Well, great character development is key. In a world class historic novel, characters should be complex and believable. For example, in 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco, the characters are well - rounded. They have their own motives, beliefs, and flaws, and their actions are influenced by the historical context. This makes the story engaging and the historical setting more vivid.
Sure. 'The Pillars of the Earth' by Ken Follett is a great one. It's set in 12th - century England and follows the building of a cathedral. It gives a detailed picture of medieval life, from the struggles of the common people to the power plays among the nobility.
One of the best is 'The Book Thief' by Markus Zusak. It tells the story from the perspective of a young girl in Nazi Germany. Another great one is 'All the Light We Cannot See' by Anthony Doerr, which follows the lives of a blind French girl and a German boy during the war. 'Slaughterhouse - Five' by Kurt Vonnegut is also highly regarded as it offers a unique and somewhat surreal take on the war experience.
A historic novel often has accurate historical settings. It takes place in a specific period of history, like the Victorian era or the Middle Ages. The characters' actions and behaviors are influenced by the social norms and values of that time.
The setting of the tennis world in the novel also matters. It should bring to life the different tournaments, the atmosphere of the stadiums, and the global nature of the sport. A world - class tennis novel makes the reader feel like they are right there in the middle of a Grand Slam final.
A world - class historical novel often has well - researched historical details. It can vividly recreate the past, from the social settings to the daily lives of people. For example, 'War and Peace' by Leo Tolstoy. The characters are complex and realistic, representing different aspects of the society at that time. Also, it usually has a great narrative structure that keeps readers engaged throughout the story.
A great World War 2 historic fiction novel is 'Catch - 22' by Joseph Heller. It's a satirical look at the war and military bureaucracy. It shows the absurdity of war through the eyes of Captain Yossarian. Then there's 'Slaughterhouse - Five' by Kurt Vonnegut. It combines science - fiction elements with the real - life experiences of Vonnegut during the war. The novel challenges the traditional view of war and its glorification.
Good World War 2 historic fiction books often have well - developed characters. For example, in 'The Book Thief', the character of Liesel is complex and grows throughout the story. They also accurately depict the historical setting. In 'All the Light We Cannot See', the descriptions of Saint - Malo under siege are vivid. Another characteristic is the exploration of moral and ethical issues. Like in 'Slaughterhouse - Five', the absurdity of war and the question of free will are examined.
Survival is a big theme. Characters in novels such as 'The Winds of War' are constantly trying to survive in the chaos of the war. Also, the theme of heroism and sacrifice is often explored. Some characters make great sacrifices for their countries or loved ones during the war. There are also themes related to the impact of war on families, as seen in many of these novels where families are torn apart by the war.