very best historical fiction

One of the very best historical fictions is 'The Pillars of the Earth' by Ken Follett. It vividly depicts the building of a cathedral in 12th - century England, filled with complex characters and political intrigue. Another great one is 'Wolf Hall' by Hilary Mantel, which gives a fascinating look into the court of Henry VIII. And 'All the Light We Cannot See' is also among the best, telling a story set during World War II from different perspectives.

You can identify very best historical fiction by examining how it blends history and story. The best ones make the historical context an integral part of the plot, not just a backdrop. For example, in 'The Alienist', the story set in 1896 New York City uses the historical setting of the Gilded Age to drive the mystery plot forward. Another aspect is the author's ability to make you feel like you are in that time period. If you can almost smell the air and feel the atmosphere of the past while reading, it's probably a great historical fiction. Additionally, a historical fiction that makes you think about historical events in a new way or teaches you something new about history is also likely to be among the very best.

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.

One of the best historical fiction audiobooks is 'All the Light We Cannot See' by Anthony Doerr. The narration really brings the story set during World War II to life. Another great one is 'The Nightingale' also about World War II, which has a captivating plot and excellent character development. 'The Pillars of the Earth' by Ken Follett is a classic in historical fiction, and the audiobook version allows you to fully immerse in the medieval world he creates.

'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.

One of the best historical fictions is 'Gone with the Wind'. It vividly depicts the American South during the Civil War. The story of Scarlett O'Hara is both captivating and complex, showing the struggle and changes of that era.

Some of the best in historical fiction include 'All the Light We Cannot See'. It tells a beautiful and poignant story set during World War II. Then there's 'The Pillars of the Earth' which gives an in - depth view of building a cathedral in the Middle Ages. 'A Tale of Two Cities' is a classic, Dickens' portrayal of the French Revolution is both engaging and thought - provoking.

They are concise. They quickly establish a historical setting, like a particular era or place. For instance, a story might start with a description of a 19th - century London street. They also often focus on a single event or character's experience that is representative of the time. And they can convey complex historical themes in just a few pages.

Well, these books typically have a wealth of historical details. They might describe the architecture, clothing, and food of the period accurately. In 'The Name of the Rose', Umberto Eco paints a vivid picture of a medieval monastery, from its layout to the daily routines of the monks. They also tend to be true to the historical timeline, not skipping over important events or changing their order for no reason. And they often show the impact of historical events on the common people, as 'I, Claudius' does by showing how Roman politics affected the lives of ordinary citizens.

I think 'Gone with the Wind' is a great historical fiction. It tells the story of Scarlett O'Hara during the American Civil War and Reconstruction era. The book shows the social, economic and cultural changes of that time through her eyes, with a rich and engaging plot.