best historical fiction western books

One of the best is 'Lonesome Dove' by Larry McMurtry. It's a sweeping epic that follows a cattle drive from Texas to Montana. The characters are richly drawn, and it gives a vivid picture of the Old West. Another great one is 'True Grit' by Charles Portis. The story of a young girl seeking revenge with the help of a U.S. Marshal is both heartwarming and exciting. And 'The Virginian' by Owen Wister is also a classic. It helped to define the Western genre with its portrayal of the cowboy hero.

Well, 'Riders of the Purple Sage' by Zane Grey is a top pick. It's full of action, adventure, and the wild west setting. Then there's 'Blood Meridian' by Cormac McCarthy. It's a darker take on the west, exploring themes like violence and survival. 'True Grit' by Charles Portis is also excellent, with a strong - willed female protagonist seeking revenge in the western frontier.

For beginners, 'The Virginian' is a great start. It's not too complex and gives a good feel for the western setting and the code of the west. 'True Grit' is also easy to get into, with a simple yet engaging plot. It has characters that are easy to like and a story that moves along well.

One great non - western historical fiction is 'The Tale of Genji' from Japan. It gives a vivid picture of the Heian period's court life, with its complex characters and their relationships. It's a classic that has influenced Japanese literature for centuries.

Well, 'The Virginian' by Owen Wister is a classic. It really sets the tone for the western historical fiction genre with its portrayal of the cowboy code and the frontier life. Also, 'True Grit' by Charles Portis is excellent. It has a memorable protagonist in Mattie Ross and gives a great sense of the lawless nature of the Old West.

One great book is 'Lonesome Dove' by Larry McMurtry. It's a story about two retired Texas Rangers who drive a cattle herd from Texas to Montana. The characters are well - drawn and the historical setting of the Old West is vividly portrayed.

Well, they often feature the landscapes of the American West, like deserts, mountains, and prairies. For example, in 'Lonesome Dove', the descriptions of the long journey across different terrains are very vivid.

'The Redemption of Sarah Cain' by Beverly Lewis also fits the bill. It's about a modern - day woman who has to go to the country (a western - type rural setting) and through her experiences, there are Christian themes of forgiveness, love, and redemption.

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.

'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.