best books of 2023 historical fiction

One great 2019 historical fiction is 'The Dutch House' by Ann Patchett. It tells a story of family, love, and loss over decades, set in a grand old house. Another is 'The Testaments' by Margaret Atwood which is a continuation of the dystopian world she created in 'The Handmaid's Tale' but also has historical elements. And 'The Water Dancer' by Ta - Nehisi Coates is a powerful story about slavery and the Underground Railroad, with a touch of magical realism.

'The Mermaid and Mrs Hancock' by Imogen Hermes Gowar is also a notable 2018 historical fiction. It combines elements of the Georgian London setting with the magical idea of a mermaid. The story delves into the society of that era, exploring themes like class, gender, and the power of rumors while also having an element of the fantastical.

Some of the well - known historical fiction books from 2020 could be 'The Vanishing Half' by Brit Bennett. It tells the story of twin sisters in the context of racial segregation in America. Another one might be 'Hamnet' by Maggie O'Farrell which delves into the family life of Shakespeare.

I think 'Gone with the Wind' is a great historical fiction. It tells the story of Scarlett O'Hara during the American Civil War and Reconstruction era. The book shows the social, economic and cultural changes of that time through her eyes, with a rich and engaging plot.

One of the best is 'I, Claudius' by Robert Graves. It offers a vivid portrayal of the Roman imperial family. The characters are well - developed and the story gives great insights into the political intrigue and power struggles of the time.

I think 'Wolf Hall' by Hilary Mantel is also great. It delves deep into the court of Henry VIII, following the rise of Thomas Cromwell. Mantel's writing is so immersive that you feel like you are right there in the Tudor court, experiencing all the political intrigue and power struggles.

There was also 'The Invention of Wings' by Sue Monk Kidd. It's based on the real - life story of abolitionist Sarah Grimké. It weaves together the lives of the Grimké sisters and their fight for freedom and equality, giving a great look into the historical context of slavery and the fight against it.

Another great one is 'All the Light We Cannot See' by Anthony Doerr. It weaves together the lives of a blind French girl and a German boy. The vivid descriptions of the war - torn landscapes and the characters' inner worlds are captivating.

One of the best historical fiction books is 'Wolf Hall' by Hilary Mantel. It vividly portrays the court of Henry VIII. Another great one is 'The Pillars of the Earth' by Ken Follett, which takes readers back to the building of a cathedral in the Middle Ages. 'All the Light We Cannot See' by Anthony Doerr is also excellent, set during World War II.

One of the best historical fiction books is 'Gone with the Wind' by Margaret Mitchell. It vividly depicts the American South during the Civil War and Reconstruction era. The story of Scarlett O'Hara is both captivating and complex, showing the social, economic, and personal upheavals of that time.