common historical fiction books

Power struggles are common. In historical fiction, we often see characters vying for power, whether it's political power like in 'A Game of Thrones' (although it's a fictionalized version of a historical - like setting). Cultural clashes are another theme. When different cultures meet, as in books about the colonization era, it creates interesting storylines. And of course, the theme of survival. Characters in historical fictions have to survive in difficult times, like the early settlers in America as portrayed in some books.

'Wolf Hall' by Hilary Mantel is also well - known. It focuses on the life of Thomas Cromwell in the court of Henry VIII. Mantel does an excellent job of bringing the Tudor period to life, exploring the politics, religion, and personal relationships within the court.

Well, a major theme is the relationship between knights and the church. In many historical fictions, knights are devout and their actions are influenced by religious beliefs. Another theme is the idea of legacy. Knights strive to create a name for themselves and leave a positive mark on history. Also, the theme of friendship among knights cannot be ignored. They support each other in battles and in times of trouble in the stories.

One common theme is resistance. Slaves in these books often resist their oppressors in various ways, whether it's through small acts of defiance or large - scale rebellions. Another theme is family. Despite the hardships of slavery, the importance of family and the lengths slaves would go to protect their loved ones are often explored.

Many of them would likely blend real historical events with fictional characters or storylines. So, you could have a story set during a real war, like the Napoleonic Wars, but the main characters could be fictional people whose lives are intertwined with the events of the war. This creates a more immersive experience for the reader as they get to see the big historical events from a more personal perspective.

Sure. 'The Book Thief' by Markus Zusak is a great choice for beginners. It's set during World War II in Nazi Germany and is narrated by Death. It gives a unique perspective on the war and the power of books and words.

Well, 'The Water Dancer' by Ta - Nehisi Coates is a great pick. It combines historical facts about slavery with a touch of magical realism. The story follows a young slave who discovers he has a special power related to water. It's a powerful exploration of the African - American experience during slavery times. Also, 'Melmoth' by Sarah Perry is interesting. It's inspired by the legend of Melmoth the Wanderer and is set in different historical periods, exploring themes of guilt, redemption, and the power of stories.

Well, 'The Thirteenth Tale' had a lot of fans too. It's a gothic - style historical fiction that weaves a complex web of mystery and family secrets. The atmospheric writing and the way it unfolds the story over different time periods really attracted readers.

Well, 'Homegoing' was also very popular. Its multi - generational and multi - cultural story was very engaging. It was able to connect different historical periods and places in a very seamless way, which made it stand out among the other historical fiction books of 2016.

Also, 'Pachinko' was popular. Its multi - generational story of a Korean family was appealing to a wide range of readers. It not only told a great family story but also educated readers about the historical context of Korea under Japanese rule and the experiences of Korean immigrants.