Some of the best ancient historical fictions include 'The Red Tent' by Anita Diamant. It retells the story of Dinah from the Bible in a unique and engaging way. 'Aztec' by Gary Jennings is also remarkable. It dives deep into the Aztec civilization. And 'The Persian Boy' by Mary Renault is a great read as it tells the story of Bagoas in the time of Alexander the Great.
Well, 'Gates of Fire' by Steven Pressfield is a top choice for ancient historical fiction. It focuses on the Battle of Thermopylae in ancient Greece and the Spartans' heroic stand. Then there's 'The Pillars of the Earth' by Ken Follett. While it mainly focuses on the building of a cathedral, it gives a great sense of medieval England. And 'Memoirs of Hadrian' by Marguerite Yourcenar is a beautifully written account of Hadrian's life in the Roman Empire.
One of the best is 'I, Claudius' by Robert Graves. It vividly depicts the Roman Empire from the perspective of Claudius. Another great one is 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco. It combines a medieval monastery setting with mystery and historical details. Also, 'The Pillars of the Earth' by Ken Follett is excellent. It shows life in 12th - century England during the building of a cathedral.
'The Mermaid and Mrs Hancock' by Imogen Hermes Gowar is also a notable 2018 historical fiction. It combines elements of the Georgian London setting with the magical idea of a mermaid. The story delves into the society of that era, exploring themes like class, gender, and the power of rumors while also having an element of the fantastical.
One great 2019 historical fiction is 'The Dutch House' by Ann Patchett. It tells a story of family, love, and loss over decades, set in a grand old house. Another is 'The Testaments' by Margaret Atwood which is a continuation of the dystopian world she created in 'The Handmaid's Tale' but also has historical elements. And 'The Water Dancer' by Ta - Nehisi Coates is a powerful story about slavery and the Underground Railroad, with a touch of magical realism.
Some of the well - known historical fiction books from 2020 could be 'The Vanishing Half' by Brit Bennett. It tells the story of twin sisters in the context of racial segregation in America. Another one might be 'Hamnet' by Maggie O'Farrell which delves into the family life of Shakespeare.
One of the best is 'Wolf Hall' by Hilary Mantel. It offers a vivid portrayal of Thomas Cromwell's life in the Tudor court. Another great one is 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco. It combines mystery and historical elements set in a medieval monastery. 'All the Light We Cannot See' is also highly regarded. It tells a moving story about a blind French girl and a German boy during World War II.
In 2017, 'Homegoing' was considered a great historical fiction work. It tells the story of two half - sisters in Ghana and follows their descendants through different paths, one in Africa and one sold into slavery in America. It's a powerful exploration of family, history, and the impact of slavery. Also, 'The Ministry of Utmost Happiness' by Arundhati Roy offered a look at India's complex history through the eyes of its characters.
One of the best 2021 historical fiction books is 'The Four Winds' by Kristin Hannah. It tells a powerful story about a woman's struggle during the Great Depression.
Well, 'Hamnet' by Maggie O'Farrell is also a remarkable 2020 historical fiction book. It delves into the family life of Shakespeare, exploring the relationship between him and his family, especially focusing on the death of his son Hamnet. It's beautifully written, with vivid descriptions that bring the past to life.
I also recommend 'All the Light We Cannot See' by Anthony Doerr. Set during World War II, it tells the story of a blind French girl and a German boy. The book beautifully weaves together their individual stories against the backdrop of the war.
Some of the great historical fiction books from 2017 include 'The Underground Railroad' by Colson Whitehead. It tells a powerful story of a slave's journey to freedom along a literal underground railroad. Another is 'Pachinko' by Min Jin Lee which spans generations of a Korean family, showing their struggles and triumphs in Japan over a long period of history.