'Ammonite' by Nicola Griffith is set in a far - future, post - apocalyptic world, but still has elements of historical fiction in how it builds its society. The main character is a paleontologist, and there is a strong lesbian relationship at the heart of the story. It's a thought - provoking read that combines elements of different genres while still being centered around a lesbian relationship.
One great lesbian historical fiction is 'The Price of Salt' by Patricia Highsmith. It's set in the 1950s and tells a story of a forbidden love between two women. Another is 'Fingersmith' by Sarah Waters. It's a Victorian - era story full of twists and turns regarding the relationship between the two main female characters.
One of the great ones is 'Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit' by Jeanette Winterson. It's a semi - autobiographical novel that beautifully weaves together themes of identity, love, and religious upbringing.
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.
In 2017, 'The Essex Serpent' by Sarah Perry was a standout. It combined historical elements with a touch of mystery and romance.
For beginners, 'Annie on My Mind' by Nancy Garden is a good start. It's a simple yet powerful story about two high - school girls falling in love. It gives a relatable view of young love and the challenges that come with it in a school setting.
A must - read is 'Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda'. Although the main character is gay, it's part of the broader LGBTQ+ young adult literature and has a great representation of diverse relationships. 'The Miseducation of Cameron Post' is also essential. It really delves into the challenges that a lesbian teen faces, especially in a non - accepting environment. 'Georgia Peaches and Other Forbidden Fruit' is a great read too as it shows the struggles of hiding a relationship in a small town.
For beginners, 'Zami: A New Spelling of My Name' is a great start. It's written in a very accessible style and offers a deep look into the life of a black lesbian. It helps the reader understand the unique experiences and emotions.
One great young adult lesbian fiction is 'Ash' by Malinda Lo. It reimagines the Cinderella story with a lesbian twist.