Recommendtations for historical fiction books?

MvN

I'm looking for a decent novel set ca. 1930s to early '40s, ideally something that might include a maritime theme to the story. I tried reading Louis L'Amour's "West From Singapore", but the book was just a bit too Hollywood for me in the way it told the story. I did really like the ideas of plots involving pre-war intrigue though, and the maritime aspect was right up my street. If there was a book with a similar setting but a bit more realism in the story, it'd be great to hear about. Pre-war Asia would be my main focus, but I'd also be interested in reading stuff set in Europe during the same period.
Anyone know of anything like this?

Morzadec

Heard very good things about The Caine Mutiny which would fit your dates and maritime theme:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Caine_Mutiny

Haven't read it myself but it's on the to-read list

MvN

That looks like an interesting one, Morzadec. Thanks for sharing. I'll keep an eye out for it.

Manach

Whilst not strickly maritime, there are the works of Nevil Shute on the events of that era and how they affected ordinary people as well as Evelyn Waugh's rather saterical works such as "Put out more flags", concerning the upper classes folly and bravery.

MvN

Thanks Manach. I'll do a bit of research on them.

Arsemageddon

Burmese Days by George Orwell or the Singapore Grip by JG Farrell might be worth a look.