Books matching: historical events reimagined
16 result(s)
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- #1
Save:'The Years of Rice and Salt' by Kim Stanley Robinson is an alternate history novel that explores a world where the Black Plague decimates Europe, leading to a timeline where Asia and the Middle East become dominant powers. The story follows interconnected souls reincarnated throughout centuries, offering a unique perspective on how history unfolds with Buddhism and Islam at the forefront. Readers experience a vast narrative spanning different eras, from the devastation of the plague to the rise of new civilizations, all intricately woven together through the reincarnations of characters and the exploration of philosophical themes like life, death, and progress.
The book presents a thought-provoking premise of a world shaped by different cultural influences and historical events, offering a rich tapestry of interconnected stories that delve into themes of spirituality, reincarnation, and the complexities of human progress. Through vivid storytelling and intricate world-building, Kim Stanley Robinson presents a compelling vision of an alternate reality where familiar historical events take unexpected turns, inviting readers to contemplate the impact of different belief systems and societal structures on the course of civilization.
Now he had taken on the form of a small Mongol named Bold Bardash, horseman in the army of Temur the Lame. Son of a Tibetan salt trader and a Mongol innkeeper and spirit woman, and thus a traveller fr... - #2
Save:'American Front' in the series 'The Great War' by Harry Turtledove delves into an alternate history where the United States is split into the United States of America and the Confederate States of America, leading to a scenario where the First World War starts in Europe and draws the opposing sides in the Americas into the battle. The plot follows the ongoing war, side stories such as the growth of the Socialist Party in the USA, the beginnings of an African American revolt in the CSA, and the lives of civilians during the conflict. The writing style is engaging, with short snapshots of main characters ensuring readers keep turning the pages.
- #3
Save:Everfair by Nisi Shawl is a steampunk alternate history novel set in an African utopia called Everfair, challenging the brutal Belgian rule in Congo. The book spans 30 years and features a diverse ensemble cast of characters from various backgrounds, exploring themes of agency, colonialism, and the impact of individual actions on history. The writing style includes jumps in time between chapters, providing a prologue-like structure that drives home the alternate history aspect and emphasizes the power of personal narratives in shaping the future.
Lisette Toutournier sighed. She breathed in again, out, in, the marvelous air smelling of crushed stems, green blood bruised and roused by her progress along this narrow forest path. Her progress, and... - #4
Save:'A Break with Charity: A Story about the Salem Witch Trials' by Ann Rinaldi is a historical fiction novel that delves into the events of the Salem Witch Trials. The author intertwines fictional characters and events with true historical figures, providing a glimpse into the Puritan mindset of the past. Through a mix of fiction and nonfiction, the book explores the ignorance and hysteria that prevailed during that dark period in history, offering a captivating and intriguing narrative that keeps readers engaged.
The story follows a young protagonist who finds herself entangled in the witch trials, showcasing the fear, suspicion, and paranoia that gripped the community. The writing style of the book is described as engaging, with a historical flair that transports readers back to the 1600s. successfully blends mystery, drama, and historical accuracy, making it a compelling read for those interested in the Salem Witch Trials and historical fiction.
I have come early this afternoon to sit, before anyone else arrives, in the quiet of Salem Meetinghouse. It is cool in here, though the August sun beats down outside—even at the end of the day—on corn... - #5
Save:'Pavane' by Keith Roberts is an alternate history novel set in a world where Queen Elizabeth I was assassinated and the Spanish Armada succeeded, leading to a society dominated by the Catholic Church. The book consists of interlinked short stories that provide snapshots of a feudal England in the 1960s under the Church's rule, where technological progress has been limited and the Inquisition still operates. The writing style is described as vivid, lyrical, and experimental, offering glimpses into a world where historical events took a different turn and exploring themes of religion, history, science, and violence.
The appointed morning came, and they buried Eli Strange. The coffin, black and purple drapes twitched aside, eased down into the grave; the white webbings slid through the hands of the bearers in nomi... - #6
Save:In "Bitter Seeds," author Ian Tregillis presents an alternate history of World War II where the Nazis create superhumans through torturous means, while the British employ warlocks to harness dark powers. The story unfolds like a WWII spy novel, with both sides resorting to morally questionable acts justified by the needs of war. The narrative is dark, engaging, and suspenseful, with a focus on broken characters navigating a bleak and twisted version of history.
The book delves into themes of sacrifice, desperation, and the blurred lines between good and evil during wartime. Tregillis skillfully weaves together elements of magic, sci-fi, and historical fiction to create a haunting tale set against the backdrop of one of the darkest periods in European history.
Murder on the wind: crows and ravens wheeled beneath a heavy sky, like spots of ink splashed across a leaden canvas. They soared over leafless forests, crumbling villages, abandoned fields of barleyco... - #7
Save:The Hot Kid by Elmore Leonard is a novel set in the 1920s and 1930s during the Prohibition era, focusing on the life of U.S. Marshal Carl Webster. The book follows Webster's encounters with notorious outlaws, particularly Jack Belmont, as they navigate a world filled with gangsters, gun molls, and wild west-style gunfights. Leonard's writing style is characterized by vivid characterization, engaging dialogue, and a reimagining of historical events with a focus on nuanced characters and intricate plotlines.
He told Bud Maddox, the Okmulgee chief of police, he had driven a load of cows up to the yard at Tulsa and by the time he got back it was dark. He said he left the truck and stock trailer across the s... - #8
Save:'Striking the Balance' is the conclusion to an alternate history series where aliens invade during World War II, leading to a fragile alliance between the major combatants to resist the new common enemy. The novel explores the consequences of the alien invasion, showing how the major powers of WWII might have responded to such an attack. The plotline involves nuclear capabilities, negotiated peace, and the development of history along parallel lines, all set against the backdrop of a global conflict with a unique twist.
In free fall, Atvar the fleetlord glided over to the hologram projector. He poked the stud at the base of the machine. The image that sprang into being above the projector was one the Race’s probe had...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Tosev ) - #9
Save:'The Shape of the Ruins' by Juan Gabriel Vasquez is a complex and intricate novel that delves into the blurred lines between truth and fiction, conspiracy theories, and historical events in Colombia. Through the eyes of the author's fictitious version of himself, readers are taken on a journey through the assassination of two prominent Colombian political figures, exploring the aftermath and the impact on the country's history. The writing style is a mix of factual, historical, and fictional elements, creating a narrative that challenges readers to differentiate between reality and imagination.
- #10
Save:"Return Engagement" in the series "Settling Accounts" by Harry Turtledove follows the aftermath of a surprise attack by the Confederate States on the United States, leading to a split in the country. The fascist president of the CSA, Jake Featherston, initiates a prolonged war when the USA refuses to concede defeat, while also implementing plans that echo the Nazi's Final Solution for addressing the issues of the black population in the CSA. The narrative unfolds through multiple characters with diverse backgrounds and objectives, providing different perspectives on the ongoing war in this alternate history setting.
delves into a detailed alternate reality where historical events have taken different paths, resulting in a divided America, concentration camps for African Americans in the South, and a World War II sparked by the CSA's invasion of the North in 1941. Despite some predictable plot elements and underdeveloped characters, the novel's vast scope, fast-paced storytelling, and unique approach of rotating between various characters keep the reader engaged throughout this epic tale of war and political intrigue.
