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Books matching: epic historical novel

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Showing 1 - 10 of 100 
  1. #1

    The Pillars of the Earth - Kingsbridge by Ken Follett
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    'The Pillars of the Earth' by Ken Follett is a historical novel set in medieval England, following the lives of various characters intertwined through the construction of a cathedral in the town of Kingsbridge. The narrative spans over decades, exploring themes of ambition, power, politics, love, and betrayal during the 12th century. The book delves into the challenges faced by individuals from different social backgrounds, including monks, nobles, and peasants, as they navigate through the turbulent times of the Middle Ages.

    The storytelling in 'The Pillars of the Earth' is characterized by its epic scope, rich historical detail, and intricate character development. Readers are drawn into a world filled with vivid descriptions of life in medieval England, emphasizing the struggles and triumphs of the central characters involved in the monumental task of building a cathedral. The novel weaves together elements of suspense, drama, romance, and political intrigue, offering a captivating portrayal of a bygone era and the enduring human spirit that drives individuals to overcome obstacles in pursuit of their dreams.

    The walls were already three feet high and rising fast. The two masons Tom had engaged were working steadily in the sunshine, their trowels going scrape, slap and then tap, tap while their laborer swe...

  2. #2

    All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
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    "All the Light We Cannot See" by Anthony Doerr is a beautifully crafted story set during World War II, focusing on the parallel lives of a French blind girl, Marie Laure, and a German orphan boy, Werner. The book intricately weaves together their individual experiences, struggles, and choices, ultimately leading to a fateful encounter. Through short chapters alternating between characters, the author paints a vivid picture of the war's atrocities and the interconnectedness of lives amidst chaos, showcasing the humanity on both sides of the conflict.

    In a corner of the city, inside a tall, narrow house at Number 4 rue Vauborel, on the sixth and highest floor, a sightless sixteen-year-old named Marie-Laure LeBlanc kneels over a low table covered en...

  3. #3

    Pachinko by Min Jin Lee
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    Pachinko by Min Jin Lee is a multi-generational family saga that follows a Korean family's struggles and hardships from the early 20th century in Korea to their migration to Japan and eventually the United States. The story delves into the historical context of the Japanese occupation of Korea, discrimination against Koreans in Japan, and the challenges faced by the family through wars, poverty, and cultural clashes. The narrative spans several generations, portraying the characters' resilience, sacrifices, and the impact of world events on their lives. The writing style is straightforward, with a focus on character development and exploring themes of identity, belonging, and survival.

    At the turn of the century, an aging fisherman and his wife decided to take in lodgers for extra money. Both were born and raised in the fishing village of Yeongdo—a five-mile-wide islet beside the po...

  4. #4

    The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
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    The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah is a historical fiction novel set in Nazi-occupied France during World War II. The story follows two sisters, Vianne and Isabelle, who navigate the challenges of resistance and survival in the face of the Nazi regime. The book delves into the experiences of French civilians, resistance fighters, Jewish individuals, and even German soldiers, providing a compelling and believable portrayal of the time period. Through well-developed characters and a gripping plot, the author weaves a tale of bravery, sacrifice, and the strength of women during wartime.

    If I have learned anything in this long life of mine, it is this: In love we find out who we want to be; in war we find out who we are. Today’s young people want to know everything about everyone. The...

  5. #5

    Sarum: The Novel of England by Edward Rutherfurd
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    Sarum: The Novel of England by Edward Rutherfurd is a sweeping historical novel that spans thousands of years, starting from the Ice Age almost 10,000 years ago to the late 20th century. The book follows the history of the area surrounding Salisbury, England, focusing on the lives of multiple families across generations. Readers praised the mix of real historical facts and fiction, as Rutherfurd weaves a fine fiction tale around historical events, bringing British history to life. The novel covers significant landmarks such as Stonehenge, Old Sarum, and Salisbury Cathedral, providing a detailed account of the region's history.

    The book is known for its detailed exploration of English history, tracing the turbulent story of the entire course of English history from its beginnings in the Ice Age to the present day. It offers a fascinating insight into the lives of people living in the Salisbury area throughout different time periods, from hunter-gatherer times to modern-day England. Despite its length and complexity, readers found the book to be an absorbing and insightful read that delves deep into the local history surrounding Stonehenge and Salisbury.

