I really like 'Call Me by Your Name' which is also part of goodreads gay historical fiction. It's set in Italy during a certain period and shows the budding relationship between two young men. It's not just about the romance but also about self - discovery and the cultural context of the time. There's also 'A Single Man' which gives a great insight into the life of a gay man in a different era. It shows his daily struggles and his memories.
A notable work is 'Orlando' by Virginia Woolf. It's a unique story where the main character changes gender over time and has elements of same - sex attraction. Then there's 'Stone Butch Blues' which delves into the experiences of a butch lesbian in the past. It gives a very real and often difficult look at the lives of lesbians in a historical context.
One great historical fiction from 1989 could be 'The Pillars of the Earth' by Ken Follett. It's a sweeping epic set in the Middle Ages, full of detailed descriptions of architecture, power struggles, and the lives of ordinary people at that time.
Diana Gabaldon was also well - liked. Her 'Outlander' series combines historical fiction with elements of time travel and romance. The series has a huge following and the books are full of rich historical details about Scotland and other places and times.
One great Irish historical fiction on Goodreads is 'The Dubliners' by James Joyce. It gives a vivid picture of life in Dublin during a particular era. Another is 'Troubles' by J. G. Farrell which is set during the Irish War of Independence. And 'Brooklyn' by Colm Tóibín is also a popular choice, telling a story of an Irish immigrant in the US with a backdrop of Irish history.
Yes, 'The Last Convertible' by Anton Myrer is a good one. It's set during World War II and follows the lives of a group of college friends as they are drawn into the war. It shows how their relationships change and how they face the challenges of the war.
Well, they often have very detailed historical settings. They describe the battlefields, the camps, and the daily life of soldiers and civilians during the Civil War.
I also recall 'Circe' by Madeline Miller being highly recommended. It's a retelling of the story of Circe from Greek mythology, but set in a historical context that gives a vivid picture of the ancient world. The writing is beautiful and really brings the characters to life.
You can start by looking at the lower - rated books with few reviews. Sometimes, these are the hidden gems that haven't been discovered by the masses yet. Also, check out the lists made by niche readers who are really into Irish history. They might have some great finds that the general lists miss.
A third option could be 'Wolf Hall' by Hilary Mantel. It's set in the Tudor court and follows the rise of Thomas Cromwell. Mantel's writing is known for its historical accuracy and her ability to bring the past to life. The political intrigue and the complex characters make it a fascinating read for those interested in historical fiction. It's also been highly rated on Goodreads.