'The Princes of Ireland' by Edward Rutherfurd. It spans a long period of Irish history, from ancient times to more recent history. It's a great way to get a comprehensive view of how Ireland has evolved over time through fictionalized but well - researched accounts of different historical periods.
'The Secret Scripture' by Sebastian Barry. This book is set against the backdrop of Ireland's turbulent 20th - century history. It tells the story of an elderly woman in a mental hospital and her past, which is deeply rooted in the historical events of Ireland. It's a beautifully written exploration of memory, love, and the impact of historical upheavals on individuals.
One great historical Irish fiction book is 'Ulysses' by James Joyce. It's a complex and detailed exploration of a day in Dublin, filled with rich historical and cultural references. Another is 'Angela's Ashes' by Frank McCourt. It tells the story of a young boy growing up in poverty in Ireland, giving a vivid picture of the time. 'The Picture of Dorian Gray' by Oscar Wilde also has elements related to Irish society of that era.
Sebastian Barry is an author to look out for. His latest fiction books are filled with rich historical detail set against the backdrop of Ireland. They are not only engaging stories but also a great way to learn about Irish history through fictional characters and their experiences.
Definitely 'At Swim - Two - Birds' by Flann O'Brien. It's a very unique and experimental novel that plays with different levels of reality and Irish folklore. 'The Spell of the Sensuous' by David Abram, while not strictly a traditional Irish fiction book but still related as it explores the connection between humans and nature in an Irish context. And 'The Famine Plot' by Tim Pat Coogan which gives a fictionalized account of the Irish famine and its long - lasting impacts on the Irish people.
One great Irish Famine historical fiction is 'The Gathering' by Anne Enright. It weaves the story of the present with the haunting past of the famine in a really engaging way.
A well - known one is 'The Dubliners' by James Joyce. Although it's more a collection of short stories, it vividly portrays the life in Dublin in 1916 and the social and cultural aspects which were influenced by the events of that time. The stories are full of complex characters and their daily struggles, which are all intertwined with the greater historical context of Ireland in 1916.
One great Irish historical fiction on Goodreads is 'The Dubliners' by James Joyce. It gives a vivid picture of life in Dublin during a particular era. Another is 'Troubles' by J. G. Farrell which is set during the Irish War of Independence. And 'Brooklyn' by Colm Tóibín is also a popular choice, telling a story of an Irish immigrant in the US with a backdrop of Irish history.
In 2017, 'The Essex Serpent' by Sarah Perry was a standout. It combined historical elements with a touch of mystery and romance.
They often have a strong sense of place. Ireland's landscapes, from the green fields to the rugged coasts, are often vividly described and become an integral part of the story.
Some of the top Irish historical fiction books include 'The Secret Scripture' by Sebastian Barry. This book is set in a mental hospital in Ireland and unfolds the past of its main character. 'The Playboy of the Western World' by J. M. Synge is a classic that gives insights into Irish rural life in the past. 'The Siege of Krishnapur' by J. G. Farrell, although not strictly about Ireland but written by an Irish author, has elements of historical fiction that are comparable to Irish works in terms of its exploration of colonial and cultural themes.
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.