Well, there's 'Circe' by Madeline Miller. It delves into the story of the Greek mythological figure Circe in a very engaging and detailed way. It was published by a small press and has gained a lot of popularity. 'The Song of Achilles' by the same author is also great historical fiction. Also, 'Alias Grace' by Margaret Atwood is a remarkable small press historical fiction. It's based on a true story and explores the life of a female convict in 19th - century Canada.
Some small press historical fictions delve into less - explored historical periods. For example, there could be books about the pre - Columbian civilizations in the Americas that are published by small presses. These small press publications are important as they contribute to a more diverse range of historical stories being told, filling the gaps that mainstream publishers might overlook.
Small press fiction often has unique voices. It might focus on niche topics that larger publishers overlook. The writing style can be more experimental as it doesn't have to conform to mainstream commercial demands.
Some 2023 historical fiction books worth mentioning are 'Birnam Wood' by Eleanor Catton. It's a story that combines elements of politics, environmentalism, and New Zealand's history. 'Chain - Gang All - Stars' by Nana Kwame Adjei - Brenyah is also notable. It presents a dystopian view of a future prison system that has its roots in the historical treatment of prisoners in the United States.
One of my favorite historical fiction books is 'The Kite Runner' by Khaled Hosseini. It tells a story about friendship and redemption against the backdrop of Afghanistan's history. Then there's 'I, Claudius' which gives an inside look at the Roman Empire through the eyes of Claudius. Also, 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco is a complex and fascinating historical mystery set in a 14th - century Italian monastery.
One great 2014 historical fiction book is 'The Miniaturist' by Jessie Burton. It's set in 17th - century Amsterdam and follows a young bride as she discovers a mysterious miniaturist's creations that seem to predict the future. Another is 'All the Light We Cannot See' by Anthony Doerr. This novel is set during World War II and tells the story of a blind French girl and a German boy whose lives become intertwined. Also, 'We Are Not Ourselves' by Matthew Thomas is a great read. It spans several decades in America, showing the lives of an Irish - American family through different historical periods.
Some notable 2022 historical fiction books include 'The Paris Library' by Janet Skeslien Charles. This book tells a story of the Paris Library during World War II and the people associated with it. Also, 'The Four Winds' by Kristin Hannah is a great read. It focuses on the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression era, showing the struggles of a family through that difficult time in American history.
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 richly detailed setting. Another is 'Wolf Hall' by Hilary Mantel, which offers a fascinating look at the court of Henry VIII through the eyes of Thomas Cromwell. 'Gone with the Wind' is also a classic. Set during the American Civil War, it shows the life of Scarlett O'Hara and the destruction and rebuilding of the South.
Some great historical fiction books include 'I, Claudius' by Robert Graves. It gives an inside look at the Roman Empire from the perspective of Claudius. 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco is set in a 14th - century Italian monastery and involves a complex mystery. Also, 'The Kite Runner' by Khaled Hosseini, while also exploring themes of friendship and redemption, is set against the backdrop of Afghanistan's history, from the pre - Soviet era to the Taliban rule.
Well, 'The Dutch House' by Ann Patchett is a 2019 historical fiction book. It focuses on a family and their relationship with a grand house over the years. 'A Long Petal of the Sea' by Isabel Allende is another. It tells the story of refugees fleeing the Spanish Civil War. And 'The Night Tiger' by Yangsze Choo is set in 1930s Malaysia and has elements of mystery and folklore in its historical narrative.
One great 2018 historical fiction is 'The Lost Girls of Paris' by Pam Jenoff. It tells a story set during World War II about a group of female secret agents.