For historical fiction, 'Roots: The Saga of an American Family' is a must - read. It traces the history of an African - American family from their origins in Africa to slavery in America. 'Midnight's Children' by Salman Rushdie is set in India around the time of its independence and is filled with magical realism and historical references. Also, 'The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society' which is set after World War II on the island of Guernsey and shows how the war has affected the lives of the people there.
A really good historical fiction book is 'The Good Earth' by Pearl S. Buck. It's about a Chinese peasant family in the early 20th century, giving insights into Chinese rural life and culture. 'The Other Boleyn Girl' by Philippa Gregory is also worth reading. It focuses on the Boleyn family during the reign of Henry VIII. Then there's 'The Far Pavilions' which is set in India during the British Raj and has a great adventure story with historical details.
'All But My Life' by Gerda Weissmann Klein is an excellent choice. It tells the story of Gerda's survival through the Holocaust. Her journey through various camps and her ultimate liberation gives a detailed and moving account of what it was like to endure those dark times. The book also emphasizes the strength of the human spirit in the face of extreme adversity.
Sure. 'The Picture of Dorian Gray' by Oscar Wilde has elements of Irish historical context. Wilde was Irish and the book reflects some of the cultural and social aspects of his time. Another is 'The Commitments' by Roddy Doyle. It shows the working - class Irish life in Dublin and how music was an important part of their lives.
I highly recommend 'The Light Between Oceans' by M. L. Stedman. It's set in the early 20th century on an Australian lighthouse island. It deals with themes of love, loss, and moral dilemmas. The characters' choices and their consequences are very thought - provoking. 'The Bronze Horseman' by Paullina Simons is set during World War II in Leningrad. It shows the strength of the human spirit in the face of extreme hardship. And 'The Time Traveler's Wife' by Audrey Niffenegger, while it has a time - traveling aspect, is also set in different historical times and has a very moving love story that can be seen as inspiring.
Sure. 'The Golem and the Jinni' is a great one. It combines elements of Jewish and Arabian folklore and is set in 19th - century New York City. Another is 'Wolf Hall' by Hilary Mantel. It offers a detailed look at the court of Henry VIII through the eyes of Thomas Cromwell. And 'All the Light We Cannot See' by Anthony Doerr, which is about a blind French girl and a German boy during World War II.
Sure. 'The Lincoln Highway' by Amor Towles is a great one. It's set in post - World War II America and follows the journey of a young man and his friends across the country. The story is filled with interesting characters and historical details that bring that era to life.
Sure. 'The Four Winds' is excellent. It focuses on a family's hardships during the Dust Bowl and their journey to find a better life. The characters are well - drawn, and you can really feel their pain and hope.
Sure. 'The Night Watchman' by Louise Erdrich is a great one. It's based on the real - life experiences of the author's grandfather, who worked to protect Native American rights in the 1950s. It gives a deep look into that period of Native American history and the struggles they faced.
Sure. 'The Lost Apothecary' by Sarah Penner. It's a really interesting book that weaves together the story of a female apothecary in the past who dispenses poisons to women wronged by men, and a modern - day woman who discovers her story. It's a great read for those who like historical mysteries.
In 2021, 'Cloud Cuckoo Land' by Anthony Doerr was also quite popular. This book jumps across different historical eras and locations, connecting the stories of various characters through a single ancient text. It's a complex and beautifully written piece of historical fiction.
Sure. 'All the Light We Cannot See' is a top pick. It has a great narrative that switches between different characters' perspectives during the war, which gives a broad view of what was happening. The characters are well - developed, and you can't help but be drawn into their stories.