Can you name some of the most read historical fiction books?

One of the most read historical fiction books is 'The Pillars of the Earth' by Ken Follett. It vividly depicts the building of a cathedral in 12th - century England, with complex characters and a richly detailed historical backdrop.

Sure. 'Wolf Hall' by Hilary Mantel is excellent. It focuses on the life of Thomas Cromwell in 16th - century England. Mantel's writing is detailed and immersive, making the Tudor court come alive. You can really get a sense of the political intrigue and the personalities of the time.

There's also 'The Miniaturist'. It's set in Amsterdam in the past and has an interesting plot about a young bride and some mysterious miniatures.

Well, 'The Clockmaker's Daughter' by Kate Morton is also a top pick. This book is like a time - traveling journey. It jumps between different time periods, all connected by a house and a mysterious painting. Morton does an excellent job of creating an atmosphere that feels very true to each of the historical eras she writes about, from the Victorian era to the present day.

One common theme is power struggles. In historical fiction, we often see stories about kings, queens, and nobles vying for power. Take 'Game of Thrones' (although it's a fictionalized version of history), it shows the complex power plays among different houses.

Sure. 'To Kill a Mockingbird' is quite popular. Although it's mainly about racial injustice in the 1930s South of the United States, it also has elements of historical fiction as it gives a clear picture of the social and cultural environment of that time.

Sure. 'The Underground Railroad' by Colson Whitehead is a great recent historical fiction. It presents a unique take on the Underground Railroad as an actual railroad. Then there's 'A Gentleman in Moscow' by Amor Towles. It's about a Russian aristocrat who is put under house arrest in a hotel in Moscow for decades. Also, 'The Essex Serpent' by Sarah Perry, set in Victorian England, exploring superstition and change.

Sure. 'The Pillars of the Earth' by Ken Follett. It's set in 12th - century England and tells the story of the building of a cathedral. It's filled with details about medieval life, from the peasants to the nobles.

Sure. 'Shogun' by James Clavell is a great choice. Although written by a non - Japanese author, it gives a very immersive look into Japanese society during the Tokugawa shogunate. It has a lot of elements like samurai culture, power struggles, and cultural clashes between the Japanese and the Westerners.

Another great one for beginners is 'The Bronze Bow' which also has a connection to the time of Jesus. It shows life in that era in a way that's accessible to new readers of historical fiction. The characters are relatable and the story is full of adventure.