Another notable one is 'Birdsong' by Sebastian Faulks. It weaves together the story of a young Englishman in the trenches with a love story that spans generations. It delves deep into the emotional and physical traumas of the war.
One great WW1 historical fiction is 'All Quiet on the Western Front' by Erich Maria Remarque. It vividly portrays the horror and futility of war from the perspective of German soldiers. The detailed descriptions of trench warfare and the psychological toll on the young men are both harrowing and eye - opening.
I would say 'The Winds of War' by Herman Wouk is a must - read. It follows the Henry family through the events leading up to and during WW2. It's a very detailed and well - researched novel that gives a broad view of the war. Also, 'Schindler's List' is a famous fictionalized account of Oskar Schindler's efforts to save Jews during the Holocaust. The book, like the movie, is a powerful reminder of the atrocities of the time.
Another great one is 'The Green House'. This book weaves together different stories set in different time periods in Peru. It gives a vivid picture of the country's social and historical changes, with complex characters and an engaging narrative.
One great historical Irish fiction book is 'Ulysses' by James Joyce. It's a complex and detailed exploration of a day in Dublin, filled with rich historical and cultural references. Another is 'Angela's Ashes' by Frank McCourt. It tells the story of a young boy growing up in poverty in Ireland, giving a vivid picture of the time. 'The Picture of Dorian Gray' by Oscar Wilde also has elements related to Irish society of that era.
Another notable work is 'The Hummingbird's Daughter' by Luis Alberto Urrea. It is based on the life of Teresa Urrea, a real - life healer in Mexico. The book delves into the historical and cultural context of Mexico in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, exploring themes of identity, faith, and the power of the individual in a complex society.
A simple yet engaging historical fiction book is 'Johnny Tremain' by Esther Forbes. It takes place during the American Revolution and follows the journey of a young apprentice. It's a good way to learn about the events and spirit of that era.
In 2017, 'The Essex Serpent' by Sarah Perry was a standout. It combined historical elements with a touch of mystery and romance.
Well, 'Catch - 22' by Joseph Heller is a classic WW2 - related fiction. It satirizes the military bureaucracy during the war. The concept of 'Catch - 22' has become a well - known phrase in English. It's a complex and darkly humorous look at the insanity of war. And don't forget 'Atonement' by Ian McEwan, which also has elements of WW2 and is a beautifully written exploration of guilt and the consequences of false accusations.
A must - read is 'The Great Indian Novel' by Shashi Tharoor. It humorously recasts the Indian epic, the Mahabharata, in the context of the Indian independence movement.
There are many other great works in the 100 must - read US historical fiction books. For example, 'Uncle Tom's Cabin' was very influential in the pre - Civil War era as it exposed the horrors of slavery. It had a significant impact on public opinion regarding slavery. 'Moby - Dick' by Herman Melville, while it is a complex and multi - layered novel, also gives insights into the whaling industry and the spirit of adventure in early American history.
Well, 'All the Light We Cannot See' is an excellent historical fiction book. It tells a story about a blind French girl and a German boy during World War II. Then there's 'The Book Thief' which is also set during World War II, but from the perspective of a young girl in Germany who steals books. 'A Tale of Two Cities' by Charles Dickens is a classic, set during the French Revolution.