Well, 'The Underground Railroad' by Colson Whitehead is an important one. It reimagines the Underground Railroad as an actual railroad underground. Also, 'A Gentleman in Moscow' is really good. It follows the life of a Russian aristocrat who is under house arrest in a hotel. These books are popular and well - written examples in the 2019 best - selling historical fiction category.
In the realm of 2019 best - selling historical fiction, 'Circe' by Madeline Miller is a standout. It delves into the story of Circe from Greek mythology, giving a new perspective on her life. 'The Alice Network' is another gem. It weaves together two timelines, one during World War I and the other in the post - war era, following the story of female spies. These books offer rich historical details and engaging plots that made them popular in that year's historical fiction market.
One should read 'I, Claudius' by Robert Graves. It offers a fascinating view of the Roman Empire. 'The Thorn Birds' by Colleen McCullough is set in Australia and spans generations. And 'The Good Earth' by Pearl S. Buck is an important look at rural China in the early 20th century.
Well, 'All the Light We Cannot See' is an excellent historical fiction book. It tells a story about a blind French girl and a German boy during World War II. Then there's 'The Book Thief' which is also set during World War II, but from the perspective of a young girl in Germany who steals books. 'A Tale of Two Cities' by Charles Dickens is a classic, set during the French Revolution.
One great 2023 historical fiction is 'The Paris Apartment'. It takes readers into the heart of Paris and weaves a mystery within a historical setting. Another is 'The Cartographers' which combines family secrets with historical cartography. And 'The Cloisters' also stands out, with its exploration of art history in a fictional narrative.
You should check out 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco. It combines mystery and history in a monastery setting. The detailed descriptions and complex plot make it a must-read.
I think 'Foundation' by Isaac Asimov is a must - read in science fiction. It has a grand scope of a galactic empire and the efforts to preserve knowledge. 'Starship Troopers' by Robert A. Heinlein is another interesting one. It delves into military life and the ethics of war in a science - fiction setting. Also, 'Hyperion' by Dan Simmons, which tells a multi - layered story with a diverse group of characters on a pilgrimage.
In 2017, 'The Essex Serpent' by Sarah Perry was a standout. It combined historical elements with a touch of mystery and romance.
One great example is 'The Pillars of the Earth' by Ken Follett. It's set in 12th - century England and vividly depicts the building of a cathedral. Another is 'Gone with the Wind' which shows the American South during the Civil War. 'All the Light We Cannot See' is also a remarkable one, set during World War II.
One great historical thriller is 'The Da Vinci Code' by Dan Brown. It combines historical facts and mystery in a really engaging way. Another is 'Umberto Eco's 'The Name of the Rose'. It's set in a medieval monastery and is full of intrigue.
One must - read is 'War and Peace' by Leo Tolstoy. It gives a detailed account of Russian society during the Napoleonic Wars. Another is 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen which shows the social and family life in 19th - century England. Also, 'The Scarlet Letter' by Nathaniel Hawthorne, set in Puritan New England, exploring themes of sin and redemption.
One great new historical fiction book is 'The Nightingale' by Kristin Hannah. It tells a powerful story about two sisters in France during World War II. Another is 'Circe' by Madeline Miller, which reimagines the story of the mythological figure Circe in a historical context. And 'Pachinko' by Min Jin Lee, which follows a Korean family over generations against the backdrop of historical events.