There's nothing like delving into a book and losing yourself in a world that focuses on eras gone by.  And judging by some of your responses, it's clear that most of you are fans of historical fiction.

We've asked you to tell us about some of your favourites; here are your recommendations:

The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett
This book had me hooked from the first sentence and follows the lives of a stone masons family and friends through several centuries.  [It’s] very interesting to see how long the old cathedrals actually took to build.  It's my favourite book of all time.
Debbie

The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley
It's the Arthurian tale like you've never read before.
Nadia

Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel
Hilary Mantel's compelling biography of Thomas Cromwell. It wears its in-depth research lightly to present a gripping story.
Sharon

Sepulchre by Kate Mosse
Brilliant movement between past and present and keeps you guessing as to what the connection might be.
Chantal

Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell
Do I really need to say more? From the very start you are drawn into the book with the opulence of life in the South before the Civil War. Quickly the scene changes and it's war - the social conventions that have been abided by for so long are abandoned, because who knows whether the boys will be spared by the Yankees.

At the centre of all this activity is Scarlett O'Hara whose life changes irrevocably all because she was trying to spite Ashley Wilkes. This action of spite is largely what much of the novel revolves around - and Scarlett suffers for it, still holding onto the hope that her great love Ashley will see the error of his ways and come back to her.

And then we have Rhett Butler. His actions show us how resourceful some were during this time, using any opportunity to make money. You see how the South was great, and then became weakened, how everything changed, how the railway expanded, the KKK, the women's efforts to help during this awful period.

This book makes you feel as though you are an eyewitness to the horrors of the American Civil War, and witness to Scarlett's constant heartbreak and her fight for survival all from the safety of your reading spot. This is truly one of the greatest historical books ever written and is a must-read for everyone.
Terri

The Perfect Poison by Amanda Quick
Well-written and well-researched in both era and subject matter.  Makes for a great whodunit kind of read with a romantic twist.
Jane

Anything by Philippa Gregory
With credible characters and by staying reasonably close to the facts, Gregory brings history to life and draws you in, capturing you in her world of castles and lords. My favourite: The Constant Princess.
Louisa

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini.
This book is such a rich story of class differences, friendship, betrayal, disappointment and redemption.  Beautiful and heart-wrenching, it's  an absolute classic.
Roslyn

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
This was such a bitter sweet story of survival and escapism.  It was hard to put down.
Verna

Cancer Ward By Alexander Solzhenitsyn
It's a brilliant allegory/account of the Soviet Union and its people at the time. Not an easy read (like most Russian author's books) but very, very enlightening.
Karima

War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy
Still classified as one of the greatest – and with good reason!
Lourens

London by Edward Rutherford.
When I actually called up the courage to start reading this book, I couldn't put it down. You get pulled into the lives of various characters through the ages while learning so much about the history of London. I couldn't help but love it.
Jesca    

What are some of your favourite historical fiction reads? We're always on the lookout for good books – new and old – so feel free to share some of your recommendations below.