best works of historical fiction

One of the best is 'War and Peace' by Leo Tolstoy. It vividly depicts the Napoleonic era in Russia, with complex characters and a grand scope. The story follows multiple aristocratic families, showing how war affects them.

Some of the great 2021 historical fiction works include 'The Four Winds' by Kristin Hannah. It tells a story set during the Great Depression. Another one could be 'The Rose Code' by Kate Quinn which is set around Bletchley Park during World War II.

Another great one could be 'Circe' which delved into Greek mythology in a historical fiction context. It retells the story of Circe from a more in - depth and modern perspective, exploring themes like power, love, and self - discovery within the framework of ancient Greek history. The author's writing style makes the ancient world come alive with vivid descriptions and engaging characters.

Another one might be 'The Night Watchman' by Louise Erdrich. It tells a story based on the author's family history and also reflects on the broader historical context of Native American experiences in the 20th century.

One of the great works could be 'Wolf Hall' by Hilary Mantel. It offers a vivid portrayal of Tudor England, bringing historical figures like Thomas Cromwell to life. The detailed research and engaging writing make it stand out.

One of the best is 'War and Peace' by Leo Tolstoy. It vividly depicts the Napoleonic era in Russia, with a large cast of characters and detailed descriptions of society at that time. Another great one is 'Pride and Prejudice' which, while also a love story, gives insights into the social norms and class structure of early 19th - century England. 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco is also excellent. It's set in a medieval monastery and combines mystery with historical details of the period.

One of the ten best could be 'Gone with the Wind' which shows the American South during the Civil War and Reconstruction era. Margaret Mitchell's work is a classic that delves deep into the social, economic, and cultural aspects of that time. Another might be 'I, Claudius' by Robert Graves, which offers a fictionalized account of the Roman Empire from the perspective of Claudius. It's filled with political intrigue and historical accuracy. 'The Pillars of the Earth' by Ken Follett is also great. It details the building of a cathedral in 12th - century England and the lives of the people involved, from peasants to nobles.

Ta - Nehisi Coates is another possible author. His work 'The Water Dancer' delved deep into the history of slavery in America. He has a unique style of writing that combines historical facts with elements of fantasy to create a very engaging story.

Well, 'The Book Thief' by Markus Zusak is a remarkable piece of historical Nazi fiction. It is narrated by Death and tells the story of a young girl in Nazi Germany. The story gives a different perspective on the ordinary people's lives during that time, not just the Nazis' atrocities. It shows how literature and words can be a form of resistance. Also, 'The Nightingale' by Kristin Hannah, which is set in France during World War II under Nazi occupation, is a great read. It focuses on the strength and resilience of two sisters in the face of Nazi brutality.

One of the well - known ones is 'The Spy Who Came in from the Cold' by John le Carré. It offers a complex and gritty look at the world of espionage during the Cold War era that involves the CIA - like operations.