What is one of your favorite historical fiction books?
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The Virgin's Lover and The Other Boleyn Girl, both by Philippa Gregory
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Mysteries by Fiona Buckley are a great overview of the Elizabethan era, and fun to read as well. She covers everything from the death of Amy Robarts to the massacre of the Huguenots in France to the uneasy relationship between Elizabeth I and Mary Stuart.
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My favorite historical novel is The Game of Kings by Dorothy Dunnett. All 6 books in this series are just THE BEST.
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I can't just choose one...so, anything by Sharon Kay Penman, the historical mystery series by Sharon Newman, and Centennial andChesapeake by James Michener...just to name a few.
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The Birth of Venus by Sarah Dunant is my "current" favorite historical fiction.
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Without a doubt the most fascinating historical novel I've read isOutlander by Diana Gabaldon, followed by the rest of the series. The relationship between Jamie and Claire was fun, and the history lessons were painless. The whole series was captivating. I couldn't wait for each new book. I hope she's not done with this couple.
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Girl With a Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier
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I really enjoyed reading Slammerkin by Emma Donoghue. It was quite engrossing, and I could hardly put it down.
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As a teen I read and loved Mila 18 by Leon Uris, a powerful novel set in the Warsaw Ghetto during the Nazi invasion of Poland...amazing characters, very moving. Recent Historical reads that I love include Tulip Fever and Girl with a Pearl Earring. I was not aware of the whole tulip craze in Holland and this book was fascinating. And of course, what's not to love about Girl with a Pearl Earring...wonderful read!
Connie Tritt, Carlisle, PA
All the historical novels by Edward Rutherford are great but I think I enjoyed Russka the best.
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My favorite Historical Fiction book was The Source by James Michener.
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Angels & Demons by Dan Brown is my favorite historical fiction. I learned a lot about the Catholic Church in Rome. And it was a good fiction read.
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Needless to say, Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell.
Andrea from Pittsburgh
One of my favorite historical fiction books is Homeland by John Jakes. I have read this several times because it gives a true sense of the German immigrant experience in Chicago during a time in history where the rich truly did get richer and the poor struggled to survive. John Jakes's style of writing allows you to become caught up in the story of his characters but also very accurately portrays the period in history with regard to war, inventions, political strife and the like. When one reads Homeland it is difficult not to feel as though you are part of the story itself and also develop a greater appreciation of the sense of history.
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My favorite historical fiction book was Andersonville by Robert Vaughan. This is a terrific and engrossing story of Union soldiers who were imprisoned under the worst conditions during the Civil War. It is a fictional tale based upon real events. The author creates compelling characters who you really care about. It is a real page-turner. You will find yourself unable to put it down from start to finish. It is an excellent book to get anyone interested in learning more about history. After I read this book, my husband and nephews and relatives and I took a trip to Gettysburg, PA to learn more about the Civil War.
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My favorite historical fiction was The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory. A fantastic read!!!!!!
Tamela McCann
I love historical fiction and read a lot of it! One of my very favorite historical fiction authors is Sharon Kay Penman, and my favorite of hers is When Christ and His Saints Slept. It was the first Penman I read and it retains a special place in my heart for bringing the story of Matilda and her quest for the English throne to life.
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My favorite historical book is anything written by Dorothy Garlock.
Patricia Schrot
My favorite historical fiction was/is The Sunne in Splendour by Sharon Kay Penman.
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My favorite historical fiction has to be Centennial by James Michener. I love all of Michener's I have read, but I really learned a good deal about the west from this book.
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The Midnight Band of Mercy by Michael Blaine
S. Weber Calais, Maine
I read Katherine by Anya Seton as a young girl, and was quite influenced by it. It made me curious about history, British in particular, and the Plantagenet family of rulers.
I have also always enjoyed Michener because his fiction had such a rich base in fact that I felt I was being educated just enjoying his books. I often was inspired to research the subject and truly "learn" about the era or subjects of his work. Thomas Costain'sBelow the Salt had the same effect on my early years.
