A 'Tipping the Velvet' by Sarah Waters. This novel is set in Victorian England. It tells the story of a young girl named Nan who falls in love with a male impersonator on stage. Her journey through different relationships and her self - discovery as a lesbian is beautifully depicted against the backdrop of historical London.
One great example could be 'The Price of Salt' by Patricia Highsmith. It's a significant work in lesbian historical fiction. The story is set in the 1950s and follows the relationship between two women, and the way their relationship develops in a society that was not very accepting at that time.
One characteristic is the exploration of secrecy. In many historical periods, same - sex relationships had to be hidden. So, in sealed letter lesbian historical fiction, the idea of secret correspondence or hidden messages often plays a role, like in stories where the characters communicate their feelings through coded letters.
'The Invention of Wings' is an excellent choice. It not only tells the story of the Grimké sisters but also gives insights into the era of slavery in the United States. The characters are well - developed and the story is full of emotion and historical details.
'Fingersmith' by Sarah Waters is also highly recommended. It's set in Victorian England and is full of twists and turns. The characters are well - developed and the portrayal of the lesbian relationship is complex and nuanced. It shows how women in that era had to navigate their feelings within a society with strict norms.
Historical lesbian fiction books often explore the social constraints of the time. For example, in many past eras, same - sex relationships were not accepted. So, these books show how the characters navigate this hostile environment. They also tend to have rich historical settings, like Victorian England or early 20th - century America, which add depth to the story.
One great book is 'The Price of Salt' by Patricia Highsmith. It was groundbreaking for its time in depicting a lesbian relationship within a historical context.
The most popular ones include 'Fingersmith' by Sarah Waters. It's set in the Victorian era and has a complex plot involving two women. 'The Price of Salt' is also very popular. Its movie adaptation 'Carol' also brought more attention to it. Another popular one is 'Tipping the Velvet' which has vivid descriptions of the lesbian experience in the 19th - century.
'Ammonite' by Nicola Griffith is set in a far - future, post - apocalyptic world, but still has elements of historical fiction in how it builds its society. The main character is a paleontologist, and there is a strong lesbian relationship at the heart of the story. It's a thought - provoking read that combines elements of different genres while still being centered around a lesbian relationship.
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.
Yes, The Scarlet Letter is considered historical fiction. It's set in a specific historical period and incorporates elements of that time.
One great lesbian fiction book is 'Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit' by Jeanette Winterson. It's a semi - autobiographical novel that tells the story of a young girl growing up in a religious community and coming to terms with her sexual orientation. The writing is vivid and the exploration of identity is really profound.