A third option could be 'Hamnet' by Maggie O'Farrell. It delves into the life of Shakespeare's family, particularly focusing on the death of his son, Hamnet. It's a beautifully written book that gives a unique perspective on the Elizabethan era through the lens of personal tragedy.
One great historical fiction book from 2021 is 'The Four Winds' by Kristin Hannah. It tells a powerful story about a woman's struggle during the Great Depression in America. The characters are vivid and the historical details are well - researched, making it a very engaging read.
Some of the top historical fiction books include 'The Pillars of the Earth' by Ken Follett. It vividly depicts the building of a cathedral in the Middle Ages. Another great one is 'Wolf Hall' by Hilary Mantel, which delves into the life of Thomas Cromwell in the Tudor court. And 'All the Light We Cannot See' by Anthony Doerr, set during World War II, is also highly recommended.
'The Essex Serpent' by Sarah Perry is also worth mentioning. Set in Victorian England, it combines elements of mystery, historical context, and complex relationships. It delves into the superstitions and scientific thinking of the time, and the writing is both beautiful and evocative.
I think 'The Goldfinch' by Donna Tartt was also popular in the historical fiction best sellers of 2014. It takes you on a journey through time, dealing with themes of art, loss, and the search for identity. The story is complex and full of richly drawn characters, and Tartt's writing style is engaging and detailed.
Some top military historical fiction books include 'All Quiet on the Western Front' by Erich Maria Remarque. This book shows the horror of World War I from the perspective of a German soldier. 'Master and Commander' by Patrick O'Brian is also highly regarded. It follows the adventures of a British naval captain during the Napoleonic Wars. Then there's 'The Red Badge of Courage' by Stephen Crane, which delves into the mind of a young Union soldier during the American Civil War.
Well, 'A Little Life' by Hanya Yanagihara is also highly regarded. It's a long and complex novel that delves deep into the lives and relationships of its characters. It can be a tough read at times because of the heavy themes, but it's very powerful.
One of the best - selling fiction books in 2019 was 'Where the Crawdads Sing' by Delia Owens. It's a story that combines mystery, nature, and a coming - of - age tale. The vivid descriptions of the marshland make it a unique read. Another great one was 'The Testaments' by Margaret Atwood. It's a follow - up to 'The Handmaid's Tale' and further explores the dystopian world she created.
Some of the best books of the decade in fiction include 'The Goldfinch' by Donna Tartt. It's a beautifully written story that follows a young boy's life after a tragic event. Another great one is 'Educated' by Tara Westover, which is a memoir but has elements of fictional - like storytelling as she recounts her journey from a strict, isolated upbringing to getting an education.
Definitely 'The Calculating Stars'. It's not just a science fiction story but also a story about breaking gender barriers. The main character has to fight against the sexism of her time while also trying to save humanity. The world - building is excellent as it shows how Earth and its society change after the asteroid strike.
One great 'Best Summer Books 2019 Fiction' is 'The Testaments' by Margaret Atwood. It continues the story from 'The Handmaid's Tale' in a very engaging way. The characters are complex and the world - building is top - notch.
A third great best - selling fiction book in 2016 was 'The Nightingale' by Kristin Hannah. It told a powerful and moving story about two sisters in France during World War II. It explored themes of love, sacrifice, and survival against the backdrop of the war, and its well - developed characters and emotional depth made it a very popular read.