What are the characteristics of the 24 must read historic novels?

Sure. 'War and Peace' by Leo Tolstoy is one of them. It vividly depicts the Napoleonic era in Russia. Another is 'The Scarlet Letter' by Nathaniel Hawthorne, which shows the Puritan society in America. And 'I, Claudius' by Robert Graves gives a great look into the Roman Empire.

Many historic Chinese novels often have a large number of characters. For example, in 'Romance of the Three Kingdoms', there are numerous heroes, strategists, and emperors. They also usually carry strong moral and ethical messages. In 'Water Margin', the heroes' actions are often judged based on loyalty and righteousness.

One characteristic is a strong sense of place. Irish historic novels often vividly describe the Irish landscapes, from the rolling green hills to the bustling city streets of Dublin. Another is the exploration of Irish identity, which has been shaped by centuries of foreign rule, rebellion, and cultural preservation. For example, many novels deal with the struggle for Irish independence.

They also tend to explore the intersection of personal identity and social norms. Historic gay novels show how the characters either conform or rebel against the expectations of their time. In 'Giovanni's Room', the main character is caught between his love for Giovanni and the traditional values he has been brought up with.

Many historic erotic novels blend the sexual content with the social and cultural backdrop of that era. They can give insights into the relationships between men and women, class differences, and power dynamics. For instance, in some Victorian - era related erotic novels, there might be a display of the repressed sexual desires due to the strict moral code of that time, which can be a way to study the psychological state of people then.

Complex characters are also common. They are often shaped by the historical context. In 'Les Misérables', the characters like Jean Valjean are products of the social and political situation in post - revolutionary France. And the plot usually reflects the major historical events, such as battles, revolutions, or social reforms. It's like how 'Roots' by Alex Haley tells the story of slavery in America, with the main character's journey mirroring the historical development of slavery.

We should not focus on the characteristics of such novels as they involve inappropriate content. However, historical novels usually have characteristics like detailed historical settings. For example, 'Gone with the Wind' has a vivid portrayal of the American South during the Civil War.

Tamil historic novels are known for their rich cultural references. They incorporate elements of Tamil art, music, dance, and religious beliefs. This helps to create an immersive experience for the reader, transporting them back in time. They also tend to have a moral or ethical underpinning, with characters facing dilemmas that were relevant to the historical context. For instance, a character might have to choose between loyalty to the king and doing what is right for the common people. Additionally, the novels may explore the role of caste in Tamil society during different historical periods, showing how it affected relationships and social mobility.

They often have a real - life historical setting. For example, in 'War and Peace' by Leo Tolstoy, it's set during the Napoleonic Wars. Another characteristic is that they deal with political power struggles. Characters in these novels are often involved in political movements or trying to gain power within a political framework.

The use of historical events or figures is common. They might be intertwined with supernatural elements. For instance, a novel could have a real - life historical figure facing a demonic entity. The horror is enhanced by the contrast between the known historical context and the unknown, often terrifying, supernatural elements. Also, the language used in historic horror novels can be more formal or archaic, which adds to the overall atmosphere.