'Orlando' by Virginia Woolf has elements of sapphic historical fiction. It spans different historical periods and the main character, Orlando, has experiences that can be seen as exploring gender and sexual fluidity in a historical context. It's a very unique and thought - provoking work.
Well, 'Homegoing' was also very popular. Its multi - generational and multi - cultural story was very engaging. It was able to connect different historical periods and places in a very seamless way, which made it stand out among the other historical fiction books of 2016.
Also, 'Pachinko' was popular. Its multi - generational story of a Korean family was appealing to a wide range of readers. It not only told a great family story but also educated readers about the historical context of Korea under Japanese rule and the experiences of Korean immigrants.
In '100 historical fiction books', 'The Book Thief' is highly popular. Set during World War II, it tells the story of a girl who steals books. It has a unique narrative style. Also, 'The Help' is very well - liked. It shows the racial situation in the American South in the 1960s.
Don DeLillo's 'Falling Man' is also very popular. It has been praised for its in - depth exploration of the trauma and the sense of dislocation that people felt after the attacks. The way it weaves different stories together gives a comprehensive view of the post - 9/11 world.
I would say 'A Tale of Two Cities' by Charles Dickens is also very popular. Set during the French Revolution, it shows the contrast between London and Paris at that time. It's a classic that has been loved by generations for its vivid portrayal of that historical period.
Another popular one was 'The Alice Network' by Kate Quinn. It weaves together two timelines, one during World War I and the other after World War II. It tells the story of female spies and their crucial roles in the war, which attracted a lot of readers interested in both history and strong female characters.
Another is 'Fingersmith' by Sarah Waters. This book is set in Victorian England and is full of twists and turns. It follows the story of two women from very different backgrounds whose lives become intertwined in unexpected ways. The historical details of the era are vividly depicted, and the relationship between the two main characters is both complex and engaging.
I think 'A Game of Thrones' was really popular. It had a huge following due to its complex world - building and interesting characters. It was adapted into a very successful TV series which also increased its popularity.
Some historical fiction books that are part of a series can also be popular. If there was a book in the 2008 list that was part of a series about ancient Rome, for example, it could be popular. Readers often like to follow a story over multiple books, getting deeper into the history and the characters as the series progresses.
One common theme is secrecy. In many historical periods, same - sex relationships were not accepted, so the characters often have to keep their love a secret. For example, in books set in the 19th century.