What are some of the 2016 historical fiction books that are highly recommended?

Definitely 'The Help' by Kathryn Stockett. It gives a great insight into the lives of African - American maids in the 1960s Mississippi. The story is both heartwarming and eye - opening. Another good one is 'The Alice Network' by Kate Quinn. It weaves together two storylines, one during World War I and the other after World War II. It has strong female characters and an exciting plot. And 'The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society' by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows is a charming read. Set just after World War II, it tells about the lives of the people on the island of Guernsey through their love for books.

I would say 'All the Light We Cannot See' by Anthony Doerr. This book is set during World War II and follows the parallel lives of a blind French girl and a German boy. It's beautifully written and really captures the essence of that historical period. Also, 'The Book Thief' by Markus Zusak is excellent. It's narrated by Death and tells about a girl in Nazi Germany who steals books. Then there's 'A Tale of Two Cities' by Charles Dickens, which is set during the French Revolution.

One of the highly recommended books from that list could be 'War and Peace' by Leo Tolstoy. It gives a vivid and in - depth look at Russian society during the Napoleonic era.

One great YA historical fiction on Goodreads is 'The Book Thief' by Markus Zusak. It's set during World War II and tells the story from the perspective of Death. Another is 'Code Name Verity' which is about female spies during the war. And 'Out of the Easy' by Ruta Sepetys is also popular, set in 1950s New Orleans.

One highly rated historical fiction book is 'The Pillars of the Earth' by Ken Follett. It vividly depicts the building of a cathedral in 12th - century England, with complex characters and a detailed portrayal of the era's social and political life.

Well, 'Moby - Dick' by Herman Melville is a highly recommended fiction book. It tells the story of Captain Ahab's obsessive quest for the white whale. 'The Catcher in the Rye' by J.D. Salinger is another. It's about a teenager's alienation and search for identity. And don't forget 'Brave New World' by Aldous Huxley. It presents a future society where people are conditioned from birth and shows the consequences of a technologically - controlled world.

I highly recommend 'The Underground Railroad'. It's not only a great work of historical fiction but also a powerful exploration of race in America. The way Colson Whitehead uses the concept of the railroad is both imaginative and thought - provoking.

One highly rated new historical fiction book is 'The Four Winds' by Kristin Hannah. It vividly depicts the Great Depression era in America, with strong characters and a captivating story. Another could be 'The Book of Lost Names' which combines elements of World War II and the art of forging documents. And 'The Rose Code' also stands out, set during World War II and filled with mystery and female friendship.

'The Nickel Boys' by Colson Whitehead is also highly recommended. It's based on a real - life reform school in Florida. The book tells the story of two boys at the school, Elwood and Turner, and the horrors they face. It's a poignant exploration of race, abuse of power, and the resilience of the human soul in the face of injustice.

There's also 'In the Ring'. This book is all about a boxer's journey from being a nobody to a champion. It has some really interesting characters aside from the boxer himself, like his trainer who has his own backstory and motives. It's a great exploration of the boxing world.