A great option is also 'The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas' by John Boyne. It's set during the Holocaust. It tells a simple yet very powerful story that can introduce readers to the historical context in an accessible way.
For beginners, 'The Kite Runner' by Khaled Hosseini is a good start. It gives a view into Afghan history and culture. The story of friendship and betrayal is easy to follow.
For beginners, 'Rebecca' is a great start. It's easy to read and the mystery of the new bride trying to figure out the secrets of her husband's first wife is really engaging. Another good one is 'The Alienist'. The plot is straightforward enough for new readers to follow, and it gives a great view of historical New York. Also, 'The Dante Club' can be a good choice as it has an interesting premise and not too complex a plot.
If you're just starting with historical fiction, 'Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry' is a good pick. It's about an African - American family in the South during the Great Depression. The story is well - told and helps new readers get into the genre. 'The Bronze Bow' is also a great beginner's historical fiction novel. It's set in the time of Jesus and shows the life and struggles of the people back then. 'Little House on the Prairie' series is also very beginner - friendly as it tells the story of a pioneer family in the American Midwest.
For beginners, 'Pride and Prejudice' is a great choice. It's easy to follow and the language, while of its time, is not overly difficult. The story of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy is very engaging. Another good one is 'The Red Badge of Courage' by Stephen Crane. It gives a sense of the American Civil War in a way that's accessible to new readers of historical fiction.
A good start would be 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy' by Douglas Adams. It's a humorous and light - hearted take on science fiction, with crazy adventures across the galaxy. It's easy to read and very entertaining.
For beginners, 'Daemon' by Daniel Suarez is also great. It tells the story of a hacker who creates a self - replicating and self - evolving program that starts to change the world in unexpected ways. The plot is fast - paced and not too complex.
For beginners, 'A Spy in the House' by Y.S. Lee is a good start. It's easy to read and has a simple yet engaging plot. The Victorian - era setting adds a touch of charm, and the spying and romance elements are well - balanced. Another option is 'The Secret History of the Pink Carnation' by Lauren Willig. It has a light - hearted tone which makes it accessible for new readers, and it gives a good introduction to the world of spy historical romances.
For beginners, 'The Book Thief' by Markus Zusak is a great choice. It's set during World War II. The unique narrative style, with Death as the narrator, makes it very interesting. It gives a different perspective on the war and the power of books.
For beginners, 'Black Beauty' by Anna Sewell is a great start. It's written from the perspective of a horse and gives insights into Victorian rural life and the treatment of animals. Also, 'Little Women' by Louisa May Alcott, though set in America, has some elements of Victorian influence and is a very accessible family - centered story.
For beginners, 'Pride and Prejudice' is a great start. It has a simple and engaging plot about love and family in the Regency era. The language, while a bit old - fashioned, is not overly difficult. Another good one is 'A Christmas Carol' by Charles Dickens. It's short and the story is very well - known, and it gives a taste of Victorian London.
'The Bronze Bow' by Elizabeth George Speare is also suitable. It's set in the time of Jesus and tells the story of a young man's journey. It has a good balance of historical details and a compelling plot for those new to biblical historical fiction.