list of best historical fiction books

One great book on such a list could be 'Wolf Hall' by Hilary Mantel. It offers a vivid portrayal of Tudor England, with complex characters like Thomas Cromwell. Another is 'All the Light We Cannot See' which is set during World War II and tells a moving story of a blind French girl and a German boy. 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco is also a classic. It takes readers to a medieval monastery filled with mystery and intrigue.

One of the top books might be 'Circe' by Madeline Miller. It retells the story of Circe from Greek mythology in a very engaging way.

Some of the popular ones could be 'The Alice Network' by Kate Quinn. It weaves a story of female spies during World War I. Another might be 'Circe' by Madeline Miller which gives a new perspective on the character from Greek mythology in a historical context.

One of the well - known books on such a list could be 'Gone with the Wind'. It vividly depicts the American South during the Civil War era. Another might be 'The Pillars of the Earth' which takes readers back to 12th - century England and shows the building of a cathedral and the complex lives of the people involved.

Many of them would likely blend real historical events with fictional characters or storylines. So, you could have a story set during a real war, like the Napoleonic Wars, but the main characters could be fictional people whose lives are intertwined with the events of the war. This creates a more immersive experience for the reader as they get to see the big historical events from a more personal perspective.

I would say 'The Underground Railroad' by Colson Whitehead is a great choice. It's a Pulitzer - winning novel that takes the concept of the Underground Railroad and makes it a literal, physical railroad in the story. It's a harrowing look at slavery in the United States and the journey to freedom, with some elements of magical realism that add to the overall impact of the narrative.

One characteristic is their detailed historical settings. For example, in 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco, the medieval monastery setting is meticulously described, making readers feel like they are there.

For historical fiction, 'To Kill a Mockingbird' is a great choice. It gives an in - depth look at racial inequality in the American South during the 1930s through the eyes of a young girl. The story is both heart - warming and thought - provoking.

One of the popular books on the historical fiction best seller list is 'The Pillars of the Earth' by Ken Follett. It vividly depicts the building of a cathedral in 12th - century England, with complex characters and a detailed look at the society of that time.

One of the well - known books on the historical fiction best - sellers list is 'The Pillars of the Earth' by Ken Follett. It's set in 12th - century England and vividly depicts the building of a cathedral and the lives of the people involved.