Can you recommend some witty historical fiction books?

I would suggest 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco. It's a complex and witty mystery set in a medieval monastery. Eco's erudite writing and the interplay between the characters in that historical context are very engaging. 'The Secret History' by Donna Tartt is another. It's about a group of students studying Classics and the dark events that unfold among them, told with a certain dry wit. And 'Cold Comfort Farm' by Stella Gibbons is a satirical look at rural life in the 1930s England, with lots of funny characters and situations.

Witty historical fiction books often have a unique narrative voice. They might use a first - person narrator who has a sarcastic or humorous take on the events around them, as seen in 'The Secret History'. The play on historical facts and fictional elements is also key. These books can take real historical periods and add fictional characters or situations that create humorous or thought - provoking scenarios. For instance, 'Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell' does this with magic in 19th - century England. Moreover, the books can use irony to great effect, highlighting the absurdities of both the historical period and human nature.

Well, it often combines two very interesting elements. Firstly, the historical setting gives a sense of authenticity and allows readers to learn about different eras. Secondly, the wit makes it not just a dull history lesson. For example, in 'The Canterbury Tales' by Geoffrey Chaucer, the satirical take on different social classes during the Middle Ages is both educational and entertaining.

'Jamaica Inn' by Daphne du Maurier is also a notable 1991 historical fiction. It is set in Cornwall in the early 19th century and involves smuggling and mystery. The atmospheric descriptions of the Cornish landscape and the dangerous underworld of smugglers make it an engaging read.

Also, 'The Mirror & the Light' by Hilary Mantel is worth mentioning. It is the final part of her trilogy about Thomas Cromwell. It shows Cromwell's rise and fall during the Tudor period, providing a detailed and immersive look into the politics, court life, and power struggles of that historical time.

One great historical fiction book is 'The Pillars of the Earth' by Ken Follett. It vividly depicts the building of a cathedral in 12th - century England. Another is 'Wolf Hall' by Hilary Mantel, which gives a detailed look at the court of Henry VIII. 'All the Light We Cannot See' is also a wonderful choice. It's set during World War II and tells the story of a blind French girl and a German boy.

Two excellent historical fiction books are 'The Book Thief' by Markus Zusak. It's a story about a girl in Nazi Germany who steals books. And 'I, Claudius' by Robert Graves, which delves into the Roman Empire from the perspective of Claudius.

One of the books from that list could be 'The Goldfinch' by Donna Tartt. It's a great historical fiction with a rich narrative set in different time periods.

Another great one might be 'March' by Geraldine Brooks. It gives a unique perspective on the events of 'Little Women' from the father's point of view during the Civil War. It's a very engaging read that delves deep into the historical context of that time.

One of the great historical fiction books from 2016 could be 'The Underground Railroad' by Colson Whitehead. It's a powerful novel that reimagines the Underground Railroad as an actual railroad underground. It gives a vivid and often harrowing look at the experience of slaves trying to escape to freedom.