Some of the best non - historical fiction books include 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen. This novel is a wonderful exploration of love, marriage, and social class in 19th - century England. Austen's sharp wit and well - drawn characters make it a pleasure to read. 'The Catcher in the Rye' by J.D. Salinger is also a top choice. It follows the angsty Holden Caulfield as he experiences a few days in New York City after being expelled from school. It captures the feelings of teenage alienation really well. And then there's 'Lord of the Flies' by William Golding, which is a thought - provoking story about a group of boys stranded on an island and how civilization and savagery interact.
Well, 'Harry Potter' series by J.K. Rowling can be considered among the best non - historical fiction books. It takes readers into a magical world full of wizards, witches, and magical creatures. The series has complex characters, an engaging plot, and a lot of themes like friendship, courage, and the fight between good and evil. 'Animal Farm' by George Orwell is another excellent one. It's an allegory about the Russian Revolution and totalitarianism, but it's not historical fiction in the strict sense. Using animals to represent different groups in society, it shows how power can corrupt. Also, 'The Hobbit' by J.R.R. Tolkien is a great non - historical fiction book. It follows Bilbo Baggins on his adventure with dwarves to reclaim their homeland from a dragon, with a richly created fantasy world.
One great non - WW2 historical fiction book is 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco. It is set in a 14th - century Italian monastery and combines mystery, theology, and historical details. Another is 'Wolf Hall' by Hilary Mantel, which offers a vivid portrayal of the court of Henry VIII. 'The Pillars of the Earth' by Ken Follett is also excellent. It tells the story of the building of a cathedral in 12th - century England, full of complex characters and medieval life details.
Some of the well - known historical fiction books from 2020 could be 'The Vanishing Half' by Brit Bennett. It tells the story of twin sisters in the context of racial segregation in America. Another one might be 'Hamnet' by Maggie O'Farrell which delves into the family life of Shakespeare.
Some of the best non - fiction books include 'Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind' by Yuval Noah Harari. It offers a comprehensive look at the history of our species. Another great one is 'The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks' by Rebecca Skloot, which tells the story of Henrietta Lacks and the impact of her cells on medical research. 'Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking' by Susan Cain is also excellent as it explores introversion in a world that often values extroversion.
Another great non - fiction book is 'Into the Wild' by Jon Krakauer. It follows the journey of Christopher McCandless who ventured into the Alaskan wilderness. The book not only tells his story but also makes the readers think about the relationship between man and nature, and the search for meaning in life.
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.
I think 'Wolf Hall' by Hilary Mantel is also great. It delves deep into the court of Henry VIII, following the rise of Thomas Cromwell. Mantel's writing is so immersive that you feel like you are right there in the Tudor court, experiencing all the political intrigue and power struggles.
There was also 'The Invention of Wings' by Sue Monk Kidd. It's based on the real - life story of abolitionist Sarah Grimké. It weaves together the lives of the Grimké sisters and their fight for freedom and equality, giving a great look into the historical context of slavery and the fight against it.
One of the best historical fiction books is 'Wolf Hall' by Hilary Mantel. It vividly portrays the court of Henry VIII. Another great one is 'The Pillars of the Earth' by Ken Follett, which takes readers back to the building of a cathedral in the Middle Ages. 'All the Light We Cannot See' by Anthony Doerr is also excellent, set during World War II.
One of the best historical fiction books is 'Gone with the Wind' by Margaret Mitchell. It vividly depicts the American South during the Civil War and Reconstruction era. The story of Scarlett O'Hara is both captivating and complex, showing the social, economic, and personal upheavals of that time.
One of the great historical fiction books in 2022 was 'The Four Winds' by Kristin Hannah. It vividly depicts the Great Depression era in the United States, focusing on a woman's struggle to keep her family alive during those tough times.