'The Essex Serpent' by Sarah Perry is also among the best. It's set in Victorian England and combines elements of historical detail, mystery, and complex characters. The story weaves around the idea of a rumored sea serpent and the people's reactions to it, while also delving into the social norms and changes of the time.
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.
One of the best historical fiction books is 'Wolf Hall' by Hilary Mantel. It vividly portrays the court of Henry VIII. Another great one is 'The Pillars of the Earth' by Ken Follett, which takes readers back to the building of a cathedral in the Middle Ages. 'All the Light We Cannot See' by Anthony Doerr is also excellent, set during World War II.
One of the best historical fiction books is 'Gone with the Wind' by Margaret Mitchell. It vividly depicts the American South during the Civil War and Reconstruction era. The story of Scarlett O'Hara is both captivating and complex, showing the social, economic, and personal upheavals of that time.
One of the great historical fiction books in 2022 was 'The Four Winds' by Kristin Hannah. It vividly depicts the Great Depression era in the United States, focusing on a woman's struggle to keep her family alive during those tough times.
I think 'The Four Winds' by Kristin Hannah is also a top pick. It's set during the Great Depression and Dust Bowl era in the United States. It vividly portrays the hardships of the time, through the eyes of its strong female protagonist. The historical backdrop is painted so well that you can almost feel the dust and the desperation.
Some of the great ones could be 'Circe' by Madeline Miller. It retells the story of the sorceress Circe in a vivid and engaging way, delving deep into her character and the world of Greek mythology. Another could be 'The Essex Serpent' which is set in Victorian England and combines elements of mystery and historical detail. 'Washington Black' is also notable, exploring themes of slavery and freedom through an adventure - filled narrative.
Some of the best 2024 historical fiction books could include those that explore different eras like the medieval period or the World War eras. For example, 'The Lost Kingdom' which might take readers on a journey through a forgotten ancient kingdom, with vivid descriptions of its culture, politics, and people. Another could be 'A Woman's War', highlighting the often - overlooked roles of women during wartime.
Another good one is 'Where the Crawdads Sing' by Delia Owens. Set in a particular time period, it combines elements of mystery with a strong sense of place and time. It has a vivid description of the natural environment and the social context of the era, which makes it an engaging historical fiction read.