I'd recommend 'Gone with the Wind'. It's set during the American Civil War and Reconstruction era. It gives a detailed look at the society, relationships, and the changing times. The characters are complex and the story is engaging, showing how the war affected different people in different ways.
One more is 'The Pillars of the Earth' by Ken Follett. It's about the building of a cathedral in 12th - century England. It delves into the lives of the people involved, from the nobles to the peasants, and shows the political, social, and religious aspects of that time period.
Sure. 'Wolf Hall' by Hilary Mantel is a great one. It vividly depicts the court of Henry VIII. Another is 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco, which combines a mystery with a medieval monastery setting.