A top medieval fiction book is 'The Canterbury Tales' by Geoffrey Chaucer. Although it was written in Middle English, it has been translated and offers a collection of stories told by pilgrims, giving a great insight into medieval life. 'Gormenghast' by Mervyn Peake is also a notable work. It presents a strange and darkly atmospheric medieval - like world filled with unique characters and complex power struggles. And don't forget 'The Once and Future King' by T.H. White, which reimagines the Arthurian legend in a vivid medieval setting.
One of the top medieval fiction books is 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco. It's a complex and engaging mystery set in a medieval monastery. Another great one is 'Ivanhoe' by Sir Walter Scott, which vividly portrays medieval England with knights, tournaments, and political intrigue. 'Ken Follett's The Pillars of the Earth' also stands out. It tells the story of the building of a cathedral in the Middle Ages, with detailed descriptions of the era's society, from peasants to nobles.
Some top medieval fiction books include 'The Mists of Avalon' by Marion Zimmer Bradley. It retells the Arthurian legend from the perspective of the women involved, providing a different view of the medieval world. 'The Book of the New Sun' by Gene Wolfe is also highly regarded. It has elements of medieval - like society in a science - fiction - fantasy blend. 'Kristin Lavransdatter' by Sigrid Undset is set in medieval Norway and follows the life of a woman through love, marriage, and the social and religious norms of the time.