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I loved John Jakes book called Charleston. It was truly great reading.
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I have two favorite Historical fiction books: Gone With the Windand The Source.
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The Hornet's Nest by Jimmy Carter
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One of my favorites is Oliver Wiswell by Kenneth Roberts. It gives a different perspective of the Revolutionary War and I really loved it. I have read it at least 3 times. Actually, I like all his books.
Anonymous
Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell
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I like W.E.B. Griffin's books.
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One that comes to mind immediately is Flashback by Nevada Barr. It takes place in Dry Tortugas National Park seventy miles off Key West in the Gulf of Mexico. Ranger Anna Pigeon takes up a post at Garden Key, which is the home of Fort Jefferson, a notorious Union prison during the Civil War. A mystery concerning alleged Lincoln assassination co-conspirator Dr. Samuel Mudd interweaves with current crimes. Nevada Barr alternates chapters --- one about Civil War concerns, and the other about a modern mystery. I thought it was fascinating to see these two mysteries come together in the final pages. We get an outstanding description of Fort Jefferson and Garden Key. We also learn a great deal about what went on there when Fort Jefferson was a Civil War prison. I highly recommend this book.
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Credo by Melvyn Bragg. He is an excellent writer, and this story about the early Christian church in 7th century Northumbria is possibly his best book. It's well researched, fascinating and impossible to put down.
Heidi C., Phoenix, AZ
My favorite historical books are the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon. I can't say that I like one of them more than the other, because they are all great. It's the story of a married English nurse who travels back in time and falls in love with a 17th-century Scotsman. It is more than a love story, though --- it's also adventure, mystery, a little science fiction, and of course lots of history.
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One of my all-time favorite historical fiction books is Cloudsplitterby Russell Banks. Not only did I enjoy the actual reading of this book, but I was inspired to read other nonfiction books of that era and of the persons represented in the book. I also found a lot of fascinating information online.
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A Pillar of Iron by Taylor Caldwell
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Girl with a Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier
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So many historical fictions come to mind, but foremost among them are: Trinity by Leon Uris, Nicholas and Alexandria by Richard Massie, Centennial by James Michener, and Lust for Lifeby Irving Stone. I think a true test is recalling the books and their information years after you have read them.
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One of my favorite historical novels is The Sands of Pride by William R. Trotter. This novel has a wonderful cast of real and fictional characters that depict North Carolina's role in the Civil War. Sometimes historical novels are not enjoyable if they read too much like a history book, but Mr. Trotter has avoided that by presenting the human side of the war. There is also a 555-page sequel called The Fires of Pride which I plan to purchase and read.
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One of my favorite historical fiction books is The Other Boleyn Girlby Philippa Gregory. This book made the Tudor England time period come alive to me. I loved reading it.
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White Doves at Morning by James Lee Burke. Based somewhat on the American Civil War experiences of the author's family, the book surprised me by being among the best historical novels I've read. It was enlightening, very human, and every bit as exciting and entertaining as the Robichaux books. It brings home the pitiful truth that the combatants in war often differ only in their political loyalties. The characters' predicament and resulting feelings are very American.
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Any Human Heart by William Boyd --- fabulous!!
Judith Larson from Minneapolis
Shogun by James Clavell
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The Dress Lodger by Sheri Holman
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A Woman of Substance by Barbara Taylor Bradford, and the entire series, which goes on until the present.
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Bernard Cornwell's Sharpe series and all his historical fiction is fascinating. His characters are unforgettable. I've read all his books and learned more than I did in History 101.
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One of my all-time favorite historical fiction novels is Booth by David Robertson. It is an incredible story of how John Wilkes Booth befriends a family and how they become unwitting accomplices in Lincoln's assassination. The period details, especially the details about early photography, are incredible. Also, I loved Cane River by Lalida Tamedy and Girl With a Pearl Earring.
