What are the 100 must read books of US historical fiction?

One great title is 'The Little House on the Prairie' series by Laura Ingalls Wilder. It gives a vivid picture of pioneer life in the 19th and early 20th century United States. Another is 'Johnny Tremain' which is set during the American Revolution, showing the political and social upheaval of that time. 'Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry' is also a notable one, dealing with racial issues in the South during the 1930s.

Another way is to start with the more popular and accessible ones. 'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn' is a great starting point. It's written in a relatively easy - to - read style and gives a view of the antebellum South. You can also join a book club that focuses on US historical fiction. Members can share their insights and help you understand the books better.

In 2017, 'The Essex Serpent' by Sarah Perry was a standout. It combined historical elements with a touch of mystery and romance.

I would also recommend 'All the Light We Cannot See' by Anthony Doerr. This novel is set during World War II and follows the lives of a blind French girl and a German boy. It beautifully weaves together their stories, showing the impact of the war on individuals, and also provides a lot of historical details about the occupation of France and the German military.

The book 'Lincoln in the Bardo' by George Saunders is a must - read. It's a unique take on historical fiction as it focuses on the death of Abraham Lincoln's son and Lincoln's visit to the cemetery. The writing style is experimental, with multiple voices, which makes it an interesting read and gives a different perspective on a well - known historical figure.

One must - read historical fiction from 2017 is 'The Essex Serpent' by Sarah Perry. It's set in Victorian England and weaves a tale of mystery and social change around the supposed sighting of a mythical serpent. The characters are richly drawn, and it gives a great sense of the time period's superstitions and scientific progress.

Well, 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco is also a great choice. Set in a 14th - century Italian monastery, it combines mystery, theology, and historical elements. The complex plot and the detailed description of the medieval world make it a very exciting historical fiction book.

Most of them are well - researched. For example, they accurately depict the historical settings, like the social structures, cultural norms, and political situations of the times. They also often have engaging characters that are shaped by the historical context.

One should read 'I, Claudius' by Robert Graves. It offers a fascinating view of the Roman Empire. 'The Thorn Birds' by Colleen McCullough is set in Australia and spans generations. And 'The Good Earth' by Pearl S. Buck is an important look at rural China in the early 20th century.

Then there's 'Sunset Song' by Lewis Grassic Gibbon. It focuses on the life of a young woman in rural Scotland during the First World War and the changes that were taking place in Scottish society at that time. The descriptions of the land and the people are so poignant and it really shows how the war affected the Scottish rural communities.