'The Invention of Wings' by Sue Monk Kidd was a great find in 2014. It tells the story of two women, one a slave and one her owner, in the antebellum South. It delved deep into the issues of slavery and women's rights, and the relationship between the two main characters was complex and engaging.
Another hidden gem from 2014's historical fiction was 'Station Eleven' by Emily St. John Mandel. It's a post - apocalyptic novel that also weaves in elements of the past, specifically the world of theater. The story jumps between the time before and after a flu pandemic wipes out most of humanity. It's a thought - provoking read that was overlooked by some but was a great addition to the historical fiction of that year.
Among the 2020 best - selling fictions, 'Hamnet' by Maggie O'Farrell is a hidden gem. It's a fictional account of the life of Shakespeare's son, Hamnet, who died at a young age. O'Farrell weaves a story that gives a vivid picture of family life in Elizabethan times, with a focus on the relationship between Hamnet's mother, Agnes, and Shakespeare himself.
The 'The Miniaturist' by Jessie Burton was a great find in 2015 UK fiction best - sellers. It's set in 17th - century Amsterdam and has an air of mystery around it. The detailed descriptions of the miniatures add an extra layer of intrigue.
Yes, 'The Underground Railroad' by Colson Whitehead was a great find. It reimagined the Underground Railroad as an actual railroad underground, which was a really creative take. It was a thought - provoking exploration of slavery and freedom in America.
Yes, 'The Night Circus' by Erin Morgenstern is a hidden gem from the 2010s. It has a really magical and dreamy setting. The story of the circus that only opens at night and the competition between the two magicians is beautifully told. It's a book that you can really get lost in.
'We Are Not Ourselves' by Matthew Thomas. It's a family - centered story that spans generations. It shows the hopes, dreams, and disappointments of an Irish - American family. It's a very relatable read for those interested in family dynamics and the passage of time.
I really liked 'We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves' by Karen Joy Fowler. It's a unique story that has an unexpected twist about the main character's family. It makes you question a lot about family relationships and ethics.
Definitely 'The Duke and I' by Julia Quinn. It's a fun and flirty historical romance set in the Regency era. The story of Daphne and Simon is engaging and the chemistry between them is palpable.
One hidden gem is 'The Count of Monte Cristo' by Alexandre Dumas. It tells the story of Edmond Dantès, a young sailor who is wrongfully imprisoned and his elaborate revenge plot. It offers a great look into French society during that period.
One of the great books from 2014 fiction could be 'The Goldfinch'. It's a story that delves deep into themes of loss, art, and the journey of a young boy. The characters are vividly drawn, and the narrative sweeps you along through different stages of the protagonist's life. It's a long but engaging read that has captured the hearts of many readers.
The book 'Exit West' by Mohsin Hamid is also a great find. It tells the story of refugees in a very unique and almost magical - realist way. It shows how people can find new beginnings even in the most difficult of circumstances. And 'Sing, Unburied, Sing' by Jesmyn Ward is a powerful novel that combines family, race, and the supernatural. It gives voice to the experiences of African - American families in the South in a very moving way.