What are some of the 'New York Times best historical nonfiction novels'?

One of the well - known ones could be 'Wolf Hall' by Hilary Mantel. It vividly depicts the Tudor court during the reign of Henry VIII.

One of the well - known ones could be 'All the Light We Cannot See'. It beautifully portrays the story during World War II, following the lives of a blind French girl and a German boy. The writing is so vivid that it makes the readers feel like they are actually in that era.

Another great one is 'The Nightingale' by Kristin Hannah. It vividly depicts the experiences of two sisters in Nazi - occupied France during the war. It's a story full of courage, sacrifice, and the power of family. The characters are well - developed, and the historical details really bring the era to life.

Another good one is 'Unbroken' by Laura Hillenbrand. It tells the incredible true story of Louis Zamperini, an Olympic athlete who became a prisoner of war during World War II. It's a gripping tale that not only gives insights into the life of a POW but also into the broader context of the war.

Another one could be '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. The beautiful prose and the way it weaved together their stories, along with the historical backdrop of the war, made it a favorite among many readers.

One of the best is 'To Kill a Mockingbird'. It's a classic that delves deep into themes of racism and justice in the American South. The story, told through the eyes of a young girl, Scout, is both poignant and powerful.

Well, for Fiction, 'The Girl on the Train' was very popular. It's a psychological thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. In the Nonfiction section, 'Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind' is quite significant. It gives a broad overview of human history from the Stone Age to the present day. It helps us understand how we got to where we are as a species.

I'm not sure specifically which books were on that list without looking it up. There could be a wide variety of great historical fiction works, perhaps including some well - known ones like 'The Underground Railroad' which was highly regarded around that time for its take on a dark part of American history.

One of the novels could be 'The Road' by Cormac McCarthy. It's a post - apocalyptic story that follows a father and son's journey. The sparse and powerful prose really draws you in.

Another might be 'True Grit' by Charles Portis. It has strong - willed characters and shows the rough and tumble world of the Old West. The story of a young girl seeking revenge with the help of a U. S. Marshal is both engaging and a great representation of Western literature.