What are the best European historical fiction books?

There's 'The Winter King' by Bernard Cornwell. It's about King Arthur, but in a more historically - based way than the traditional Arthurian legends. It gives a great sense of the Dark Ages in Britain, which is an important part of European history. And 'The Pillars of the Earth' by Ken Follett is also underrated in a way. It's a huge epic set in 12th - century England, showing the building of a cathedral and all the political and social struggles around it.

One great example is 'War and Peace' by Leo Tolstoy. Although Tolstoy was Russian, Russia is part of Europe. This novel vividly depicts the Napoleonic Wars and the impact on Russian society. It delves deep into the lives of various characters, from nobles to peasants. Another is 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco. Set in a medieval Italian monastery, it combines mystery, theology, and historical details. The complex plot and detailed descriptions of the era make it a classic in European historical fiction.

Sure. 'The Book Thief' is a great one. It's set in Nazi Germany and told from the perspective of Death. It gives a unique view of that dark period in European history. Another is 'The Count of Monte Cristo' which has elements of European history and is a thrilling story of revenge and redemption.

One popular example is 'War and Peace' by Leo Tolstoy. It's set during the Napoleonic era in Russia. Another is 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco, which takes place in an Italian monastery in the 14th century. 'Gone with the Wind' by Margaret Mitchell, though set in America, also has elements related to European historical events as it was influenced by the Old South which had strong European roots.

One of the most popular is 'The Da Vinci Code' by Dan Brown. It weaves a complex tale involving European history, art, and religious secrets. 'Outlander' by Diana Gabaldon also has a strong following. While it has elements of time travel, it is set in Scotland and has a lot of historical detail about the Highlands. Another popular one is 'The Other Boleyn Girl' by Philippa Gregory, which tells the story of the Boleyn sisters in Tudor England.

One of the best European fiction books is 'Don Quixote' by Miguel de Cervantes. It's a classic that tells the story of a man who goes on chivalrous adventures in a world that doesn't quite understand his ideals. Another great one is 'War and Peace' by Leo Tolstoy, which gives a detailed look at Russian society during the Napoleonic Wars. 'The Catcher in the Rye' by J.D. Salinger, though the author is American, was very popular in Europe and has influenced European literature with its exploration of teenage angst and alienation.

Some of the well - known historical fiction books from 2020 could be 'The Vanishing Half' by Brit Bennett. It tells the story of twin sisters in the context of racial segregation in America. Another one might be 'Hamnet' by Maggie O'Farrell which delves into the family life of Shakespeare.

I think 'Gone with the Wind' is a great historical fiction. It tells the story of Scarlett O'Hara during the American Civil War and Reconstruction era. The book shows the social, economic and cultural changes of that time through her eyes, with a rich and engaging plot.

I think 'Wolf Hall' by Hilary Mantel is also great. It delves deep into the court of Henry VIII, following the rise of Thomas Cromwell. Mantel's writing is so immersive that you feel like you are right there in the Tudor court, experiencing all the political intrigue and power struggles.

There was also 'The Invention of Wings' by Sue Monk Kidd. It's based on the real - life story of abolitionist Sarah Grimké. It weaves together the lives of the Grimké sisters and their fight for freedom and equality, giving a great look into the historical context of slavery and the fight against it.