One of the most popular is probably 'Gone with the Wind'. It tells the story of Scarlett O'Hara during the American Civil War and Reconstruction era. The story is known for its strong female lead and the detailed portrayal of the South during that time.
I think 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco is also very popular. It combines a murder mystery with the historical setting of a medieval monastery. It's full of intellectual discussions, religious themes, and historical details that make it a fascinating read.
Well, 'The Thirteenth Tale' had a lot of fans too. It's a gothic - style historical fiction that weaves a complex web of mystery and family secrets. The atmospheric writing and the way it unfolds the story over different time periods really attracted readers.
I think 'The Da Vinci Code' is quite popular. It combines historical facts with a thrilling mystery, set against the backdrop of art history and religious secrets.
Well, 'Homegoing' was also very popular. Its multi - generational and multi - cultural story was very engaging. It was able to connect different historical periods and places in a very seamless way, which made it stand out among the other historical fiction books of 2016.
Also, 'Pachinko' was popular. Its multi - generational story of a Korean family was appealing to a wide range of readers. It not only told a great family story but also educated readers about the historical context of Korea under Japanese rule and the experiences of Korean immigrants.
I'm not entirely sure which ones were the most popular, but 'Bring Up the Bodies' was very well - received. It won many awards and was highly praised for its writing style and historical accuracy.
I think 'A Game of Thrones' was really popular. It had a huge following due to its complex world - building and interesting characters. It was adapted into a very successful TV series which also increased its popularity.
Some historical fiction books that are part of a series can also be popular. If there was a book in the 2008 list that was part of a series about ancient Rome, for example, it could be popular. Readers often like to follow a story over multiple books, getting deeper into the history and the characters as the series progresses.
One of the very popular ones is 'A Tale of Two Cities' by Charles Dickens. Set during the French Revolution, it contrasts the social conditions in London and Paris. Dickens' writing style and the complex plot make it a favorite among many readers.
The 'The Alice Network' was also very well - liked. It tells two parallel stories, one during World War I and one after World War II. The connection between the two timelines and the strong female characters made it a favorite among many.
'The Help' is also a popular historical fiction. Set in the 1960s in Mississippi, it shows the lives of African - American maids and the white families they work for. It's a story of courage, friendship, and the fight against racial discrimination. The book has been so successful that it was also made into a movie.