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My favorite historical novel is London by Edward Rutherfurd
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Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell
Anup Sinha of Rancho Cucamonga, CA
I'd put both Winds of War and War and Remembrance by Herman Wouk as my favorite historical fictions. Definite masterpieces!
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Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry
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Gone With the Wind is my favorite historical fiction book. I read it twice and might read it one more time.
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The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory
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Both my husband and I enjoy reading historical fiction. From among the many excellent historical fiction books, I would recommend on the top of the list the Gordianus series (starting with Roman Blood) by Steven Saylor, but I would also like to mention specifically Gillian Bradshaw (Island of Ghosts, The Sandreckoner and other titles that I haven't read yet) and Margaret George (Cleopatra's Memoirs).
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Without a doubt the best fiction historical book I have ever read isHenry and Clara by Thomas Mallon. It is a fictionalized account of the impact on the lives of the Rathbones, the couple sitting in Lincoln's box at Ford Theater the night of the assassination. It really humanized the Civil War for me and put things into perspective.
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Anything written by Thomas Costain, including The Last Plantagenets series regarding medieval England. Now largely out of print and difficult to find, all books by Mr. Costain are well worth looking for and taking time to read.
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I loved The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory
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Most entertaining historical fiction: Ragtime by E.L. Doctorow. I must've read this one half a dozen times.
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The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory
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Tom Bone by Charles B. Judah. You have probably never heard of it. The copyright is 1944, and the Permabooks pocket book was published in 1952. It's got everything. Tom Bone goes from 1760 servant class England to Newfoundland Banks fisherman, to indentured servant in America, to Plantation owner, to Slave trader, to Pirate to Frontiersman. It's got sword fights and cannon fights, villians and heroes, Indians, witchcraft, voodoo, love and sex. From my other historical readings it appears to be fairly factual in reflecting the historical tenor of the times. It would make a blockbuster movie.
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Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series. I learned more about Jacobean Scotland than I ever knew!!
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My favorite historical fiction is Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier.
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Grant Comes East by Newt Gingrich and William Forstchen
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I am torn between the first and the last book in the Lymond series by Dorothy Dunnett. I fell in love with Lymond in The Game of Kings, but the ending of the series in Checkmate was so wonderfully satisfying...but then the six books in between all contain some favorite scenes! The whole series is just the best historical fiction, period.
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Without question, my favorite historical book is Shogun by James Clavell. I re-read it about every 18 months and it still fascinates me.
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One of my favorite historical novels is Follow the River by James Alexander Thom. It is based on the true story of a woman who along with her young children was kidnapped by Indians. She was separated from her children and eventually escaped. The crux of the novel is her arduous journey home along the Ohio River.
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I love reading books, and historical novels make up a large section of my library. I have just finished reading Lucrezia Borgiaby John Faunce, which segued into reading Mirror Mirror by Gregory Maguire. I read Girl With a Pearl Earring and thenConfessions of an Ugly Stepsister. Books by different authors lend a view of the same period of history. I used to read the bodice rippers, which had some good history, but the plots got in the way. I loved the book Ireland by Frank Delaney. Now I am slogging through A Sundial in a Grave: 1610 by Mary Gentle andQuicksilver by Neal Stephenson.
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Hawaii by James Michener
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Hands down: Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon.
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Without a doubt the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon.
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Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell. Despite its faults we love this American classic
Nana by Emile Zola. So like modern times but with differences that make it so interesting.
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Whitney, My Love by Judith McNaught
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The Clan of the Cave Bear by Jean Auel
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War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy
Joe Brislin
In The Winds of War Herman Wouk thoroughly researches the events leading up to World War Two in Europe from the American, German and Russian perspectives. While it is necessary to grant Mr. Wouk some leeway in his rather benign feelings toward Stalin and a bit of a tendency to put FDR on a pedestal, his book is eminently readable and informative.
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The fiction books based on history that I have enjoyed the most are the series by Diana Gabaldon: Outlander, Dragonfly in Amber,Drums of Autumn, and Voyager. Of course, her Outlandish Companion is a great read, also.
