Must - read historical fiction books set in Italy.

One great book is 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco. It is set in an Italian monastery in the 14th century. The story is full of mystery and intrigue as a Franciscan friar investigates a series of murders. Another is 'A Room with a View' by E. M. Forster. This novel is set in Florence, Italy. It tells the story of a young English woman's journey of self - discovery during her travels in Italy, with themes of love, class, and social propriety. And 'Under the Tuscan Sun' by Frances Mayes is also a wonderful choice. It's about the author's experiences renovating a Tuscan villa, filled with beautiful descriptions of the Italian countryside and the local culture.

The book 'Lincoln in the Bardo' by George Saunders is a must - read. It's a unique take on historical fiction as it focuses on the death of Abraham Lincoln's son and Lincoln's visit to the cemetery. The writing style is experimental, with multiple voices, which makes it an interesting read and gives a different perspective on a well - known historical figure.

One must - read historical fiction from 2017 is 'The Essex Serpent' by Sarah Perry. It's set in Victorian England and weaves a tale of mystery and social change around the supposed sighting of a mythical serpent. The characters are richly drawn, and it gives a great sense of the time period's superstitions and scientific progress.

I would also recommend 'All the Light We Cannot See' by Anthony Doerr. This novel is set during World War II and follows the lives of a blind French girl and a German boy. It beautifully weaves together their stories, showing the impact of the war on individuals, and also provides a lot of historical details about the occupation of France and the German military.

Definitely 'The Divine Comedy' by Dante Alighieri. It's set in different parts of the afterlife but is very much related to Italian culture and theology. Dante's journey through Hell, Purgatory, and Paradise is a fundamental work of Italian literature. 'Invisible Cities' by Italo Calvino is also set in Italy, in a sense. It features descriptions of many fantastical cities which can be seen as an exploration of Italian cities and their unique qualities.

I highly recommend 'The Name of the Rose'. It's a brilliant work that delves deep into medieval Italy's religious and intellectual life. The detailed descriptions of the monastery and the complex plot make it a must - read. Another is 'The Leopard'. It gives a great insight into Sicilian society during a crucial period of Italian history.

A simple yet engaging historical fiction book is 'Johnny Tremain' by Esther Forbes. It takes place during the American Revolution and follows the journey of a young apprentice. It's a good way to learn about the events and spirit of that era.

In 2017, 'The Essex Serpent' by Sarah Perry was a standout. It combined historical elements with a touch of mystery and romance.

Another great one is 'The Green House'. This book weaves together different stories set in different time periods in Peru. It gives a vivid picture of the country's social and historical changes, with complex characters and an engaging narrative.

One great historical Irish fiction book is 'Ulysses' by James Joyce. It's a complex and detailed exploration of a day in Dublin, filled with rich historical and cultural references. Another is 'Angela's Ashes' by Frank McCourt. It tells the story of a young boy growing up in poverty in Ireland, giving a vivid picture of the time. 'The Picture of Dorian Gray' by Oscar Wilde also has elements related to Irish society of that era.