A lesser - known but great one is 'The General in His Labyrinth' by Gabriel García Márquez. While it's about Simón Bolívar, it also has elements related to the broader Latin American and Mexican context. It shows the decline of a great leader and is filled with Márquez's signature magical realism, which gives a unique view of the historical period.
Another notable work is 'The Hummingbird's Daughter' by Luis Alberto Urrea. It is based on the life of Teresa Urrea, a real - life healer in Mexico. The book delves into the historical and cultural context of Mexico in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, exploring themes of identity, faith, and the power of the individual in a complex society.
A must - read is 'The Underdogs' as it's a classic that really shows the essence of the revolution from different perspectives. It has detailed descriptions of the battles and the different ideologies at play.
In 2017, 'The Essex Serpent' by Sarah Perry was a standout. It combined historical elements with a touch of mystery and romance.
I would also recommend 'All the Light We Cannot See' by Anthony Doerr. This novel is set during World War II and follows the lives of a blind French girl and a German boy. It beautifully weaves together their stories, showing the impact of the war on individuals, and also provides a lot of historical details about the occupation of France and the German military.
The book 'Lincoln in the Bardo' by George Saunders is a must - read. It's a unique take on historical fiction as it focuses on the death of Abraham Lincoln's son and Lincoln's visit to the cemetery. The writing style is experimental, with multiple voices, which makes it an interesting read and gives a different perspective on a well - known historical figure.
One must - read historical fiction from 2017 is 'The Essex Serpent' by Sarah Perry. It's set in Victorian England and weaves a tale of mystery and social change around the supposed sighting of a mythical serpent. The characters are richly drawn, and it gives a great sense of the time period's superstitions and scientific progress.
You might also enjoy 'Malintzin's Choices' by Camilla Townsend. This book focuses on the complex figure of Malintzin, who played a significant role in the Spanish conquest of Mexico. It reimagines her story through historical research and fictional narrative, providing a different perspective on this important period of Mexican history.
Well, 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco is also a great choice. Set in a 14th - century Italian monastery, it combines mystery, theology, and historical elements. The complex plot and the detailed description of the medieval world make it a very exciting historical fiction book.
Most of them are well - researched. For example, they accurately depict the historical settings, like the social structures, cultural norms, and political situations of the times. They also often have engaging characters that are shaped by the historical context.
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.