Peggy from Hurst, TX
Katherine by Anya Seton. Still one of my favorites. Of course being an Atlanta born girl, Gone With the Wind, and anything by Philippa Gregory
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My all-time favorite is Aaron Burr by Gore Vidal. I liked the way the author tied in true and accurate facts with great fiction detail so that the reader can see what one side of this man, Aaron Burr, was like. History is seeing the different sides of an issue and Vidal does just that. The image may or not be true, but Vidal does not hit you over the head with it but lets the reader make up his or her mind.
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Year of Wonders by Geraldine Brooks
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My favorite Historical novel was The Wolf and the Dove by Kathleen Woodiwiss. It made me laugh and it made me angry. A great book!
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The Zion Covenant and The Zion Chronicles by Bodie Thoene. This series gave me real insight into World War II and the development of Israel as a nation. It answered many questions.
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Rebel by Bernard Cornwell
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It's hard to chose a "most favorite" among the many fine historical fiction novels that have been written, like Exodus by Leon Uris,Winds of War by Herman Wouk, or any of Howard Fast's Revolutionary War books. However, my first choice would be The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara.
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Ride the Wind by Lucia St. Clair Robson
Cynthia Ann Parker was kidnapped by Comanche Indians in 1836. This story shows her growing up, mastering their ways and marrying one of their leaders. This is also the amazing story of the proud and noble Comanche people. Amazing!
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The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory
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My favorite historical fiction has to be the series by Sharon Kay Penman, the latest of which is Time and Chance. The series tells the story of England from the time of Queen Maud through the tumultuous reign of Henry II.
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Chesapeake and Hawaii by James Michener. I enjoyed both so much that I didn't want the story to end.
Teresa Moughan
My favorite latest historical fiction is Isle of Canes by Elizabeth Shown Mills. As a fellow genealogist it was very satisfying to see someone as renowned as Ms. Mills flesh out people she had researched.
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The Other Boleyn Girl by Phillipa Gregory
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The Eight by Katherine Neville and The Kitchen Boy by Robert Alexander.
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Without a doubt, my favorite historical fiction book is The Winthrop Woman by Anya Seton, published in 1958 and available in paperback. It follows the story of Elizabeth, an English woman, who marries the son of John Winthrop and comes to America with his family to become founders of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. This is one of the very few books I first read as a teenager and then revisit from time to time. It will haunt you for ages.
Diane, Frankfurt Germany
It is very hard to pick just one favorite Historical fiction novel, but of those I've read recently, I'd have to say Pope Joan by Donna W. Cross.
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Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier
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My favorite historical fiction are the Lymond Chronicles by Dorothy Dunnett.
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Anything and everything by John Jakes.
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The Alienist by Caleb Carr!!! Terrific!!!
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My favorite is Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden
But honorable mentions:
Clan of the Cave Bear series by Jean Auel
The Virgin Blue by Tracy Chevalier
Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe
A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens
Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell
Hawaii by James Michener
One Thousand White Women by Jim Fergus
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
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The Clan of the Cave Bear series by Jean Auel
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The Red Tent by Anita Diamant
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The Many Lives and Secret Sorrows of Josephine B. by Sandra Gulland. About Josephine Bonaparte, a series of three books.
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My all-time favorite historical novel would have to be Centennialby James Michener. I love the amount of detail and research that he puts into his books. I always feel like I learn something new everytime I read the book again (even after the 11th time)
Sheri from Hastings, MI
One of the best I have read, and it stuck to me like glue, wasDown the Common by Ann Baer. A small, simple book, but it was a time machine into a village woman's life in the medieval era. I could feel the leather of her shoes and the briars against my skirt as I walked about the area with her. Amazing book.
btw, I think Ann Baer was 86 years old when she wrote this.
C. Swinter
My most favorite fictional history book is The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara. Each time the miniseries "Gettysburg" returns to television, I go back and reread that wonderful story.
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Space and Chesapeake James A. Michener
