'The Giver' by Lois Lowry. It's set in a dystopian future but has roots in our understanding of history and how society could be shaped. 'Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry' by Mildred D. Taylor is set in the American South during the Great Depression and segregation. It shows the life of a black family and their struggles. 'The Watsons Go to Birmingham - 1963' by Christopher Paul Curtis is about a family's journey to Birmingham during the civil rights movement.
I highly recommend 'Number the Stars'. It has a very engaging plot that makes you feel like you're in the middle of the events of World War II. The characters are well - developed and the story is full of suspense. Another great one is 'Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry'. It not only tells a great story but also educates readers about the harsh realities of racial discrimination in the past.
One highly recommended 2016 historical fiction book is 'The Underground Railroad' by Colson Whitehead. It tells the story of a slave named Cora who escapes through a literal underground railroad. Another is 'The Nightingale' by Kristin Hannah, which focuses on two sisters in France during World War II. It shows their different ways of resistance against the Nazis.
I'd recommend 'Flight Behavior' by Barbara Kingsolver. It deals with themes like climate change and the impact on a rural community. It has really engaging characters that draw you into the story.
Definitely 'The Help' by Kathryn Stockett. It gives a great insight into the lives of African - American maids in the 1960s Mississippi. The story is both heartwarming and eye - opening. Another good one is 'The Alice Network' by Kate Quinn. It weaves together two storylines, one during World War I and the other after World War II. It has strong female characters and an exciting plot. And 'The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society' by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows is a charming read. Set just after World War II, it tells about the lives of the people on the island of Guernsey through their love for books.
'The Mark of the Lion' series by Francine Rivers is considered excellent. Set in ancient Rome, it follows the story of a young Christian woman named Hadassah. It shows how she endures persecution and stays true to her faith. The series gives a great insight into the early days of Christianity and how it spread despite the odds against it.
I also really liked 'The Night Watchman' by Louise Erdrich. It's based on the true story of her grandfather who worked to preserve Native American rights in the 1950s. The book offers a deep look into Native American culture and the struggles they faced against the U.S. government's policies at that time. It's a story full of heart and historical significance.