Definitely 'Outlander'. Its popularity has even led to a successful TV series. It combines elements of historical events like the Jacobite risings with a love story that spans different time periods. The detailed descriptions of Scottish clans and their ways of life make it a favorite among those interested in Scottish history.
The 'Waverley Novels' by Sir Walter Scott are also very popular. Scott was one of the first to bring Scottish history to a wide audience in a fictional form. His novels are filled with detailed accounts of battles, courtly love, and the social hierarchies of Scotland in different historical eras. For example, 'Ivanhoe' although not strictly about Scottish history, still has elements that are relevant to the broader historical context of the British Isles, which includes Scotland.
The 'Rebus' series by Ian Rankin, while not strictly pure Scottish history fiction, has a lot of elements of Edinburgh's history and culture woven into its detective stories. It gives readers a view of the city's seedy underbelly and how it has changed over time. Rankin's writing is so vivid that it really brings the Scottish city to life.
One of the most popular is probably 'I, Claudius' which gives a fictionalized account of the life of the Roman Emperor Claudius. It's full of drama and historical events.
Definitely 'War and Peace'. It's widely read around the world and gives an in - depth look at Russian society during a crucial period. Then there's 'Doctor Zhivago' which has been extremely popular for its portrayal of love and the chaos of the revolution.
I can't forget to mention 'For Whom the Bell Tolls' by Ernest Hemingway. It's set during the Spanish Civil War and is a very well - known work that gives a great sense of the time, the people, and the complex politics of that period in Spanish history.
The 'Anne of Green Gables' series by L. M. Montgomery is very popular. It's set in Prince Edward Island and gives a charming view of rural Canadian life in the past. It has been loved for generations.
Well, 'The Song of Achilles' is super popular. It has a beautiful love story set against the backdrop of Greek mythology. 'Circe' too, as it gives a new look at a well - known figure. And 'Gates of Fire' is popular among those who love stories about battles in Greek history.
'The Gargoyle' by Andrew Davidson is quite popular too. It has some art historical references within its complex and unique story. The book is a blend of different genres and the art history aspect adds an interesting layer to it.
'Musashi' is very popular. It has been widely read both in Japan and internationally. Its engaging narrative of the life of a great swordsman makes it a favorite.
'The Sea' by John Banville is also well - liked. It has elements of Irish history and family stories. The writing is very evocative, and it delves into the past of the characters which is closely tied to Irish history. Banville's use of language is masterful, painting a vivid picture of the Irish setting and the history that has shaped it.
Well, 'The Thorn Birds' by Colleen McCullough is quite popular. It spans generations and tells a story of love and loss against the backdrop of the Australian outback. It gives insights into the social and family structures in Australia over time.