What are the top works of historical fiction?

Most of the top 100 historical fictions are known for their immersive settings. They make you feel like you are in that historical period. Take 'Gone with the Wind' for instance. You can almost smell the gunpowder and feel the heat of the South during the Civil War. Also, they usually have complex plots. 'I, Claudius' has a web of political intrigue in the Roman Empire. And they often explore important historical themes such as power, love, and social change.

Some of the well - known ones could be 'War and Peace' by Leo Tolstoy. It's a massive epic that delves into the Napoleonic era in Russia, showing the lives of various characters from different social strata. Another might be 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco, set in a medieval monastery with a complex mystery. And 'Gone with the Wind' by Margaret Mitchell, which vividly depicts the American South during the Civil War and Reconstruction era.

One of the great works could be 'The Underground Railroad' which offers a unique take on the historical topic of slavery. It presents the Underground Railroad as an actual railroad underground, adding a touch of magical realism to the historical narrative.

Some great ones are 'The Mermaid and Mrs. Hancock'. It's a novel that takes us to the 18th - century London. The story weaves around a mermaid's arrival and how it impacts the lives of the characters. It's filled with vivid descriptions of the era.

Another well - known one could be 'Lady Chatterley's Lover' by D. H. Lawrence. It was controversial at the time of its release due to its sexual content, but it also provides a vivid portrayal of relationships in a historical setting. It explores the sexual awakening of a woman in a society with strict moral codes.

One of the great works could be 'The Essex Serpent'. It beautifully weaves historical settings with a touch of mystery. The characters are well - developed and the description of the era is vivid.

Sure. 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco is a great historical fiction. It's set in a 14th - century Italian monastery and is full of mystery and intellectual debates.

One of the best is 'War and Peace' by Leo Tolstoy. It vividly depicts the Napoleonic era in Russia, with complex characters and a grand scope. The story follows multiple aristocratic families, showing how war affects them.

Some of the great 2021 historical fiction works include 'The Four Winds' by Kristin Hannah. It tells a story set during the Great Depression. Another one could be 'The Rose Code' by Kate Quinn which is set around Bletchley Park during World War II.

'A Long Petal of the Sea' by Isabel Allende was an excellent historical fiction in 2020. It follows the journey of two characters through challenging times.