The Greatest British "Historical fiction, Domestic, Fiction" Books Since 1900

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 300 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

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Historical fiction

Historical fiction is a genre of literature that combines fictional stories with real historical events, settings, and characters. These books often take place in a specific time period and are based on research and factual information, but also include imaginative elements to create a compelling narrative. Historical fiction allows readers to experience the past in a unique and engaging way, while also providing insight into the social, cultural, and political issues of the time.

Domestic

The "Domestic" category of books typically refers to stories that focus on the everyday lives and experiences of individuals and families within their homes and communities. These books often explore themes such as relationships, family dynamics, personal growth, and the challenges and joys of daily life. Domestic fiction can include a range of sub-genres, from heartwarming family dramas to suspenseful psychological thrillers, but all share a focus on the intimate and personal aspects of human experience.

Fiction

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  1. 1. The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro

    The novel is a poignant tale of an English butler, Stevens, who reflects on his life and career during a road trip through the English countryside. As he delves into his past, he reveals his unquestioning loyalty to his former employer, Lord Darlington, and his unexpressed love for the housekeeper, Miss Kenton. The narrative explores themes of dignity, duty, and regret, as Stevens comes to terms with his unquestioning devotion to his employer and the missed opportunities in his personal life.

  2. 2. The Old Wives' Tale by Arnold Bennett

    This novel explores the lives of two sisters, Constance and Sophia Baines, who are brought up in a small town drapery shop in the mid-19th century. Constance remains in their hometown, marries and leads a relatively uneventful life, while Sophia elopes to Paris with a traveling salesman, living through the Siege of Paris and the Franco-Prussian War. The book contrasts the sisters' different experiences and how their choices shape their lives, ultimately reuniting them in their old age.

  3. 3. The Rector's Daughter by F.M. Mayor

    The novel delves into the life of a dutiful and unassuming clergyman's daughter living in a small English village. As she navigates the constraints of her social position and the expectations placed upon her, she develops a deep affection for a man who seems to reciprocate her feelings. However, their potential romance is thwarted by societal pressures and personal obligations, leading to a poignant exploration of unfulfilled love, personal sacrifice, and the quiet tragedies of an ordinary life marked by missed opportunities and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of disappointment and duty.

  4. 4. The Man of Property by John Galsworthy

    "The Man of Property" is a novel set in the late 19th century England, focusing on the wealthy Forsyte family. The story revolves around Soames Forsyte, a successful solicitor who views everything, including his beautiful wife Irene, as property. His possessiveness and inability to comprehend love and passion lead to a marital crisis and a scandal within the family. The novel explores themes of wealth, social status, love, and the concept of property, offering a critique of the materialistic upper-middle-class society of the time.

  5. 5. A Day Off by Storm Jameson

    "A Day Off" is a novel that depicts a day in the life of a middle-aged woman named Eleanor, who is struggling with the mundanity and hardships of her life. Eleanor, who is married to an unfaithful husband and has a strained relationship with her daughter, decides to take a day off from her routine. Throughout the day, she reflects on her life, her dreams, regrets, and the choices she has made. The novel poignantly explores themes of love, loss, and the human condition.

  6. 6. Behind the Scenes at the Museum by Kate Atkinson

    The novel is a unique blend of family saga and historical fiction, told from the perspective of Ruby Lennox, whose narrative begins before her birth and spans over three generations of women in her family. Ruby's story is interwoven with "footnotes" that delve into the lives of her ancestors, revealing secrets, tragedies, and the complexity of their relationships. The book explores themes of motherhood, loss, and identity, while providing a humorous and poignant look at life in the 20th century England.

  7. 7. Before Lunch by Angela Thirkell

    This novel is a charming and witty exploration of the social dynamics and idyllic country life in pre-World War II England. Set in the fictional county of Barsetshire, it delves into the lives of its inhabitants, focusing on the romantic entanglements and societal pressures that animate their daily existence. At the heart of the story is the relationship between a landowner and his neighbor, a spirited woman who challenges the traditional expectations of her time. Through a blend of humor, satire, and keen observations on human nature, the narrative paints a vivid picture of a community navigating the complexities of love, friendship, and the pursuit of happiness amidst the changing landscape of the English countryside.

  8. 8. The Three Sisters by May Sinclair

    This novel explores the lives and emotional complexities of three sisters living in a provincial English town at the turn of the 20th century. Through their interactions and personal growth, the narrative delves into themes of love, independence, and societal expectations. The sisters, each with distinct personalities and desires, navigate the challenges of finding their places in a world where their choices are limited by their gender and social standing. The story is a poignant examination of the struggles for personal fulfillment and the search for identity within the confines of a restrictive society.

  9. 9. The Flint Anchor by Sylvia Townsend Warner

    The novel is a historical family saga set in the 19th century, revolving around the Barnard family, whose patriarch, John Barnard, is a stern and pious man who rules his family with an iron fist. As the story unfolds, the narrative delves into the lives of the Barnard family members, exploring themes of duty, rebellion, and the quest for personal freedom. The characters grapple with the constraints of their social roles and the expectations placed upon them, leading to a rich tapestry of interpersonal dynamics and generational conflicts. The novel paints a vivid portrait of Victorian society, with its rigid moral codes and the undercurrents of change that challenge the status quo.

  10. 10. The Beginning of Spring by Penelope Fitzgerald

    Set in Moscow in 1913, the book follows the life of an English printer named Frank Reid whose wife has abruptly left him and their three children. As Frank tries to maintain his printing business and look after his children in the midst of the impending Russian Revolution, he also attempts to understand why his wife left and if she will ever return. The novel is a blend of historical fiction and family drama, exploring themes of change, uncertainty, and cultural differences.

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

Download

If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download