'The Three-Body Problem' by Liu Cixin is also great. Set in China, it combines science fiction elements with historical and cultural aspects. It makes you think about humanity's place in the universe against the backdrop of China's history and its evolving relationship with technology.
'A Suitable Boy' by Vikram Seth. While it focuses on India, which is part of Asia, it's a huge, detailed account of post - independence India. It has a rich tapestry of characters and their lives, intertwined with the historical and cultural changes happening in the country at that time.
One of the best is 'The Tale of Genji' from Japan. It's often considered the world's first novel, offering a deep look into the Heian period's court life, with its complex characters and their relationships. It shows the refined culture, love affairs, and political intrigues of that era.
Well, 'A Suitable Boy' by Vikram Seth is a great Asian historical fiction novel. It is set in post - independence India and shows the complex social fabric of that time. In Japan, 'Snow Country' is considered a masterpiece. It depicts the rural and traditional life in the snowy regions of Japan. And from Korea, 'The Guest' is an interesting read. It touches on the history of Korea during a time of great religious and social change, exploring themes of identity and faith.
A very good Southeast Asian fiction book is 'The Harmony Silk Factory' by Tash Aw. This novel delves into the history and family dynamics in Malaysia. It's a multi - layered story that shows different perspectives of the characters and the era they live in. Also, 'Eat, Pray, Love' by Elizabeth Gilbert, although not strictly a Southeast Asian - only story as it spans other regions too, has a significant part set in Indonesia and offers great insights into the local culture and self - discovery journey.
One of the most popular Asian historical fiction books is 'The Tale of Genji'. It has been highly regarded for centuries and is considered a classic of Japanese literature. 'Wolf Totem' is also very popular, especially for those interested in the unique culture of Inner Mongolia. In addition, 'The Kite Runner' has gained a large international following as it tells a moving and tragic story set in Afghanistan's history.
One great Asian historical fiction is 'The Tale of Genji' from Japan. It gives a vivid picture of the Heian period's court life. The characters are complex and the descriptions of the era's culture, like the elaborate clothing and courtly manners, are fascinating.
One great Asian historical fiction book is 'The Tale of Genji' by Murasaki Shikibu. It offers a detailed look into the Heian period of Japan, with complex characters and courtly intrigue. Another is 'Wolf Totem' by Jiang Rong which is set in Inner Mongolia and explores the relationship between humans and nature as well as Mongolian culture. 'The Garden of Evening Mists' by Tan Twan Eng is also wonderful. It is set in Malaysia and delves into the aftermath of World War II and the complex relationships between different ethnic groups.
For beginners, 'The Pillow Book' is a good start. It gives a vivid picture of the daily life and thoughts of a court lady in the Heian period of Japan. It's written in a very accessible way, full of observations and anecdotes.
Some excellent Southeast Asian fiction books include 'Monsoon Mansion' by Cinelle Barnes. It's a memoir - like fiction that shares the author's experiences growing up in the Philippines. 'The Woman in the Purple Skirt' by Natsuko Imamura is also notable, though it's more about the alienation of a woman which can be related to some Southeast Asian cultural aspects. And 'Jejak Langkah' by Pramoedya Ananta Toer is a classic Indonesian work that offers deep insights into the country's history and society.
One of the best South Asian fiction books is 'Midnight's Children' by Salman Rushdie. It weaves a complex and magical story around the time of India's independence. Another great one is 'Arundhati Roy's 'The God of Small Things'. It beautifully portrays the lives and relationships in a small South Indian town. Also, 'The Namesake' by Jhumpa Lahiri is highly recommended as it delves into the experiences of a Bengali family in America while still being deeply rooted in South Asian culture.
The 'Raj Quartet' by Paul Scott, which is set in the British - ruled India. It shows the complex social, political and cultural aspects of that era. It's a long and detailed work that really dives into the life in colonial India from different perspectives.
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.