Well, really good historical fiction books typically have a strong sense of place. They make you feel like you are actually in that historical era. Take 'Cold Mountain' for instance. It makes the American Civil War era come alive. They also usually have characters that are relatable yet representative of the times. 'The Red Tent' has characters that are based on the biblical era but are very human. And they often use historical events as a backdrop to tell a more personal, human story, like how 'The Color Purple' uses the rural South's history to tell Celie's story.
Some really good historical fiction books include 'The Kite Runner' which delves into the complex history of Afghanistan. It's a story of friendship and betrayal against the backdrop of a war - torn country. 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco is set in a 14th - century Italian monastery and is a mystery that also provides a great deal of historical context. 'I, Claudius' by Robert Graves is another good one, presenting a fictionalized view of the early Roman Empire.
Compelling characters. In really good historical fiction, the characters should feel like real people who could have existed in that time period. They should have believable motives and reactions to the historical events around them. For instance, in 'War and Peace', Tolstoy's characters are so well - drawn that they bring the Napoleonic era to life. And their personal dramas are intertwined with the grand historical events.
Another great one is 'Left Behind' by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins. This series focuses on the end times and what might happen to believers and non - believers during that period. It has been very popular and has made many people think about their faith and the future. It's full of action and drama as the story unfolds.
I would recommend 'The Water Dancer' by Ta - Nehisi Coates. It combines elements of historical fiction with a touch of magic. It tells the story of a young man's journey through slavery and his discovery of a special power. It's a powerful exploration of the African - American experience during slavery times.
One great historical fiction book from 2019 is 'The Testaments' by Margaret Atwood. It's a sequel to 'The Handmaid's Tale' and delves deeper into the dystopian world she created. It gives a lot of insight into the power structures and the lives of women in that society.
A good historical fiction book for kids is 'Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry' by Mildred D. Taylor. It depicts the life of an African - American family in the South during the Great Depression and the racial discrimination they faced. 'The Bronze Bow' by Elizabeth George Speare is another great one. It's set in the time of Jesus and gives a view of life in that region during that period. 'Carry On, Mr. Bowditch' by Jean Lee Latham is set in the 18th century and tells the story of a self - taught mathematician, showing the educational and social environment of that time.
A good one is 'Gone with the Wind' which is set during the American Civil War. It shows the life of Scarlett O'Hara and how the war affects the South. And 'The Pillars of the Earth' by Ken Follett is also excellent. It takes place in 12th - century England and details the building of a cathedral.
One great historical fiction book is 'The Pillars of the Earth' by Ken Follett. It's set in 12th - century England and vividly depicts the building of a cathedral, along with the political, religious, and social unrest of the time. The characters are well - developed and it gives a very immersive experience of that era.
Sure! Historical fiction books can be great. They offer a unique blend of real events and fictional characters, making history come alive in an engaging way.