    But having misread the scribal hand, men found the name pleasing; and the term Sarum has been used in writing and probably in speech for seven hundred and fifty years, to describe the town, the dioces...

  6. #6

    New York by Edward Rutherfurd
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    New York by Edward Rutherfurd is a sweeping epic historical novel that traces the lives of several families in New York from 1664 to 2009. The author skillfully highlights various parts of history, showcasing how New Yorkers adapted to events through highs and lows, wars and peace, and joy and sorrow. The novel delves into poverty, wealth, and race issues, although not in great depth, and successfully brings historical events to life within a captivating narrative.

    The book follows generations of families, offering a perspective on the city's development from its earliest days with Native Americans and trappers to more modern times. While some readers found the latter part of the novel less interesting, the overall portrayal of New York's history and the intertwining of various families throughout the centuries make for an engaging and informative read.

    When I was about fourteen years of age, Meinheer van Dyck became a more important man of business than he was before, and everyone started to call him Boss, including myself. So from now on I shall ca...

  7. #7

    The Invisible Bridge by Julie Orringer
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    The Invisible Bridge by Julie Orringer is a meticulously researched historical fiction novel set during World War II, focusing on the story of Andras Levi, a Hungarian Jewish architecture student. The narrative unfolds in Paris and Hungary, delving into the intricate relationships of Andras with his family, friends, and love interests as they navigate the tumultuous events of the war. The book intricately weaves together themes of love, survival, and tragedy against the backdrop of the Holocaust, providing a unique perspective on Hungary's role in the war.

    LATER HE WOULD TELL her that their story began at the Royal Hungarian Opera House, the night before he left for Paris on the Western Europe Express. The year was 1937; the month was September, the eve...

  8. #8

    Fall of Giants - The Century Trilogy by Ken Follett
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    "Fall of Giants" by Ken Follett is the first installment in The Century Trilogy, a sweeping historical novel set in the early 20th century. The story revolves around five interconnected families from different countries, including England, America, Russia, and Germany, as they navigate through the tumultuous events of World War I. delves into the political landscape of the time, touching on topics such as labor unions, suffragettes, and the causes of the war, while portraying the personal lives and relationships of the characters against the backdrop of historical events.

    Ken Follett's writing style in "Fall of Giants" is praised for its rich historical detail and compelling storytelling. The narrative seamlessly moves from Washington to St. Petersburg, capturing the dirt and danger of a coal mine as well as the opulence of a palace. The characters, ranging from Welsh miners to Russian aristocrats, are vividly portrayed, and their diverse perspectives on the war provide a multifaceted view of the era. Despite some criticism for historical inaccuracies and lengthy war scenes, the book is lauded for its immersive depiction of the time period and the intricate connections between the characters.

    He had done nothing to earn his huge income. He had simply inherited thousands of acres of land in Wales and Yorkshire. The farms made little money, but there was coal beneath them, and by licensing m...

  9. #9

    The Alice Network by Kate Quinn
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    "The Alice Network" by Kate Quinn is a historical novel that intertwines the stories of two women, Eve and Charlie, set during World War I and the aftermath of World War II. Eve, a member of the real-life Alice Network of female spies, finds herself haunted by her past as she helps Charlie, a young American woman searching for her missing cousin Rose. The narrative moves between 1915 and 1947, exploring themes of courage, sacrifice, and redemption as the characters navigate the challenges of war and personal growth. The book delves into the lives of these strong women, shedding light on their experiences and the impact of their choices during tumultuous times.

    I was sitting opposite my mother at a wicker table among the potted palms in the Dolphin Hotel, trying to ignore what my eyes were telling me. The blond girl by the front desk wasn’t who I thought she...

  10. #10

    The Summer Before the War by Helen Simonson
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    'The Summer Before the War' by Helen Simonson is set in the summer of 1914 in a small English town called Rye. The story follows Beatrice Nash, a young woman who takes up the position of a Latin teacher in the village. As the characters in the town navigate through social issues and the looming threat of World War I, the narrative evolves into a poignant tale of love, loss, and societal changes. The writing style is described as elegant and immersive, painting a vivid picture of the pre-war era with a focus on character development and the impact of historical events.

    The town of Rye rose from the flat marshes like an island, its tumbled pyramid of red-tiled roofs glowing in the slanting evening light. The high Sussex bluffs were a massive, unbroken line of shadow ...

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