One of the best is 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen. It's set in the early 19th - century England. The relationship between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy is a classic example of romantic tension. Austen's witty writing and detailed portrayal of the society of that time make it a must - read for any fan of historic romantic novels.
'Wuthering Heights' by Emily Bronte is also great. This novel is centered around the passionate and tragic love between Heathcliff and Catherine. Set in the Yorkshire moors, it shows the wild and unruly nature of love against the backdrop of a harsh and unforgiving landscape and a strict social hierarchy of the time.
Another good one is 'The Scarlet Letter' by Nathaniel Hawthorne. It's set in 17th - century Puritan New England. The story of Hester Prynne, who has to wear a scarlet 'A' for adultery, and her relationship with the minister Arthur Dimmesdale is a profound exploration of love, guilt, and society's judgment in a historical context.
One of the best is 'War and Peace' by Leo Tolstoy. It vividly depicts Russian society during the Napoleonic era, with a vast array of characters and storylines that give a comprehensive view of the time. Another great one is 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen, which, while also exploring themes of love and family, gives insights into the social and economic structures of early 19th - century England. 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco is also highly regarded. Set in a medieval monastery, it combines mystery, philosophy, and historical details of the period.
The best historic graphic novels include 'March' by John Lewis, Andrew Aydin and Nate Powell. It chronicles the Civil Rights Movement in the United States. 'V for Vendetta' by Alan Moore is also notable. Set in a future dystopian England, it has roots in historical and political ideas of totalitarianism. Then there's 'Fun Home' by Alison Bechdel, which is a memoir with historical elements about her family and growing up in a small town.
I would also recommend 'The Magic Mountain' by Thomas Mann. While it is not strictly a historical novel in the traditional sense, it reflects on the pre - World War I European society, especially in Germany. It's set in a sanatorium in the Alps where the main character Hans Castorp spends seven years. Through his experiences, Mann explores different ideologies, social classes, and the general malaise that was prevalent before the outbreak of the war.
One of the best is 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen. It's set in the early 19th - century England and tells the story of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy. Their relationship develops through misunderstandings, social class differences, and family drama. Another great one is 'Outlander' by Diana Gabaldon. It combines time - travel with historical Scotland, where a World War II nurse is transported back in time and falls in love with a Highland warrior. Then there's 'Gone with the Wind' by Margaret Mitchell, which is set during the American Civil War and shows the complex love story between Scarlett O'Hara and Rhett Butler.
Well, 'Wolf Hall' by Hilary Mantel is among the top historic fiction novels. It gives a detailed look at the court of Henry VIII through the eyes of Thomas Cromwell. 'The Pillars of the Earth' by Ken Follett is also very good. It's set in 12th - century England and shows the building of a cathedral. And don't forget 'A Tale of Two Cities' by Charles Dickens, which presents the events of the French Revolution.
One of the great historic novels related to Berlin could be 'Berlin Alexanderplatz' by Alfred Döblin. It vividly portrays life in Berlin during the Weimar Republic era, showing the social, economic, and moral struggles of the time. The city itself becomes a character in the story, with its streets, alleys, and the general atmosphere being integral to the plot.
One could consider the relationship between Scarlett O'Hara and Rhett Butler in 'Gone with the Wind' as having some passionate moments that are part of the historical context of the American South during the Civil War era. The chemistry between them is palpable in certain scenes, which add depth to the story of that time period.
One of the best is 'The Book Thief' by Markus Zusak. It tells the story from the perspective of a young girl in Nazi Germany. Another great one is 'All the Light We Cannot See' by Anthony Doerr, which follows the lives of a blind French girl and a German boy during the war. 'Slaughterhouse - Five' by Kurt Vonnegut is also highly regarded as it offers a unique and somewhat surreal take on the war experience.