One really good historical fiction London - based novel is 'Restoration' by Rose Tremain. It's set in the Restoration period in London and shows the changes in society at that time. 'The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes' by Arthur Conan Doyle also has a lot of London in it. Although it's more about the detective work, it gives a great sense of Victorian London. And 'The Essex Serpent' by Sarah Perry is set in the late 19th - century London and the surrounding areas, with elements of mystery and historical context.
For historical fiction set in London, 'Wolf Hall' by Hilary Mantel is a great choice. It gives a detailed look at the court of Henry VIII in London. Another one is 'Sarum' by Edward Rutherfurd. It spans a long history of London, from its pre - historic times to more modern eras. 'The Other Boleyn Girl' by Philippa Gregory also focuses on the Tudor period in London, with a focus on the Boleyn family.
For historical military fiction, 'The Last Kingdom' series by Bernard Cornwell is a great choice. It's about the Anglo - Saxon period and the Viking invasions. 'Gone with the Wind' by Margaret Mitchell has elements of military history during the American Civil War. It shows how the war affected the lives of the characters. Also, 'War and Peace' by Leo Tolstoy, which is a massive novel that gives a detailed account of the Napoleonic Wars and how it impacted Russian society.
You might also like 'A Suitable Boy' by Vikram Seth. Although it's not strictly only historical fiction, it gives a very detailed and vivid picture of post - independence India. It has a large cast of characters and delves into the social, cultural, and political fabric of the time.
Sure. 'All the Light We Cannot See' by Anthony Doerr is a great choice. It's set during World War II and follows the lives of a blind French girl and a German boy. The story is based on real events of the war and the experiences of people during that time. It beautifully weaves together different perspectives and the historical context of the war.
London in historical fiction can be a place full of contrasts. It's a city where the grandeur of palaces coexists with the squalor of slums. Writers use London as a backdrop to explore different social strata. Some works might focus on the political intrigues in the court, which were often centered around London. Others may show the daily struggles of commoners in the city's bustling markets and alleys.
Sure. 'All Quiet on the Western Front' is a must - read. It's a classic that really makes you feel the pain and senselessness of war. Then there's 'Storm of Steel' which is more about the adventure and camaraderie in the midst of battle. Another good one is 'The Road Back' which deals with the aftermath of the war.
Sure. 'The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society' is a great choice. It shows the impact of the war on the small island of Guernsey. 'The Book Thief' is also highly recommended. It's a unique story told from the perspective of Death and set in Nazi - occupied Germany. And 'The Nightingale' which focuses on two sisters in France during the war.
Often, London historical fiction novels have a sense of mystery or intrigue. The city has a long and complex history full of secrets. Writers use this to their advantage, creating stories with hidden pasts, lost treasures, or unsolved crimes. It makes the readers feel like they are exploring the city's hidden layers along with the characters.
The 'Peter Ackroyd' series of novels also focuses on London's history in a fictional way. For example, 'Hawksmoor' combines elements of historical architecture and mystery. It delves into the darker corners of London's past, exploring the relationship between the city's buildings and the secrets they hold.
Well, 'Peter Pan' by J.M. Barrie has a London setting. It's not just a story about Neverland but also about the Darling family in London. 'Howards End' by E.M. Forster is another excellent London - based novel. It delves into the relationships between different classes in London and the importance of human connection. And 'The London Eye Mystery' by Siobhan Dowd is a more modern take on London - based novels, with a mystery set in the city.
Agatha Christie's 'Poirot' series. Hercule Poirot, the Belgian detective, often solves mysteries in London. Christie's masterful plotting and the unique character of Poirot make these novels a classic. The London settings, from posh mansions to seedy alleys, are integral to the stories.