Can you recommend some underrated historical fiction books for history lovers?

The 'The Kingmaker's Daughter' is an underrated gem. It focuses on the life of Anne Neville, a key figure during the Wars of the Roses.

Some underrated historical fiction books are 'The Birth of Venus' by Sarah Dunant. It's set in Renaissance Florence and follows the story of a young girl coming of age in a time of great artistic and social change. 'Wolf Hall' by Hilary Mantel is also underrated. It offers a unique perspective on the court of Henry VIII. And don't forget 'A Place of Greater Safety' by Hilary Mantel as well, which focuses on the French Revolution.

Yes, 'The Gallipoli Oak' by Kate Forsyth is a wonderful Gallipoli fiction book. It tells a story that is intertwined with the history of the Gallipoli campaign. It has elements of mystery and family history, which makes it an interesting read for those who like historical fiction. It shows how the events of Gallipoli had far - reaching impacts on families and individuals.

Sure. 'The Histories' by Herodotus can be considered a sort of ancient world fiction. It has a lot of stories about the ancient Greeks and their interactions with other cultures. It gives a great view of the ancient world from a historical perspective but also has elements of story - telling that are like fiction. Another is 'The Annals' by Tacitus. It's about the history of the Roman Empire, but the way Tacitus writes makes it engaging like a fictional account at times.

'The Historian' by Elizabeth Kostova. It weaves a complex story about Dracula that spans different historical periods. It's not as well - known as some others but is really engaging as it has elements of travel, history, and a spooky mystery.

There's also 'The Book of Merlyn' by T.H. White. It's a sort of continuation of 'The Once and Future King' but often overlooked, and it adds more depth to the Arthurian legend.

Sure. 'Bartleby, the Scrivener' by Herman Melville is set in a 19th - century New York office and is an interesting exploration of human behavior. Another is 'The Open Boat' by Stephen Crane, which is based on his own experience shipwrecked during the Spanish - American War. 'The Story of an Hour' by Kate Chopin is a short story set in the 19th century that deals with a woman's complex emotions upon hearing of her husband's death.

'The Alice Network' by Kate Quinn. It's about a female spy network during World War I. It has a great plot that weaves together the past and present, and it's not as well - known as some other best - sellers but is really engaging.

Then there is 'The Autobiography of Henry VIII' which is a fictional autobiography. It tries to get into the mind of Henry VIII and presents his life story in an interesting way. It's a unique take on the historical figure and his era.

One great California history historical fiction book is 'East of Eden' by John Steinbeck. It delves into the complex family dynamics and the history of the Salinas Valley in California. Another is 'Ramona' by Helen Hunt Jackson which tells a story set against the backdrop of California's Spanish - Mexican heritage. There's also 'The Joy Luck Club' by Amy Tan which, while also exploring Chinese - American experiences, is deeply connected to the California landscape and the immigrant experience in the state.