20 best historical fiction novels

Among the 50 best historical fiction novels, 'Gone with the Wind' is a classic. It vividly depicts the American South during the Civil War and Reconstruction era. Margaret Mitchell brings to life the complex characters like Scarlett O'Hara. 'A Tale of Two Cities' by Charles Dickens is also notable. Set during the French Revolution, it shows the contrast between London and Paris at that time.

One of the best historical fiction novels is 'Wolf Hall' by Hilary Mantel. It offers a vivid portrayal of Tudor England, especially the court of Henry VIII, through the eyes of Thomas Cromwell. The detailed descriptions of the political intrigue and the complex characters make it a remarkable read.

One of the best is 'Wolf Hall' by Hilary Mantel. It offers a vivid portrayal of Thomas Cromwell's life during the Tudor period. The detailed descriptions of the court intrigue and power struggles are fascinating.

Some of the best historical fiction novels include 'War and Peace' by Leo Tolstoy. It vividly depicts the Napoleonic era in Russia. Another great one is 'Pride and Prejudice' which gives insights into the social and cultural norms of the English gentry in the 19th century. Also, 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco is a masterpiece set in a medieval monastery.

Well, one of the top historical fiction novels is 'A Tale of Two Cities' by Charles Dickens. It shows the contrast between London and Paris during the French Revolution. 'The Kite Runner' is also a significant work. It's set in Afghanistan and shows the historical and cultural changes in that country over time. And don't forget 'Wolf Hall' by Hilary Mantel. It gives an in - depth look at the court of Henry VIII in Tudor England.

One of the best YA historical fiction novels is 'The Book Thief' by Markus Zusak. It's set during World War II and is narrated by Death. It gives a unique perspective on the war and the power of words. Another great one is 'Code Name Verity' which has a gripping story about female friendship in the context of war - time espionage. 'Out of the Dust' by Karen Hesse is also excellent, told in verse form, it shows the harsh reality of the Dust Bowl era in the United States.

One of the best is 'The Three Musketeers' by Alexandre Dumas. It's set in 17th - century France and follows the adventures of d'Artagnan and his musketeer friends. It's full of sword fights, political intrigue, and honor - bound quests. Another great one is 'Sharpe' series by Bernard Cornwell. Set during the Napoleonic Wars, it features Richard Sharpe, a rifleman who rises through the ranks. His battles and personal growth make for exciting reads. Then there's 'The Pillars of the Earth' by Ken Follett which, while also about the building of a cathedral, has plenty of action in the historical context of 12th - century England, including battles, sieges and power struggles.

Another great one is 'Midnight's Children' by Salman Rushdie. This novel weaves a complex tapestry of India's transition from colonial rule to independence. It follows the lives of children born at the stroke of midnight on India's independence day, and through their stories, it reflects on the country's history, politics, and cultural changes. Rushdie's use of magical realism makes it a truly unique read.

One of the best is 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco. It's set in a medieval monastery and is filled with mystery, religious intrigue, and complex characters. The detailed descriptions of the monastery's daily life and the intellectual debates are fascinating.

One of the best historical fiction novels is 'War and Peace' by Leo Tolstoy. It vividly depicts Russian society during the Napoleonic era. Another great one is 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen, which gives insights into the English upper - class life in the 19th century. 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco is also remarkable, set in a medieval monastery.