Best Middle Eastern Historical Fiction: Recommendations?

For beginners, 'The Kite Runner' is a great start. It's easy to read and the story is very engaging. It gives a good introduction to Afghan culture and some of the historical events that have shaped the country.

One common theme is cultural identity. For example, in many works, characters struggle to define themselves within the context of their Middle Eastern heritage and the influence of outside forces. Another theme is religious influence. Since the Middle East has a rich religious history, it often plays a role in the stories, either as a guiding force or a source of conflict. Family also features prominently, as family structures and relationships are often shaped by historical events.

A good option could be 'One Thousand and One Nights'. It has simple yet fascinating stories that can introduce you to the rich storytelling tradition of the Middle East. There are so many different types of tales in it, from love stories to adventures.

Middle Eastern culture has a profound influence on its science fiction. For example, religious beliefs and moral values often shape the themes. Many stories might explore the coexistence of advanced technology and traditional values, like how to maintain one's faith in a highly technological future. Also, the rich history of the Middle East provides unique settings and backstories for science - fiction narratives, such as ancient cities and deserts being transformed in futuristic ways.

There's 'Midnight's Children' by Salman Rushdie. While it focuses on India which has some Middle Eastern cultural and historical connections. It tells a complex story of post - colonial India through the lives of those born at midnight. And 'The Cairo Trilogy' by Naguib Mahfouz is a classic of Middle Eastern historical fiction, exploring family, society, and change over time in Cairo.

'Saladin: The Novel' is a work that focuses on the life of Saladin, a great figure in middle eastern history. It delves into his military campaigns, his leadership, and the political and religious landscape of the time. Reading this ebook can give you a deep understanding of the Crusades era from a middle eastern perspective.

One of the best is 'The Kite Runner' by Khaled Hosseini. It beautifully portrays the complex relationships and the harsh reality in Afghanistan. Another great work is 'One Thousand and One Nights', which is a collection of Middle Eastern folk tales filled with magic, adventure, and moral lessons.

Some of the best Middle Eastern fiction books include 'The Map of Love' by Ahdaf Soueif. This novel weaves together a story of love and politics across different cultures and time periods in Egypt. Then there's 'Cities of Salt' by Abdul Rahman Munif. It gives a vivid portrayal of the impact of oil discovery on a traditional Middle Eastern society. Also, 'My Name Is Red' by Orhan Pamuk, which is set in the Ottoman Empire and delves into art, identity, and mystery.

You can try online ebook platforms such as Amazon Kindle. They have a wide range of books, including middle eastern historical fiction ebooks. Just search for the genre in the search bar on their website.

I would recommend 'The Prophet' by Kahlil Gibran. It's a short but very profound work that contains beautiful poetry and philosophical insights. It's easy to understand and gives a taste of Middle Eastern wisdom.