What are the must - read historical fictions among the '50 must read historical fiction'?

One great historical fiction is 'The Pillars of the Earth' by Ken Follett. It's set in 12th - century England and tells the story of building a cathedral. Another is 'Wolf Hall' by Hilary Mantel, which focuses on Thomas Cromwell in the court of Henry VIII. And 'Gone with the Wind' is also a classic historical fiction set during the American Civil War.

A very popular one is 'Interview with the Vampire' which is set in New Orleans. It delves into the dark and mysterious side of the city's history, with elements of the supernatural. The book creates a very atmospheric view of New Orleans, from its architecture to its nightlife.

One must - read historical fiction novel is 'War and Peace' by Leo Tolstoy. It vividly portrays Russian society during the Napoleonic era. Another great one is 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen which gives insights into the English upper - class life in the 19th century. Also, 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco is a brilliant historical mystery set in a medieval monastery.

In 2017, 'The Essex Serpent' by Sarah Perry was a standout. It combined historical elements with a touch of mystery and romance.

One of the must-reads in 2018 was 'The Alice Network' by Kate Quinn. It offers a captivating story set during World War I and World War II.

Well, 'Vanity Fair' by William Makepeace Thackeray is a significant regency era historical fiction. It offers a satirical look at the society, with a focus on the lives of various characters from different social strata. Then there's 'Northanger Abbey' by Jane Austen. It's a bit different from her other works as it also plays with the idea of Gothic literature while still being firmly set in the regency era.

A good option for beginners is 'The Sign of the Four' by Arthur Conan Doyle. It has elements of historical London and an exciting mystery. 'Black Beauty' is also easy to read and it shows the life of horses in 19th - century England. And 'Robinson Crusoe' which is about a man's survival on an island in the 17th century can be a good start for those new to historical fiction.

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.