Well, 'I, Claudius' by Robert Graves is among the top historical fiction books. It tells the story of the Roman Empire from the perspective of Claudius. 'A Tale of Two Cities' by Charles Dickens is a classic that portrays the French Revolution. And don't forget 'The Pillars of the Earth' by Ken Follett, which is set in 12th - century England and shows the building of a cathedral and the social structure of the time.
One of the best historical fiction books is 'War and Peace' by Leo Tolstoy. It gives a vivid portrayal of Russian society during the Napoleonic era. Another great one is 'Gone with the Wind' which shows the American South during the Civil War and Reconstruction. 'The Pillars of the Earth' by Ken Follett is also highly regarded as it delves into the building of a cathedral in 12th - century England.
'The Mermaid and Mrs Hancock' by Imogen Hermes Gowar is also a notable 2018 historical fiction. It combines elements of the Georgian London setting with the magical idea of a mermaid. The story delves into the society of that era, exploring themes like class, gender, and the power of rumors while also having an element of the fantastical.
One great 2019 historical fiction is 'The Dutch House' by Ann Patchett. It tells a story of family, love, and loss over decades, set in a grand old house. Another is 'The Testaments' by Margaret Atwood which is a continuation of the dystopian world she created in 'The Handmaid's Tale' but also has historical elements. And 'The Water Dancer' by Ta - Nehisi Coates is a powerful story about slavery and the Underground Railroad, with a touch of magical realism.
Some well - known ones could be 'War and Peace' by Leo Tolstoy. It's a great epic that gives a detailed view of Russian society during the Napoleonic Wars. Another might be 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco, which combines mystery and historical setting in a medieval monastery.
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.
One of the best - selling historical detective fiction books is 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco. It combines a historical setting in a medieval monastery with a complex detective plot.
One of the best is 'Wolf Hall' by Hilary Mantel. It offers a vivid portrayal of Thomas Cromwell's life in the Tudor court. Another great one is 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco. It combines mystery and historical elements set in a medieval monastery. 'All the Light We Cannot See' is also highly regarded. It tells a moving story about a blind French girl and a German boy during World War II.
In 2017, 'Homegoing' was considered a great historical fiction work. It tells the story of two half - sisters in Ghana and follows their descendants through different paths, one in Africa and one sold into slavery in America. It's a powerful exploration of family, history, and the impact of slavery. Also, 'The Ministry of Utmost Happiness' by Arundhati Roy offered a look at India's complex history through the eyes of its characters.
One of the best 2021 historical fiction books is 'The Four Winds' by Kristin Hannah. It tells a powerful story about a woman's struggle during the Great Depression.
Well, 'Hamnet' by Maggie O'Farrell is also a remarkable 2020 historical fiction book. It delves into the family life of Shakespeare, exploring the relationship between him and his family, especially focusing on the death of his son Hamnet. It's beautifully written, with vivid descriptions that bring the past to life.