Well, 'The Overstory' by Richard Powers is a recent and remarkable historical fiction. It combines the history of trees and human history in a very engaging way. Another is 'Homegoing' by Yaa Gyasi, which spans generations of an African family, showing different historical periods. And 'There There' by Tommy Orange, which looks at the modern Native American experience in a historical context.
One great recent historical fiction book is 'The Nightingale' by Kristin Hannah. It tells the story of two sisters in France during World War II. Another is 'Hamnet' by Maggie O'Farrell, which gives a fictional account of Shakespeare's family. Also, 'Pachinko' by Min Jin Lee is excellent. It follows a Korean family across generations.
Some recent top historical fiction books include 'A Gentleman in Moscow' by Amor Towles. It tells the story of a Russian aristocrat under house arrest in a luxury hotel. 'The Essex Serpent' by Sarah Perry is set in Victorian England and explores themes of superstition and science. Also, 'The Song of Achilles' by Madeline Miller, which focuses on the relationship between Achilles and Patroclus in the context of the Trojan War.
One great recent historical fiction book with a love story is 'The Alice Network' by Kate Quinn. It weaves together two timelines. In one, there's a young woman searching for her missing cousin in post - World War II France, and in the other, it tells the story of female spies during World War I. Amidst the danger and intrigue, there are elements of love and loyalty that are beautifully portrayed.
Recent historical fiction books often have more diverse perspectives. For example, they might focus on the experiences of marginalized groups that were overlooked in traditional historical accounts. They also tend to be more research - intensive, using new historical findings to create more accurate and detailed settings. For instance, books about World War II now include more about the role of civilians in different countries.
For beginners, 'The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas' is a good start. It's a simple yet powerful story about a boy during the Holocaust. It gives an accessible look into that dark period of history. Another is 'Esperanza Rising', which tells the story of a Mexican girl who has to move to the United States during the Great Depression. It's easy to read and full of heart.
Another is 'The Gown' by Jennifer Robson. Set in the time around Queen Elizabeth II's wedding, it tells the story of the women who worked on embroidering her wedding dress. A love story unfolds between a young embroiderer and a soldier, and it beautifully captures the post - war era with all its hopes and challenges.
One great recent historical fiction is 'The Nightingale' by Kristin Hannah. It tells a powerful story set during World War II. Another is 'Circe' by Madeline Miller, which reimagines the story of the mythological figure Circe in a historical context. And 'Pachinko' by Min Jin Lee, which explores the lives of a Korean family over generations.
One common theme is war. For example, in 'The Nightingale', the theme of World War II and the impact on ordinary people is central. Another theme is identity. In 'Pachinko', the characters struggle with their Korean identity in different historical settings. Family is also a theme, like in 'Hamnet' where the family dynamics are explored in the context of Shakespeare's family.
One of the best recent historical fiction books is 'The Nightingale' by Kristin Hannah. It tells a powerful story set during World War II. Another great one is 'The Underground Railroad' by Colson Whitehead, which reimagines the Underground Railroad in a very unique way. And 'Pachinko' by Min Jin Lee, which spans generations in a Korean family's history.