'The Mermaid and Mrs Hancock' by Imogen Hermes Gowar is also a notable 2018 historical fiction. It combines elements of the Georgian London setting with the magical idea of a mermaid. The story delves into the society of that era, exploring themes like class, gender, and the power of rumors while also having an element of the fantastical.
There was also 'The Invention of Wings' by Sue Monk Kidd. It's based on the real - life story of abolitionist Sarah Grimké. It weaves together the lives of the Grimké sisters and their fight for freedom and equality, giving a great look into the historical context of slavery and the fight against it.
Another great one is 'All the Light We Cannot See' by Anthony Doerr. It weaves together the lives of a blind French girl and a German boy. The vivid descriptions of the war - torn landscapes and the characters' inner worlds are captivating.
One of the best historical fiction books is 'Wolf Hall' by Hilary Mantel. It vividly portrays the court of Henry VIII. Another great one is 'The Pillars of the Earth' by Ken Follett, which takes readers back to the building of a cathedral in the Middle Ages. 'All the Light We Cannot See' by Anthony Doerr is also excellent, set during World War II.
One of the best historical fiction books is 'Gone with the Wind' by Margaret Mitchell. It vividly depicts the American South during the Civil War and Reconstruction era. The story of Scarlett O'Hara is both captivating and complex, showing the social, economic, and personal upheavals of that time.
One of the great historical fiction books in 2022 was 'The Four Winds' by Kristin Hannah. It vividly depicts the Great Depression era in the United States, focusing on a woman's struggle to keep her family alive during those tough times.
I think 'The Four Winds' by Kristin Hannah is also a top pick. It's set during the Great Depression and Dust Bowl era in the United States. It vividly portrays the hardships of the time, through the eyes of its strong female protagonist. The historical backdrop is painted so well that you can almost feel the dust and the desperation.
Some of the great ones could be 'Circe' by Madeline Miller. It retells the story of the sorceress Circe in a vivid and engaging way, delving deep into her character and the world of Greek mythology. Another could be 'The Essex Serpent' which is set in Victorian England and combines elements of mystery and historical detail. 'Washington Black' is also notable, exploring themes of slavery and freedom through an adventure - filled narrative.
Some of the best 2024 historical fiction books could include those that explore different eras like the medieval period or the World War eras. For example, 'The Lost Kingdom' which might take readers on a journey through a forgotten ancient kingdom, with vivid descriptions of its culture, politics, and people. Another could be 'A Woman's War', highlighting the often - overlooked roles of women during wartime.
I really liked 'The Lincoln Highway' by Amor Towles. It takes readers on a journey across America in the post - World War II era. The characters are diverse and their individual stories intertwine beautifully. It gives a great sense of the time period, from the small - town America to the big cities.
A really good starting point is 'The Sign of the Beaver' by Elizabeth George Speare. It's set in colonial America and is an easy and engaging read. It shows the relationship between a white boy and a Native American. Another beginner - friendly book is 'Johnny Tremain' by Esther Forbes, which is about the American Revolution. It has simple language but tells a great story.