Historical Fiction Set in the Middle East

Set during and after the Iranian Revolution, the book begins with Rare Jewels Dealer Isaac Amin being arrested on suspicion of espionage. As Isaac overcomes the horrors of prison, his family must desperately try to find him and make ends meet while trying desperately to survive in a society that no longer trusts those around them. Through the story of one family, readers learn about the history of the Iranian revolution and its long-term impact within Iran and the Iranian diaspora.

Beginning with World War I, in Palestine under the British Mandate, Esau It follows the Levy family through the generations up to the mid-1970s. The family story, starting with his parents Abraham and Sarah, is told by Esau, who leaves for America when his brother Jacob marries Leah. Leah wanted Esau to choose her. When Esau returns as Abraham is dying, he begins to tell the story of his and Jacob’s childhood and the lives of his parents. Esau The film is as much a comprehensive history and family story as it is a reimagining of the Biblical story of sibling rivalry and inheritance.

Moving back and forth between the past and the recent, salt and star map It interweaves 12th and 21st century Syria. When Nour’s father dies, her mother moves Nour and her sisters from New York City to Syria to be closer to family. As a reminder of her father’s memory, Noor tells one of their favorite stories they share, that of Rawiya, a 12th-century girl who disguised herself as a man to work as a cartographer. But now Noor’s home is under increasing threat of shelling, and when her home is attacked, her family must each make a long journey in Rawiya’s footsteps.

In 17th century Isfahan, Persia, a young woman’s future is shattered when her father dies without leaving her a dowry. With no prospects for marriage, she moves to the house of her uncle, a rug designer at the shah’s court, and has to work as a servant in his house. Told in an emotional first-person narrative, flower blood It depicts her growth as a talented rug maker and the choices she has to make to achieve independence in life.

When reading about Egyptian history, Cleopatra’s name often comes up first, but her story is often filtered through other people’s perspectives and observations. in her new novel cleopatraEl Arifi provides a fictionalized account of Cleopatra’s life, focusing on the myths and falsehoods spread about her by those who sought to underestimate her power. Readers who have enjoyed female-centered mythological telling will enjoy this book, which adds complexity to the existing story of Cleopatra.

If you’re a fan of historical fiction, the Book Riot archive has plenty of suggestions once you’ve finished reading the books listed above. Consider these historical novels with dual timelines or stories set on islands in the Pacific. And be sure to check out our list of the best historical novels of this century (so far).