Best summer reads historical fiction: Which historical fiction novels are popular for summer reading?

One great historical fiction for summer reading is 'The Pillars of the Earth' by Ken Follett. It's set in the 12th - century England and is full of rich detail about the building of a cathedral, along with complex characters and their intertwined lives. It's a long but engaging read that can keep you occupied during those long summer days.

Well, 'Exit West' by Mohsin Hamid is a great pick. It's a unique love story set against the backdrop of a world in turmoil. The writing is beautiful and the concept of doors that can take people to different places is really interesting, making it a good read for summer when you might be looking for something different.

I would recommend 'Wolf Hall' by Hilary Mantel. This book delves into the life of Thomas Cromwell in the Tudor court. The detailed descriptions of the political intrigue and the historical setting are fascinating. Reading it during summer can be a great way to immerse yourself in a different era while enjoying the warm days.

Another is 'Circe' by Madeline Miller. This book retells the story of Circe from Greek mythology in a historical fiction context. It delves deep into her character, her exile, and her interactions with other mythological figures. The vivid descriptions of the ancient world make it a perfect choice for those lazy summer days when you want to get lost in a different time and place.

If you like historical fiction, 'Gone with the Wind' by Margaret Mitchell is a classic that never gets old. Set during the American Civil War and Reconstruction era, it has strong characters like Scarlett O'Hara. Reading it during summer can give you a chance to fully experience the epic love and the historical turmoil of that time.

I'd recommend 'The Sun Also Rises'. It's set in the 1920s and follows a group of expatriates in Europe during the summer. The novel captures the disillusionment of the Lost Generation. It has great descriptions of the Spanish landscape during the fiesta season, which is full of energy and passion.

Well, 'The Four Winds' by Kristin Hannah has been really popular. It tells the story of a woman during the Great Depression in America. It's a story of struggle and survival, and it's set against a well - researched historical backdrop.

First, consider your interests. If you like ancient history, look for books set in that period like 'I, Claudius'. If you're into more recent history, something like 'The Help' which is set in the 1960s American South could be good. Second, check reviews. Goodreads is a great place to see what other readers thought. Third, look at the author's reputation. Authors known for their historical research like Bernard Cornwell usually write great historical fiction.

One great option is 'The Pillars of the Earth' by Ken Follett. It's set in 12th - century England and vividly portrays the building of a cathedral and the lives of the people involved. Another is 'Wolf Hall' by Hilary Mantel, which takes you into the court of Henry VIII. And 'All the Light We Cannot See' is also wonderful. It tells a story about a blind French girl and a German boy during World War II.

I highly recommend 'Project Hail Mary' by Andy Weir. Although it's a science - fiction novel, it has a sense of adventure that is perfect for summer. The main character's journey to save humanity in a far - flung corner of the universe is filled with unexpected twists and turns and his determination can be quite inspiring.