Must read historical fiction books for beginners?

A simple yet engaging historical fiction book is 'Johnny Tremain' by Esther Forbes. It takes place during the American Revolution and follows the journey of a young apprentice. It's a good way to learn about the events and spirit of that era.

A good option for beginners is 'The Sign of the Four' by Arthur Conan Doyle. It has elements of historical London and an exciting mystery. 'Black Beauty' is also easy to read and it shows the life of horses in 19th - century England. And 'Robinson Crusoe' which is about a man's survival on an island in the 17th century can be a good start for those new to historical fiction.

A good beginner - friendly historical fiction book is 'The Secret Garden' by Frances Hodgson Burnett. Although it's more of a children's story, it has historical elements and is set in England. 'Black Beauty' by Anna Sewell is another one. It's about the life of a horse in 19th - century England and gives insights into that era. And 'Call of the Wild' by Jack London, set during the Klondike Gold Rush, is an engaging read for those new to historical fiction.

I would also recommend 'All the Light We Cannot See' by Anthony Doerr. This novel is set during World War II and follows the lives of a blind French girl and a German boy. It beautifully weaves together their stories, showing the impact of the war on individuals, and also provides a lot of historical details about the occupation of France and the German military.

The book 'Lincoln in the Bardo' by George Saunders is a must - read. It's a unique take on historical fiction as it focuses on the death of Abraham Lincoln's son and Lincoln's visit to the cemetery. The writing style is experimental, with multiple voices, which makes it an interesting read and gives a different perspective on a well - known historical figure.

One must - read historical fiction from 2017 is 'The Essex Serpent' by Sarah Perry. It's set in Victorian England and weaves a tale of mystery and social change around the supposed sighting of a mythical serpent. The characters are richly drawn, and it gives a great sense of the time period's superstitions and scientific progress.

For beginners, 'The Book Thief' by Markus Zusak is a great start. It's set during World War II and told from the perspective of Death. It has a unique narrative style and is not too difficult to read while still being deeply engaging and full of historical details.

A good start could be 'An American Marriage' by Tayari Jones. It's an accessible story about a young African - American couple dealing with the challenges of a wrongful imprisonment. The writing is engaging and the themes are relatable.

Also, 'The Little Prince' by Antoine de Saint - Exupéry. It may seem like a children's book, but it's filled with philosophical musings on love, friendship, and the nature of the human spirit. It's a short but profound read.

Beginners should check out 'Howl's Moving Castle' by Diana Wynne Jones. It has a really interesting premise with a moving castle and a young girl who gets caught up in a magical adventure. The story is full of charm and humor. 'The Wizard of Oz' by L. Frank Baum is also a great starting point. It's a well - known and beloved fantasy with a simple but engaging story of a girl's journey in a magical land. And 'Stardust' by Neil Gaiman is a beautiful fantasy story with a touch of romance and adventure.