What are some of the best historical novels?

One of the great ones could be 'War and Peace' by Leo Tolstoy. It gives a vivid and detailed account of Russian society during the Napoleonic era.

One of the best historical novels is 'War and Peace' by Leo Tolstoy. It vividly depicts Russian society during the Napoleonic era, with a wide range of characters from different social classes. Another great one is 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen, which gives us a peek into the English gentry life in the 19th century. 'The Scarlet Letter' by Nathaniel Hawthorne is also a classic historical novel that explores Puritan society in America.

I think 'Gone with the Wind' can be considered in a way. While it's mainly a historical romance, there are elements of suspense. Scarlett's journey through the Civil War and Reconstruction is full of unknowns and perils. Also, 'The Historian' by Elizabeth Kostova is a great historical suspense novel. It weaves a tale of Dracula through different historical periods, and as the characters dig deeper into the mystery, the suspense builds. Then there's 'The Thirteenth Tale' by Diane Setterfield, which has a mysterious narrator and a story full of family secrets and historical context.

Another great historical spy novel is 'Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy' also by John le Carré. It's a complex and engaging story set in the world of British intelligence. The characters are well - drawn and the plot is full of twists and turns that keep you guessing. It gives a great sense of the era and the inner workings of the spy world at that time.

One of the best is 'War and Peace' by Leo Tolstoy. It vividly depicts the Napoleonic Wars and the impact on Russian society. The characters are complex and the battle scenes are both grand and detailed.

One of the best - selling historical novels is 'Gone with the Wind'. It vividly depicts the American South during the Civil War and Reconstruction era. The story of Scarlett O'Hara and Rhett Butler has captivated generations of readers.

Another might be 'Fanny Hill'. It was quite controversial when it first came out. It gives a rather detailed account of a woman's sexual experiences during a particular historical period. But again, these works are not suitable for all audiences due to their explicit nature.

Some well - known ones could be 'All the Light We Cannot See' by Anthony Doerr. It beautifully weaves the story of a blind French girl and a German boy during World War II. Another is 'The Pillars of the Earth' by Ken Follett, which takes readers back to 12th - century England and details the building of a cathedral and the lives of the people involved. 'Wolf Hall' by Hilary Mantel is also among them, offering a vivid portrayal of Thomas Cromwell's life in the Tudor court.

One of the best is 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco. It's set in an Italian monastery in the 14th century and combines mystery, theology, and historical detail. The complex plot and well - developed characters make it a classic. Another great one is 'Ivanhoe' by Sir Walter Scott. It gives a vivid picture of medieval England, with knights, tournaments, and the struggle between Saxons and Normans.

One of the best modern historical novels is 'All the Light We Cannot See' by Anthony Doerr. It's set during World War II and tells the story of a blind French girl and a German boy whose paths cross in the chaos of war. Another great one is 'The Underground Railroad' by Colson Whitehead, which reimagines the Underground Railroad as an actual railroad underground in a very creative and thought - provoking way. And 'A Gentleman in Moscow' by Amor Towles is also excellent, following the life of a Russian aristocrat under house arrest in a hotel.