They often have a strong sense of historical context. For example, in 'A Tale of Two Cities', Dickens vividly describes the social unrest and class struggle in France during the revolution. Another characteristic is the exploration of ideological clashes. In 'Animal Farm', the different ideas among the animals about how to run the farm reflect different political ideologies.
One great example is 'Doctor Zhivago' by Boris Pasternak. It offers a vivid portrayal of the Russian Revolution and its aftermath through the eyes of its characters. The story weaves in the political and social upheaval while also exploring the personal lives and loves of the people during that time.
'Bread and Salt' by Irina Ratushinskaya is also a good choice. It gives insights into the experiences of people during the Soviet era which was a result of the Russian Revolution. The book shows the daily hardships, the fight for freedom, and the indomitable spirit of the characters.
Character development is crucial. In adult realistic fiction revolution books, the characters usually grow and change as a result of the revolutionary events around them. They may start off as passive but become more active in fighting for change. For instance, in some books, a character might initially be afraid to speak out against an unjust regime but then find the courage to do so as the story progresses. This makes the characters more relatable to the readers.
The Scarlet Pimpernel is quite well - known too. It has this exciting plot where the main character uses his wits to outsmart the revolutionaries and save those in danger. It also shows how the revolution could be a very dangerous time for the aristocracy.
Another interesting fiction book about the French Revolution is 'The Black Tulip' by Alexandre Dumas. It combines the historical backdrop of the revolution with a story of love, jealousy, and the pursuit of a rare flower.
These books usually depict the build - up to the revolution. There might be growing discontent among the people due to issues like poverty, inequality, and lack of rights. The characters may start to question the existing order, like in many books set in the colonies before the American Revolution.
A must - read is 'The Underdogs' as it's a classic that really shows the essence of the revolution from different perspectives. It has detailed descriptions of the battles and the different ideologies at play.
They often show the class struggle. For example, the conflict between the aristocracy and the emerging bourgeoisie is a common theme. This reflects the power shift that was happening during the revolution.