I would also recommend 'Kadal Pura'. This novel takes readers into the world of the Tamil fishermen community in the past. It shows their way of life, their beliefs, and how they were an important part of the overall Tamil society in historical times.
Definitely 'Ponniyin Selvan'. It's a classic. The story weaves together the lives of many characters during the Chola period. The way it describes the power struggles, family dynamics, and the grandeur of the Chola court is fascinating.
One of the top historical western romance novels is 'Ride the Wind' by Lucia St. Clair Robson. It tells a captivating story set in the American West. Another great one is 'Outlander' by Diana Gabaldon, which has elements of historical western romance. And 'These Old Shades' by Georgette Heyer also stands out with its engaging plot and characters.
Well, one of the top Tamil historical novels is 'Parthiban Kanavu'. It tells a story set in an ancient Tamil kingdom, filled with tales of heroism, love, and political intrigue. 'Yavana Rani' is also quite famous, as it weaves a narrative around the interaction between the Tamil and Greek cultures in history. There are also other great works like 'Kadal Pura' which gives insights into the maritime history of the Tamils.
Some of the top historical fiction books include 'The Pillars of the Earth' by Ken Follett. It vividly depicts the building of a cathedral in the Middle Ages. Another great one is 'Wolf Hall' by Hilary Mantel, which delves into the life of Thomas Cromwell in the Tudor court. And 'All the Light We Cannot See' by Anthony Doerr, set during World War II, is also highly recommended.
'The Essex Serpent' by Sarah Perry is also worth mentioning. Set in Victorian England, it combines elements of mystery, historical context, and complex relationships. It delves into the superstitions and scientific thinking of the time, and the writing is both beautiful and evocative.
Some top military historical fiction books include 'All Quiet on the Western Front' by Erich Maria Remarque. This book shows the horror of World War I from the perspective of a German soldier. 'Master and Commander' by Patrick O'Brian is also highly regarded. It follows the adventures of a British naval captain during the Napoleonic Wars. Then there's 'The Red Badge of Courage' by Stephen Crane, which delves into the mind of a young Union soldier during the American Civil War.
One of the top Gujarati novels is 'Saraswatichandra'. It's a classic. Another is 'Manvini Bhavai'.
Definitely 'The Shining'. It's a classic that not only gives you a sense of Colorado's mountainous terrain but also has a deep and spooky backstory related to the hotel's history. It's a short but impactful read.
Then there is 'Parthiban Kanavu' which is also quite popular. It tells the story of a king's dream and the journey to fulfill it. The novel is a wonderful blend of history, fantasy, and human emotions, and it gives a great insight into the Tamil society of the bygone days.
Another notable 2017 thriller novel was 'Final Girls' by Riley Sager. It played with the concept of the 'final girl' from horror movies. The story follows a woman who was the sole survivor of a massacre years ago, and when similar killings start happening again, she has to face her past and figure out what's really going on. The plot was filled with suspense and unexpected revelations.
A great 2018 thriller novel was 'The Outsider' by Stephen King. King is a master of the genre, and this book was no exception. It had a supernatural element to the mystery which made it really engaging. The story follows the investigation of a seemingly impossible crime, and the characters are well - developed. It keeps you guessing until the very end.