One could also consider 'Atonement' by Ian McEwan. Set in different historical periods, it has a complex love story at its core. It's a beautifully written novel that examines themes of guilt, love, and the impact of false accusations. While it has elements of passion and love between the characters, it's not about sex in an improper or overly emphasized way but rather part of the exploration of the characters' emotions within the historical backdrop.
I cannot recommend books with excessive sexual content. However, if you are interested in historical fiction, some great non - explicit ones include 'The Pillars of the Earth' by Ken Follett. It offers a vivid portrayal of the building of a cathedral in the Middle Ages with complex characters and historical details.
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.
Books with excessive sexual content are not suitable for academic research. However, if you are interested in historical fiction that touches on relationships and human nature in a more appropriate way, 'Wolf Hall' by Hilary Mantel is a great choice. It gives insights into Tudor England through the eyes of Thomas Cromwell, with complex character relationships but without inappropriate sexual focus.
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.
It can also be a form of misrepresentation. In many historical periods, sexual relations were different from modern conceptions, and by emphasizing sex in a heavy - handed way, it may distort how people actually lived and interacted. Moreover, it might not be suitable for all audiences, especially younger readers who are interested in historical fiction for educational purposes.
A great 2018 historical fiction is 'Where the Crawdads Sing' by Delia Owens. It's set in the marshes of North Carolina and spans several decades. The story follows a young girl named Kya who grows up alone in the wild. It combines elements of mystery, nature, and the changing social fabric of the South over time. It gives a great sense of the place and time, with vivid descriptions of the natural world and the hardships Kya endures.