best non western historical fiction

One great non - western historical fiction is 'The Tale of Genji' from Japan. It gives a vivid picture of the Heian period's court life, with its complex characters and their relationships. It's a classic that has influenced Japanese literature for centuries.

'Shogun' by James Clavell is a great non - western historical fiction. Set in feudal Japan, it follows an English sailor who gets caught up in the power struggles and cultural differences of Japanese society. It's a long and detailed account that brings the world of samurais and shoguns to life.

One of the best is 'Lonesome Dove' by Larry McMurtry. It's a sweeping epic that follows a cattle drive from Texas to Montana. The characters are richly drawn, and it gives a vivid picture of the Old West. Another great one is 'True Grit' by Charles Portis. The story of a young girl seeking revenge with the help of a U.S. Marshal is both heartwarming and exciting. And 'The Virginian' by Owen Wister is also a classic. It helped to define the Western genre with its portrayal of the cowboy hero.

Well, 'The Virginian' by Owen Wister is a classic. It really sets the tone for the western historical fiction genre with its portrayal of the cowboy code and the frontier life. Also, 'True Grit' by Charles Portis is excellent. It has a memorable protagonist in Mattie Ross and gives a great sense of the lawless nature of the Old West.

Well, 'Riders of the Purple Sage' by Zane Grey is a top pick. It's full of action, adventure, and the wild west setting. Then there's 'Blood Meridian' by Cormac McCarthy. It's a darker take on the west, exploring themes like violence and survival. 'True Grit' by Charles Portis is also excellent, with a strong - willed female protagonist seeking revenge in the western frontier.

Some of the best non - historical fiction books include 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen. This novel is a wonderful exploration of love, marriage, and social class in 19th - century England. Austen's sharp wit and well - drawn characters make it a pleasure to read. 'The Catcher in the Rye' by J.D. Salinger is also a top choice. It follows the angsty Holden Caulfield as he experiences a few days in New York City after being expelled from school. It captures the feelings of teenage alienation really well. And then there's 'Lord of the Flies' by William Golding, which is a thought - provoking story about a group of boys stranded on an island and how civilization and savagery interact.

One of the best historical western novels is 'Lonesome Dove' by Larry McMurtry. It tells a complex and engaging story of a cattle drive. Another great one is 'True Grit' by Charles Portis. The main character, Mattie Ross, is a strong and memorable figure. Also, 'The Virginian' by Owen Wister is a classic that helped define the western genre.

One great non - WW2 historical fiction book is 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco. It is set in a 14th - century Italian monastery and combines mystery, theology, and historical details. Another is 'Wolf Hall' by Hilary Mantel, which offers a vivid portrayal of the court of Henry VIII. 'The Pillars of the Earth' by Ken Follett is also excellent. It tells the story of the building of a cathedral in 12th - century England, full of complex characters and medieval life details.

Well, one characteristic is the vivid portrayal of the historical setting. It often includes detailed descriptions of the landscapes, towns, and daily life of the era. For example, in a western historical fiction set in the Wild West, you might read about dusty main streets, saloons filled with rowdy cowboys, and stagecoaches racing across the plains. Another aspect is the complex characters that are shaped by the historical context. They might have values and beliefs that were common during that time, like a sense of honor among outlaws or the strict moral code of the settlers. Also, the plots usually revolve around historical events or issues, such as land disputes, gold rushes, or conflicts between different ethnic groups in the West.

For beginners, 'The Virginian' is a great start. It's not too complex and gives a good feel for the western setting and the code of the west. 'True Grit' is also easy to get into, with a simple yet engaging plot. It has characters that are easy to like and a story that moves along well.