The 'Raj Quartet' by Paul Scott, which is set in the British - ruled India. It shows the complex social, political and cultural aspects of that era. It's a long and detailed work that really dives into the life in colonial India from different perspectives.
Another great one for beginners is 'Shogun' by James Clavell. Set in feudal Japan, it follows an English sailor's adventures in Japan. It has action, drama and a lot of details about Japanese society and culture at that time, which makes it very interesting for those new to Asian historical fictions.
One of the great historical fictions in 2012 was 'Bring Up the Bodies' by Hilary Mantel. It's set in the court of Henry VIII and offers a vivid portrayal of the power struggles and political intrigue of the time.
Well, 'The Kite Runner' can be considered a great historical fiction. It shows Afghanistan from a different era, with its rich culture and the tragedies it has endured over time. 'The Book Thief' is also among the best. Set in Nazi Germany, it tells the story from the perspective of a young girl and how books and words were so important during that dark time. 'All the Light We Cannot See' is another excellent one, set during World War II, exploring the lives of a blind French girl and a German boy.
One of the great historical fictions in 2010 could be 'Wolf Hall' by Hilary Mantel. It offers a vivid portrayal of Tudor England, with complex characters like Thomas Cromwell. Another might be 'The Passage' by Justin Cronin which has elements of post - apocalyptic future but also delves into historical events that led to that state.
One of the best historical fictions in 2017 could be 'The Underground Railroad' by Colson Whitehead. It tells a powerful story about slavery in a unique way, with the concept of an actual underground railroad as a physical structure.
One of the best historical fictions is 'Wolf Hall' by Hilary Mantel. It vividly portrays the court of Henry VIII. Another great one is 'The Pillars of the Earth' by Ken Follett, which gives a detailed look at the building of a cathedral in the Middle Ages. 'Gone with the Wind' is also a classic historical fiction set during the American Civil War.
Well, 'A Suitable Boy' by Vikram Seth is a great Asian historical fiction novel. It is set in post - independence India and shows the complex social fabric of that time. In Japan, 'Snow Country' is considered a masterpiece. It depicts the rural and traditional life in the snowy regions of Japan. And from Korea, 'The Guest' is an interesting read. It touches on the history of Korea during a time of great religious and social change, exploring themes of identity and faith.
One of the best is 'The Tale of Genji' from Japan. It's often considered the world's first novel, offering a deep look into the Heian period's court life, with its complex characters and their relationships. It shows the refined culture, love affairs, and political intrigues of that era.
Another great one is 'Schindler's List' by Thomas Keneally. This novel is based on the true story of Oskar Schindler, a German businessman who saved the lives of many Jews during the Holocaust. It's a detailed and harrowing account of that dark time.
One of the best is 'The Da Vinci Code' by Dan Brown. It combines historical facts and religious symbols in a thrilling chase across Europe.