What are the best historical fictions according to The Guardian?

One of the best historical fictions could be 'Wolf Hall' by Hilary Mantel. It vividly recreates the court of Henry VIII. The characters are complex and the details of the Tudor period are so well - described that it feels like you're really there.

Another excellent work is 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco. Set in a medieval monastery, it combines mystery, philosophy, and historical details. It gives a vivid picture of the religious and intellectual climate of the time, and Eco's erudition shines through in the story, making it a classic in historical fiction.

One of the best historical fictions could be 'The Book Thief' by Markus Zusak. It is set during World War II and tells the story from the perspective of Death. It gives a unique view of the war and the lives of ordinary people in Nazi Germany.

Well, on Goodreads, 'Code Name Verity' is often considered one of the top WWII historical fictions. It has a really engaging plot about female spies during the war. Then there's 'Maus' by Art Spiegelman. It's a graphic novel that uses animals to represent different groups in the Holocaust, which is a very creative and impactful way to tell a WWII story. Also, 'Schindler's Ark' (the book that the movie 'Schindler's List' was based on) is a great one that shows the efforts of Oskar Schindler to save Jews during the Holocaust.

One of the best spy novels according to the Guardian might be 'Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy' by John le Carré. It's a classic in the spy genre, with complex characters and a web of intrigue. The story delves deep into the world of Cold War espionage, and le Carré's writing style makes it a captivating read.

Another top pick might be 'In Cold Blood' by Truman Capote. It was a pioneer in the true - crime genre. Capote's detailed research and vivid writing bring the real - life murder case to life, making it a harrowing and thought - provoking read.

I'm not exactly sure which books were on the Guardian's best fiction list in 2017. You could try checking the Guardian's archives or a library that might have access to that information.

Some of the well - known ones could be 'All the Light We Cannot See' by Anthony Doerr. It's a beautifully written story set during World War II, exploring the lives of a blind French girl and a German boy. Another might be 'The Book Thief' by Markus Zusak, which tells the story of a young girl in Nazi Germany who steals books and how they shape her life during that dark time.

Some of the best fictions might include 'To Kill a Mockingbird' as it is a classic that delves deep into themes of racism and justice. It has well - developed characters and a powerful narrative.

One of the well - known ones could be 'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn. It had a huge following and was widely popular. The plot twists and complex characters really gripped readers.