In the modern world, unfortunately, free time is very limited. They have to dispose with special vigilance. And of course, nobody will want to spend it on the wrong book. The choice is huge, and my eyes run wide in search of a suitable one. Consider, for those who love historical novels, a list of books that are primarily worth reading.
Classic
First, let's talk about the list of books in the genre of historical novels in the context of classical literature.
- Leo Tolstoy, "War and Peace" - a work from the school curriculum. But due to youthful interests underestimated by schoolchildren.
- William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet is a tragedy of love of young hearts. The sensual story of the war of two noble families, in which the children in love were drawn, who found themselves on opposite sides of the barricades.
- Alexander Dumas, "The Count of Monte Cristo" - a work that for nearly two centuries leads historical novels. The list of books in any source has this incredibly dynamic, plot and emotional creation.
- Archibald Cronin, "Brody's Castle" is a novel about the life of the "hat-making master" who destroys his own happiness and family with his own hands.
- Honore de Balzac, Gobsek, Eugene Grande, Father Gorio - books that contain the stories of the lives of three unfortunate people. Each grieves in his own way, each has its own tragedy. To survive all the trials of fate together with the heroes - this is what the author offers the reader.
About reviews in general
In this section, talking about reviews is not very appropriate, since the above novels are a worldwide possession of literature. But still on the forums stands out among others the book by Honore de Balzac. It is interesting that the vast majority of readers, having become acquainted with the novel "Father Gorio", can no longer stop. And further book after book, they sympathize and live in a real "Human Comedy", created for them by the author.
The list is easy to continue also with other works of the authors, but if you are not familiar with their work, then you should start your journey with these books.
About love
A separate niche is occupied by historical romance novels. The list of books on this subject is huge. Let us single out the best of them.
- Christopher Gortner, The Tudor Conspiracy is a great novel about Princess Elizabeth, love and plot conspiracy, betrayal and fidelity.
- Courtney Milan, The Temptation of Love - a novel about how a respected "sir" fell in love with a courtesan and was ready for anything to be with her. The woman had her own plans for their union: she intended to destroy his life.
- Margaret York, "Downton Estate: Mistress" - the novel is a continuation of the beloved work "Downton Estate: The Beginning". The story of how marriage of convenience can turn into the most powerful love on Earth.
- Mikhail Schukin, "Black Buran" - the novel is a continuation of the well-known work "Konokrad". About love and the difficulties of the civil war.
- Patricia Potter, Lightning, is a novel by a young American writer who received the Best War Novel Award for him.
The winner among the books that received the most positive reviews is Christopher Gortner's work, The Tudor Conspiracy. Readers recognized a fresh approach to the famous story, and also appreciated a sensual love line.
About the adventures
Among the readers there are many who love not only to plunge into the past with a book, but also to catch the fast-moving plot by the tail. So, consider a list of books (adventure and historical novel).
- Arthur Conan Doyle, "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes" - many times filmed, but an excellent and unrivaled detective.
- James Clavell, "Shogun" - the adventures and misadventures of a brave English sailor in Japan.
- Boris Akunin, "The Adventures of Erast Fandorin" - a series of adventure detective novels from the world famous compatriot. His books have been translated into many languages of the world and are very popular both in Russia and abroad.
- Erich Maria Remarque, "Arc de Triomphe" - the story of the war of man with fascism.
- Jules Verne, "The Mysterious Island" is a story suitable for both children and adults about life on a desert island, where the heroes fall by the will of fate.
The owner of the most original reviews is the novel by Erich Maria Remarque "Arc de Triomphe". A subtle psychological plot, a waterfall of emotions and nervous fear for the hero were echoed by many lovers of books about the war and post-war time.
Domestic
Many prefer the authors of the post-Soviet space. We recommend the following historical novels.
List of books (Russian authors):
- Eugene Vodolazkin, "Laurus" - a novel about a medieval healer. About the burden of gift, love and sacrifice.
- Victor Pelevin, "Chapaev and the Void" is a notorious work of the Russian author, written in the genre of "historical novels", the list of books of which is gradually updated with a similar style. Recommended reading for lovers of Buddhism.
- Andrei Astvatsurov, "People in the Naked" - a novel that won the literary prize "TOP-50" according to the results of the readers' vote.
- Zakhar Prilepin, "The Abode" is a book-winner of the awards "Book of the Year", "Big Book" and many others. A novel about the love and life of the protagonist in the "special purpose" camp in the 20s.
- Timur Vermesh, “He is here again” is an ironic bestselling novel about Hitler’s adventures in the modern world.
At the peak of success is currently the work of Zakhar Prilepin. The book has collected many awards. Literary critics and ordinary readers call the work a novel of the century.
About Homeland
We should also talk about books about our country in the past. So, the most famous historical novels about Russia (list of books):
- Evgeny Fedorov, "Ermak" - a book about the conquest of Siberia by Ataman Yermak.
- Nikolai Kochin, "Prince Svyatoslav" - a novel about the Kiev prince and his exploits. The defeat of the Khazar Khaganate, the war with the Volga Bulgaria - this is only the very tip of the iceberg of the great victories of the old Russian ruler.
- Leonid Grossman, "Velvet Dictator" - a work about the famous Russian statesman General MT T. Loris-Melikov. About life in autocratic Petersburg of the 80s of the XIX century.
- Olga Forsh, “Dressed with a Stone” is a novel about the tragic fate of the prisoner of the Peter and Paul Fortress of the revolutionary Mikhail Stepanovich Beideman, imprisoned and forgotten for 20 years. Imprisoned by Alexander II without trial, according to a forged manifesto, he was completely alone among the stone walls.
- Maurice Semashko, "Semiramis" - a book about more than thirty years of reign of Ekaterina II. About the ups and downs, about love and hate, about state secrets and palace intrigues.
The most respectful reviews of both Russian historians and literary critics, as well as ordinary readers, were received by Moris Samashko's novel Semiramida. In an artistic manner and an incredibly light style, the author conveyed a real story no worse than an experienced professor.
Eventually
Book lovers often wonder how to find a work that is not only relevant to their interests, but also capable of evoking feelings. There is an answer to this question: a really good book will not leave indifferent even the most rational reader. Looking through magazines or web pages, studying annotations and reviews about historical novels, replenishing the list of books with new “desired ones”, it must be remembered that no one except you knows what you expect from the book. Read books and be happy.