I think 'Giovanni's Room' is quite popular. James Baldwin's exploration of love and homosexuality in Paris in the 1950s is very engaging. And 'Tipping the Velvet' also has a strong following. Its vivid portrayal of queer life in Victorian London has made it stand out among queer historical fiction books.
Among the popular ones is 'The Color Purple'. It has been widely read and studied. The story of Celie and her relationships in a difficult historical and social context has resonated with many readers. Another popular choice is 'Maurice' which has a classic feel to it, dealing with homosexuality in a time when it was not as openly discussed.
Well, 'The Name of the Rose' is extremely popular. The mystery set in a medieval monastery and the complex web of religious and intellectual ideas within the Catholic Church context have made it a best - seller. 'I, Claudius' is also well - liked. It offers a unique view of the Roman world which was on the cusp of the rise of Catholicism, with its engaging plot and characters. 'The Song at the Scaffold' has a devoted following too. The story of the Carmelite martyrs and their unwavering Catholic faith during the French Revolution touches the hearts of many readers.
Among the most popular is 'All Quiet on the Western Front'. It's widely read because it shows the brutal reality of war from the perspective of ordinary soldiers. Readers can really feel the horror and futility of the war. Another popular one is 'Birdsong'. The combination of the love story and the war backdrop makes it appealing to a wide range of readers.
One of the most popular is 'Lonesome Dove'. Readers love its detailed portrayal of the cowboy life and the epic journey. 'True Women' is also very popular as it showcases the often - overlooked role of women in Texas history. And 'Empire of the Summer Moon' has gained a lot of popularity for its in - depth look at the Comanche - Texas relations.
I think 'The Book Thief' is very popular. It has a unique narrative voice and really makes you feel for the characters in the difficult times of WW2. Another popular one is 'All the Light We Cannot See' as it beautifully weaves together the stories of two young people on opposite sides of the war.
Well, 'For Whom the Bell Tolls' is popular among readers interested in the Spanish Civil War. It has exciting battle scenes and complex characters. 'Gone with the Wind' is also very popular. The story of Scarlett O'Hara during the Civil War and Reconstruction is a favorite for many. And 'Slaughterhouse - Five' has a cult following due to its off - beat look at World War II.
One of the most popular historical fiction books is 'The Kite Runner' by Khaled Hosseini. It's set in Afghanistan and shows the country's history through the eyes of the main character. 'The Help' by Kathryn Stockett is also very popular. It tells the story of African - American maids in the South during the 1960s. And 'Outlander' by Diana Gabaldon, which combines historical events with time - travel and romance, has a huge following.
Among young readers, 'The Chronicles of Narnia' series by C.S. Lewis is very popular. Although it's a fictional world with talking animals and magic, it has strong Christian undertones, like the character of Aslan representing Jesus. Another one could be 'The Door Within' trilogy by Wayne Thomas Batson. It has elements of adventure and fantasy combined with Christian themes that appeal to younger audiences.
Many readers enjoy 'The Silver Pigs' by Lindsey Davis. It's the first in a series that features Marcus Didius Falco, a Roman informer. The book is set in Rome during the reign of Vespasian and has a great mix of mystery, historical detail, and engaging characters.
The 'Percy Jackson and the Olympians' trilogy by Rick Riordan is really popular. It combines modern - day settings with Greek mythology, which is like a form of historical fiction for kids. Young readers love the adventures of Percy and his friends as they discover their powers and deal with the gods. Another one is 'The Hunger Games' trilogy by Suzanne Collins. It's set in a post - apocalyptic world, but it has elements of history in terms of how society has evolved and the power structures that exist. And 'The Chronicles of Narnia' by C.S. Lewis, which has a historical feel as it draws on Christian mythology and has a story that unfolds in a magical world with a historical - like backdrop.
I think 'Winesburg, Ohio' is quite popular. It delves deep into the lives and secrets of the people in a small Ohio town. The way Sherwood Anderson writes about the characters makes it a favorite as it gives a real sense of what life was like there. Another one could be 'The Devil in the White City' which, although centered around Chicago, has Ohio - related elements that draw local readers in.