Many of them would likely blend real historical events with fictional characters or storylines. So, you could have a story set during a real war, like the Napoleonic Wars, but the main characters could be fictional people whose lives are intertwined with the events of the war. This creates a more immersive experience for the reader as they get to see the big historical events from a more personal perspective.
Well, 'The Thirteenth Tale' had a lot of fans too. It's a gothic - style historical fiction that weaves a complex web of mystery and family secrets. The atmospheric writing and the way it unfolds the story over different time periods really attracted readers.
Well, 'Homegoing' was also very popular. Its multi - generational and multi - cultural story was very engaging. It was able to connect different historical periods and places in a very seamless way, which made it stand out among the other historical fiction books of 2016.
Also, 'Pachinko' was popular. Its multi - generational story of a Korean family was appealing to a wide range of readers. It not only told a great family story but also educated readers about the historical context of Korea under Japanese rule and the experiences of Korean immigrants.
One characteristic is the rich historical background. They are often set in specific historical periods like the Han Dynasty or the Tang Dynasty. Another is the complex characters. For example, in 'Romance of the Three Kingdoms', characters like Zhuge Liang are very intelligent and multi - faceted. Also, the cultural elements are strong, such as the Confucian values reflected in many books.
Some 2016 Chinese historical fiction books might have richly detailed descriptions of historical settings. For instance, the architecture, clothing, and cultural traditions of a particular era would be vividly portrayed.
Well, 'The Investiture of the Gods' is a really good Chinese historical fiction book. It draws on Chinese mythology and history, showing a world full of gods, immortals, and humans. 'Records of the Grand Historian' by Sima Qian can also be considered as a form of historical fiction in a way. It's a comprehensive historical record that contains many stories that are like historical fictions. 'A Song of Everlasting Sorrow' is also a notable one, which is set in different historical periods and tells a poignant love story against the backdrop of historical events.
One of the features is the ability to transport readers to a different time. Through vivid descriptions of the era's landscapes, buildings, and daily life, it creates an immersive experience. Additionally, historical fiction often explores the social and cultural norms of the time. It might show how gender roles or class differences were in the past. And the storylines usually have a connection to the historical period, whether it's a love story during a war or a mystery in an ancient city.
I'm not entirely sure which ones were the most popular, but 'Bring Up the Bodies' was very well - received. It won many awards and was highly praised for its writing style and historical accuracy.
I think 'A Game of Thrones' was really popular. It had a huge following due to its complex world - building and interesting characters. It was adapted into a very successful TV series which also increased its popularity.