The characters in these novels often reflect the values and struggles of their historical periods. Take 'The Scarlet Letter' by Nathaniel Hawthorne. Hester Prynne's situation and her reaction to it show the strict moral code of Puritan society. These characters help us understand the past better.
Many of them often have a strong sense of place. For example, they vividly describe the Indian landscapes, cities, and villages as they were in different historical periods.
Often, they explore the challenges faced by lesbian characters in historical settings. For example, they might deal with social stigma and the need to hide their relationships.
One characteristic is authenticity. It should give a genuine sense of the time it's set in. This can be through the use of period - appropriate language and descriptions of the setting.
Many of them show the economic struggle. For example, in 'The Grapes of Wrath', the Joad family is constantly facing poverty and lack of resources as they are displaced during the Great Depression.
Well, the language in these novels is often very rich and refined. Authors like Charles Dickens use a wide range of vocabulary and complex sentence structures. This not only makes the stories more vivid but also reflects the literary sophistication of the time.
Accuracy in historical details. Great historical fiction gets the facts right, like the time period's clothing, social norms, and major events. For example, in 'Wolf Hall' by Hilary Mantel, it vividly portrays the Tudor court with accurate historical details.
Great depression historical novels typically portray the breakdown of the economic system. They show how families and individuals were affected by job losses and financial ruin. The characters often have to migrate in search of work, as seen in 'The Grapes of Wrath'. Moreover, they also highlight the role of community. Some communities come together to support each other during tough times, while in other cases, the community itself is divided by class or race, as is evident in many of these novels.
Many of the great Urdu novels often have a strong sense of place. For example, they might be set in the bustling bazaars or the narrow lanes of old cities in the Urdu - speaking regions. This helps to create an immersive atmosphere.
There are many great historical fiction novels. 'Wolf Hall' by Hilary Mantel is one, as it focuses on the court of Henry VIII. It gives a detailed look at the political intrigue and the life of Thomas Cromwell. 'The Red Tent' by Anita Diamant is also a great one, as it reimagines the story of Dinah from the Bible in a historical context. And 'All the Light We Cannot See' which is set during World War II, tells a beautiful and poignant story of a blind French girl and a German boy.
I think 'The Da Vinci Code' is quite popular. It combines historical facts with a thrilling mystery, set against the backdrop of art history and religious secrets.