popular historical fiction book

Well, first, an engaging story. Take 'I, Claudius', the story of a Roman emperor's life is full of intrigue. Second, historical research. In 'A Tale of Two Cities', Dickens clearly did his research on the French Revolution. Third, the connection it makes with modern readers. 'The Other Boleyn Girl' makes the Tudor era relatable by focusing on family and power struggles, which are still relevant topics today.

The 'All Souls Trilogy' by Deborah Harkness is quite popular. It blends history, magic, and academia, with the story set in a world where witches, vampires, and daemons exist in historical settings. Also, 'The Pillars of the Earth' by Ken Follett is a classic in historical fiction, portraying the building of a cathedral in the Middle Ages.

One popular sub - genre is the 'alternate history' within historical fiction. For example, 'The Man in the High Castle' by Philip K. Dick. It imagines a world where the Axis powers won World War II. Another is the 'historical mystery', like 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco, which combines a medieval monastery setting with a mystery to solve. Also, 'historical romance' is quite popular, with books like 'Outlander' by Diana Gabaldon that blend historical events and settings with a love story.

One that stands out is 'Washington Black'. It has a historical setting and a great story of a young boy's journey. It was well - received in book clubs in 2019. 'The Nickel Boys' is also a powerful historical fiction that delved into the dark history of a boys' reform school. And 'The Library Book' which has historical elements about the Los Angeles Public Library fire.

'Homegoing' by Yaa Gyasi is also worth mentioning. It traces the descendants of two half - sisters from Ghana over different historical times and places. The way it jumps between different generations and locations makes it a very interesting and educational read for a book club interested in historical fiction.

Popular ones include 'The Help' by Kathryn Stockett. It deals with the racial issues in the 1960s in the southern United States. It has a great story and memorable characters. Another is 'The Alice Network' by Kate Quinn. It's about female spies during World War I. People like it for its strong female characters.

Well, 'The Mirror & the Light' by Hilary Mantel was quite popular. It's the final part of her Cromwell trilogy and is full of historical detail about Tudor England. It's a hefty read but very rewarding for those interested in that period.

There are several historical fiction books that are great for book clubs. 'The Help' by Kathryn Stockett is a popular one. It delves into the lives of African - American maids in the 1960s South. 'The Underground Railroad' by Colson Whitehead is also highly regarded. It reimagines the Underground Railroad as an actual railroad in a very unique way. And 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen, while set in a different kind of historical context of early 19th - century England, is a timeless classic that often makes for wonderful book club discussions.

One of the most popular historical fiction novels with great reviews is 'All the Light We Cannot See' by Anthony Doerr. Many reviews praise its beautiful prose and the way it weaves together the stories of a blind French girl and a German boy during World War II. Another popular one is 'The Book Thief' by Markus Zusak. Reviews often mention how it gives a unique perspective on Nazi Germany through the eyes of a young girl who loves books.

Historical fiction has a significant fan base. It attracts readers and viewers who are interested in history and appreciate the creativity of fictionalized accounts within historical contexts. Different subgenres within historical fiction also offer a wide range of choices for enthusiasts.