One great example is 'Maurice' by E. M. Forster. It was written in the early 20th century but not published until later due to its gay themes. It beautifully portrays the life and love of a gay man in that era. Another is 'The Song of Achilles' by Madeline Miller. It reimagines the relationship between Achilles and Patroclus in a very tender and homoerotic way, set against the backdrop of Greek mythology which is a form of historical context. Also, 'Giovanni's Room' by James Baldwin is a significant work. It delves deep into the protagonist's struggle with his identity and his relationship with Giovanni in a Parisian setting, exploring themes of love, lust, and self - acceptance in a historical context.
I would recommend 'A Single Man' by Christopher Isherwood. This novel is set in 1960s America and follows the life of a gay man, George, after the death of his partner. It gives a great insight into the social situation of gay people at that time. Then there's 'Orlando' by Virginia Woolf. While not strictly a traditional gay historical fiction, it has elements of gender fluidity and queer themes. Orlando changes gender over the course of centuries, and there are homoerotic undertones in the relationships described. And 'Fingersmith' by Sarah Waters is also a great pick. It is set in Victorian England and has a complex plot involving lesbian relationships, which also reflects the social mores and constraints of that historical period.
Another great one is 'Giovanni's Room' by James Baldwin. This novel delves deep into themes of identity, love, and self - acceptance. It's set in Paris and follows the protagonist as he grapples with his feelings for Giovanni. The writing is poignant and Baldwin's exploration of the human heart is masterful.
'Maurice' by E. M. Forster is also a classic. It was written in the early 20th century but wasn't published until later due to its homosexual themes. It follows the life of Maurice Hall as he discovers his homosexuality and struggles with society's expectations while also falling in love.
One great gay fiction book is 'Call Me By Your Name' by André Aciman. It beautifully captures a summer love between two young men. The prose is lyrical and really draws you into the emotions of the characters. Another is 'Maurice' by E. M. Forster. It was quite revolutionary for its time, dealing with homosexuality in a more open way compared to many works of that era. 'Giovanni's Room' by James Baldwin is also a classic. It delves deep into themes of identity, love, and the self - discovery of a gay man.
Some of the 2016 best historical fiction books could include 'The Underground Railroad' by Colson Whitehead. It's a powerful novel that reimagines the Underground Railroad as an actual railroad system underground, exploring themes of slavery and freedom in a very unique way.
One of the best is 'Wolf Hall' by Hilary Mantel. It vividly portrays the court of Henry VIII. Another great one is 'All the Light We Cannot See' which tells a moving story set during World War II. 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco is also a classic, with its complex mystery set in a medieval monastery.
One of the best historical fiction books is 'The Pillars of the Earth' by Ken Follett. It vividly depicts the building of a cathedral in 12th - century England, with complex characters and a detailed look at the society of the time. Another great one is 'Gone with the Wind' which gives a sweeping view of the American South during the Civil War and Reconstruction era. 'Wolf Hall' by Hilary Mantel is also excellent, presenting a unique perspective on the court of Henry VIII.
Some top historical fiction books include 'Gone with the Wind' by Margaret Mitchell. Set during the American Civil War, it shows the destruction and the changing social order through the eyes of Scarlett O'Hara. Then there's 'A Tale of Two Cities' by Charles Dickens. This classic novel portrays the events leading up to the French Revolution and the impact on the lives of the characters. Also, 'The Book Thief' by Markus Zusak is a remarkable one, narrated by Death and set in Nazi Germany.
One of the best historical fiction books is 'Wolf Hall' by Hilary Mantel. It offers a vivid portrayal of the court of Henry VIII. Another great one is 'All the Light We Cannot See' which takes place during World War II and beautifully weaves the stories of a blind French girl and a German boy. 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco is also a classic, set in a medieval monastery filled with mystery and intrigue.
Well, 'The Mirror & the Light' by Hilary Mantel is also a 2020 historical fiction. It's the final part of her Cromwell trilogy, giving a detailed look at the life of Thomas Cromwell in Tudor England. And 'A Long Petal of the Sea' by Isabel Allende is set during the Spanish Civil War and the aftermath, following the journey of refugees.
One of the books could be 'The Nightingale' by Kristin Hannah. It's set during World War II and tells a powerful story of two sisters in France. Another might be 'All the Light We Cannot See' which also has a World War II backdrop and is a beautifully written story of a blind French girl and a German boy. And 'The Underground Railroad' by Colson Whitehead is a great example too, with its unique take on the Underground Railroad in the context of slavery in America.