Best Scotland historical fiction: Lesser - known gems

Well, 'The Little Match Girl' by Hans Christian Andersen is a great Christmas - related literary piece. It's a sad yet beautiful story of a little girl on the cold Christmas Eve. It makes you think about the less fortunate during the holidays.

Then there's 'The Christmas Box' by Richard Paul Evans. This is a touching story about a family who moves into a new home and discovers a box in the attic. It's a story of love, loss, and the true meaning of Christmas. It's not as well - known as some of the classics but is definitely worth reading.

I also recommend 'The Private Memoirs and Confessions of a Justified Sinner' by James Hogg. This novel delves deep into the religious and moral climate of 18th - century Scotland. It's a complex and somewhat dark exploration of a man's struggle with his faith and his own sense of self, all set against the backdrop of the Scottish landscape and society.

One lesser - known post - apocalyptic graphic novel is 'Revival'. It has a very interesting take on a world where the dead are coming back to life. 'We3' by Grant Morrison is also a bit underrated. It shows the journey of three animal - like machines in a post - apocalyptic - like world. 'Scalped' has elements of a post - apocalyptic world in its dark and violent portrayal of life on a reservation.

Sure. 'The Eyre Affair' by Jasper Fforde is quite a funny novel. It's set in an alternate reality where literature is at the center of everything. The main character, Thursday Next, jumps in and out of books, and there are lots of literary jokes and puns. It's a really unique and humorous read.

A third option could be 'The Bride' by Julie Garwood. It's set in medieval Scotland and tells the story of a young woman who is thrust into a new life. The romance between the main characters is filled with tension, humor, and the charm of the Scottish Highlands.

One of the best is 'Kidnapped' by Robert Louis Stevenson. It vividly depicts the adventures in the Scottish Highlands during a turbulent historical period. Another great one is 'Outlander' by Diana Gabaldon. It combines historical events with a time - traveling love story set in Scotland. Also, 'The Private Memoirs and Confessions of a Justified Sinner' by James Hogg is a notable work, exploring complex themes against the backdrop of Scottish history.

Many Scotland historical fictions explore themes of identity. Characters are often grappling with their Scottish identity in the context of broader historical forces, whether it's dealing with English rule or changes in their own society. The settings range from small Highland villages to the bustling cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow, giving a wide view of Scotland's past.

The story of the Antikythera mechanism is quite remarkable. This ancient Greek device was discovered in a shipwreck. It was an elaborate mechanical computer, dating back to around 100 BC. It was used to predict astronomical positions and eclipses. The complexity of this device shows that the ancient Greeks had a much higher level of technological sophistication than was previously thought.

'Viking Fire' by Judith Starkston is also worth checking out. It tells a story of love and war among the Vikings. It has well - developed characters and a plot that weaves together historical facts about Viking battles, politics, and family structures. While it may not be as well - known as some of the big - name Viking novels, it offers an engaging and immersive experience into the Viking world.