Book Recommendations for Historical Fiction

One great historical fiction book is 'The Pillars of the Earth' by Ken Follett. It's set in 12th - century England and follows the building of a cathedral. The characters are vivid and the story gives a great sense of the time period, with all its political and social unrest. Another good one is 'All the Light We Cannot See' by Anthony Doerr. It takes place during World War II and tells the story of a blind French girl and a German boy. The prose is beautiful and it really makes you feel the impact of the war on individuals. 'Wolf Hall' by Hilary Mantel is also highly recommended. It delves into the court of Henry VIII and is a masterful exploration of power, politics, and religion in Tudor England.

You could try 'The Underground Railroad' by Colson Whitehead. It's a Pulitzer - Prize - winning novel that reimagines the Underground Railroad as an actual railroad in the antebellum South. It's a powerful and harrowing look at slavery. Another option is 'The Alice Network' by Kate Quinn. It weaves together two storylines, one set during World War I and the other in the aftermath of World War II. It has strong female characters and a great plot. 'The Essex Serpent' by Sarah Perry is set in Victorian England and is a beautifully written story about a woman's search for a mythical serpent and the changing social and scientific ideas of the time.

For historical fiction at level Y, I'd recommend 'A Tale of Two Cities' by Charles Dickens. It's a classic that vividly portrays the French Revolution. The story of love, sacrifice, and the chaos of the revolution is beautifully told. Then there's 'I, Claudius' which takes you back to ancient Rome. It's full of political intrigue, family drama, and historical details. 'The Kite Runner' is also a must - read. Set against the backdrop of Afghanistan's history, it tells a heart - wrenching story of friendship and the impact of war on a nation.

One great historical fiction book is 'The Pillars of the Earth' by Ken Follett. It vividly depicts the building of a cathedral in the Middle Ages, with complex characters and a richly detailed setting. Another is 'Wolf Hall' by Hilary Mantel, which offers a unique perspective on Thomas Cromwell's life during the Tudor period. And 'All the Light We Cannot See' by Anthony Doerr is also excellent, set during World War II and exploring the lives of a blind French girl and a German boy.

I recommend 'Code Name Verity' as mentioned before. The two female protagonists are strong and brave in the face of World War II. Their friendship and the secrets they hold are at the heart of the story. 'The Midwife's Apprentice' by Karen Cushman is set in medieval England. The main character, a young girl, starts as an outcast but gradually finds her place as a midwife. It shows her growth and the challenges of life for women in that era. 'Catherine, Called Birdy' by Karen Cushman too. It's a humorous look at the life of a young girl in medieval England with all the social norms and expectations she has to deal with.

A book that might fit is 'The Rape of Nanking and the Nanking Massacre in Japanese Historical Fiction about WW2'. While it focuses more on Nanking, it's related to the broader context of WW2 in Asia. It shows how historical events are often intertwined. For Hiroshima specifically, 'Hiroshima Notes' is a work that combines personal accounts and historical research, presented in a way that reads like a fictional exploration of the human experience during that time.

'The Invention of Wings' is an excellent choice. It not only tells the story of the Grimké sisters but also gives insights into the era of slavery in the United States. The characters are well - developed and the story is full of emotion and historical details.

For historical fiction audiobooks, you can't go wrong with 'A Tale of Two Cities' by Charles Dickens. The story of the French Revolution is vividly told. 'Gone with the Wind' is another classic. It's set during the American Civil War and Reconstruction era, and the audiobook allows you to fully experience Scarlett O'Hara's journey. Also, 'The Kite Runner' is a great choice. It delves into Afghan history and the complex relationships between the characters.

One great historical fiction book about Genghis Khan is 'Genghis: Birth of an Empire' by Conn Iggulden. It vividly depicts his rise to power and the early days of his empire - building.

One great 2018 fiction book is 'An American Marriage' by Tayari Jones. It tells a poignant story about a young African - American couple whose lives are upended when the husband is wrongly convicted and sent to prison. The story delves deep into themes of love, loyalty, and the justice system.