Definitely 'Wild Swans: Three Daughters of China' by Jung Chang. It chronicles three generations of women in China, from the early 20th century through the Cultural Revolution. It's a powerful and eye - opening account of China's history from a personal and family perspective. Another must - read is 'The Pillow Book of Sei Shonagon' which gives a peek into the Heian period in Japan through the writings of a court lady.
Perhaps 'The Forgotten Dynasty'. This book might be set in a lesser - known historical period, delving deep into the politics, culture, and daily life of that era. It may bring to life a world that has been overlooked by many historical fictions, with detailed descriptions and complex characters.
I would also recommend 'All the Light We Cannot See' by Anthony Doerr. This novel is set during World War II and follows the lives of a blind French girl and a German boy. It beautifully weaves together their stories, showing the impact of the war on individuals, and also provides a lot of historical details about the occupation of France and the German military.
The book 'Lincoln in the Bardo' by George Saunders is a must - read. It's a unique take on historical fiction as it focuses on the death of Abraham Lincoln's son and Lincoln's visit to the cemetery. The writing style is experimental, with multiple voices, which makes it an interesting read and gives a different perspective on a well - known historical figure.
One must - read historical fiction from 2017 is 'The Essex Serpent' by Sarah Perry. It's set in Victorian England and weaves a tale of mystery and social change around the supposed sighting of a mythical serpent. The characters are richly drawn, and it gives a great sense of the time period's superstitions and scientific progress.
In 2017, 'The Essex Serpent' by Sarah Perry was a standout. It combined historical elements with a touch of mystery and romance.
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.
One great lesbian historical fiction is 'The Price of Salt' by Patricia Highsmith. It's set in the 1950s and tells a story of a forbidden love between two women. Another is 'Fingersmith' by Sarah Waters. It's a Victorian - era story full of twists and turns regarding the relationship between the two main female characters.
One of the best is 'Wolf Hall' by Hilary Mantel. It offers a vivid and detailed look at the court of Henry VIII through the eyes of Thomas Cromwell. Another great one is 'All the Light We Cannot See' by Anthony Doerr, which is set during World War II and tells a poignant story of a blind French girl and a German boy. And 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco is a classic, with its mystery set in a medieval monastery.
One great NYC historical fiction is 'The Alienist' by Caleb Carr. It takes you back to 1896 New York City and follows a psychologist (the alienist) and a journalist as they try to solve a series of grisly murders. Another is 'Gangs of New York' by Herbert Asbury. It vividly portrays the underworld and gang rivalries in the city during the 19th century. And 'A Tree Grows in Brooklyn' by Betty Smith is also a classic. It tells the story of a young girl growing up in the slums of early - 20th - century Brooklyn, which gives a great sense of the time and place.
I'd recommend 'Maus' by Art Spiegelman. It's a unique and powerful graphic novel that tells the story of the author's father's experiences during the Holocaust. Using animals to represent different ethnic groups, it makes the horror and tragedy of the Holocaust more accessible and deeply moving.