A third must - read could be 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco. Set in a medieval monastery, it combines mystery, theology, and historical details of the time period, making it a fascinating read for those interested in medieval history.
Another great one is 'Gone with the Wind' which vividly portrays the American South during the Civil War, showing the destruction, love, and the changing social order. It's a classic that really brings that era to life.
Some of the well - known ones are 'War and Peace' by Leo Tolstoy. It gives a detailed look at Russian society during the Napoleonic era.
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.
Some well - known must - read fictions include 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen. It's a classic that explores themes of love, marriage, and social class in 19th - century England. The characters are vividly drawn, like the independent Elizabeth Bennet and the proud Mr. Darcy.
In 2017, 'The Essex Serpent' by Sarah Perry was a standout. It combined historical elements with a touch of mystery and romance.
Well, 'The Great Gatsby' is a must - read. It portrays the decadence and excess of the Jazz Age in America. The story revolves around Jay Gatsby's love for Daisy Buchanan.
One cannot miss 'His Dark Materials' by Philip Pullman. It has a complex and thought - provoking world where people have daemons and there are multiple parallel universes. 'The Earthsea Cycle' by Ursula K. Le Guin is also essential. It focuses on the wizard Ged and his growth and adventures in the world of Earthsea, with themes of balance, power, and self - knowledge.
Some popular must - read Christian fiction books include 'The Chronicles of Narnia' series by C.S. Lewis. It weaves Christian themes into a fantastical world full of magic and adventure. Another one is 'The Pilgrim's Progress' by John Bunyan. It's an allegory that has been very influential in Christian literature. And 'Left Behind' series by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins is also quite well - known, which is about the end times.
A great one is 'Left Behind' series. It's about the end times and the rapture. It gives a fictional take on the Biblical prophecies. Also, 'Redeeming Love' by Francine Rivers is highly recommended. It's a retelling of the story of Hosea and Gomer set in the 1800s California Gold Rush, and it beautifully shows God's unconditional love.
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.