Well, 'City of Ladies' by Christine de Pizan could be considered in a way as it has some Italian influence and is set in a historical context. Also, 'The Birth of Venus' by Sarah Dunant is set in Florence during the Renaissance. It beautifully weaves the story of a young girl growing up in a time of great change and artistic flourishing. And don't forget 'The Passion' by Jeanette Winterson, which has elements of historical fiction set in Italy and tells a rather unique love story.
One great historical fiction book set in Italy is 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco. It takes place in a medieval Italian monastery and involves a complex mystery filled with religious and philosophical themes. Another is 'I, Claudius' by Robert Graves which has sections that deal with Roman Italy and the political intrigue of the time. And 'The Leopard' by Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa is also a classic, portraying the changes in Sicilian society during the Risorgimento.
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.
One great book is 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco. It is set in an Italian monastery in the 14th century. The story is full of mystery and intrigue as a Franciscan friar investigates a series of murders. Another is 'A Room with a View' by E. M. Forster. This novel is set in Florence, Italy. It tells the story of a young English woman's journey of self - discovery during her travels in Italy, with themes of love, class, and social propriety. And 'Under the Tuscan Sun' by Frances Mayes is also a wonderful choice. It's about the author's experiences renovating a Tuscan villa, filled with beautiful descriptions of the Italian countryside and the local culture.
I highly recommend 'The Name of the Rose'. It's a brilliant work that delves deep into medieval Italy's religious and intellectual life. The detailed descriptions of the monastery and the complex plot make it a must - read. Another is 'The Leopard'. It gives a great insight into Sicilian society during a crucial period of Italian history.
For beginners, 'The Book Thief' by Markus Zusak is a great start. It's set in Nazi Germany and is narrated by Death. It gives a unique perspective on the events of the time and is written in a very engaging style.
Another is 'Masters of the Air'. It delves into the World War II history associated with Philadelphia. It shows how the city and its people were involved in the war effort, and it's full of engaging stories of heroism and sacrifice. There are many historical details about the city during that period that are really interesting.
One great WW1 historical fiction is 'All Quiet on the Western Front' by Erich Maria Remarque. It vividly portrays the horror and futility of war from the perspective of German soldiers. The detailed descriptions of trench warfare and the psychological toll on the young men are both harrowing and eye - opening.
Another great one is 'The Green House'. This book weaves together different stories set in different time periods in Peru. It gives a vivid picture of the country's social and historical changes, with complex characters and an engaging narrative.
One great historical Irish fiction book is 'Ulysses' by James Joyce. It's a complex and detailed exploration of a day in Dublin, filled with rich historical and cultural references. Another is 'Angela's Ashes' by Frank McCourt. It tells the story of a young boy growing up in poverty in Ireland, giving a vivid picture of the time. 'The Picture of Dorian Gray' by Oscar Wilde also has elements related to Irish society of that era.