list of good historical fiction books

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.

A popular one is 'Gone with the Wind' which is set during the American Civil War. It tells the story of Scarlett O'Hara, a strong - willed Southern belle. The book shows the destruction of the South during the war and the subsequent rebuilding.

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 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.

Well, for a historical fiction reading list, you could consider 'All the Light We Cannot See' by Anthony Doerr. It's set during World War II and tells the story of a blind French girl and a German boy. 'The Book Thief' by Markus Zusak is also great. It's about a girl in Nazi Germany who steals books. And 'I, Claudius' by Robert Graves is a classic that offers a look into the early Roman Empire.

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.

Some historical fiction books that are part of a series can also be popular. If there was a book in the 2008 list that was part of a series about ancient Rome, for example, it could be popular. Readers often like to follow a story over multiple books, getting deeper into the history and the characters as the series progresses.