Best English historical fiction books

A good starting point could be 'Oliver Twist' by Charles Dickens. It exposes the dark side of 19th - century London, like the workhouses and poverty. The story is engaging and the characters are well - drawn. 'Little Women' by Louisa May Alcott also has some historical context, especially in terms of family life and gender roles in the 19th century. It's a heartwarming story that new readers of historical fiction might enjoy. And 'The Secret Garden' by Frances Hodgson Burnett is set in a large English manor and shows the transformation of the characters in that historical setting.

English historical fiction books often have detailed descriptions of the time period. For example, they might describe the clothing, architecture, and social customs. They usually feature characters that are either real historical figures or fictional characters interacting with the historical backdrop. For instance, in 'Wolf Hall', Thomas Cromwell is a central character who is a real figure from Henry VIII's court.

One great English historical fiction book is 'Wolf Hall' by Hilary Mantel. It offers a vivid portrayal of the court of Henry VIII. Another is 'The Other Boleyn Girl' which focuses on the life of Mary Boleyn. And 'Gone with the Wind' is also a classic, though it's set in the American South during the Civil War, it has elements of historical fiction.

'The Mermaid and Mrs Hancock' by Imogen Hermes Gowar is also a notable 2018 historical fiction. It combines elements of the Georgian London setting with the magical idea of a mermaid. The story delves into the society of that era, exploring themes like class, gender, and the power of rumors while also having an element of the fantastical.

Some of the best 2024 historical fiction books could include those that explore different eras like the medieval period or the World War eras. For example, 'The Lost Kingdom' which might take readers on a journey through a forgotten ancient kingdom, with vivid descriptions of its culture, politics, and people. Another could be 'A Woman's War', highlighting the often - overlooked roles of women during wartime.

I really liked 'The Lincoln Highway' by Amor Towles. It takes readers on a journey across America in the post - World War II era. The characters are diverse and their individual stories intertwine beautifully. It gives a great sense of the time period, from the small - town America to the big cities.

A really good starting point is 'The Sign of the Beaver' by Elizabeth George Speare. It's set in colonial America and is an easy and engaging read. It shows the relationship between a white boy and a Native American. Another beginner - friendly book is 'Johnny Tremain' by Esther Forbes, which is about the American Revolution. It has simple language but tells a great story.

Another good one is 'Where the Crawdads Sing' by Delia Owens. Set in a particular time period, it combines elements of mystery with a strong sense of place and time. It has a vivid description of the natural environment and the social context of the era, which makes it an engaging historical fiction read.

I think 'Gone with the Wind' is also a great historical fiction. Set during the American Civil War and Reconstruction era, it shows the life of Scarlett O'Hara, and through her, the social upheaval and changes of that time. The story is rich in detail about the southern plantation life, the war, and the aftermath.

One of the best 2019 historical fiction books is 'The Testaments' by Margaret Atwood. It continues the story from 'The Handmaid's Tale' and gives more insights into the dystopian world she created. Another great one is 'The Water Dancer' by Ta - Nehisi Coates. It combines historical facts about slavery with a touch of magical realism. Also, 'The Dutch House' by Ann Patchett is highly regarded. It tells a family story set against the backdrop of post - World War II America.