Books matching: historical fiction novel
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- #1
Save:The Saints of Swallow Hill by Donna Everhart is a compelling historical fiction novel set in the Depression-era turpentine camps of North Carolina. The story follows two main characters, Rae Lynn Cobb and Delwood Reese, as they navigate the harsh conditions of Swallow Hill, a place where workers are trapped in a cycle of debt and exploitation. Rae, determined to escape her troubling past, disguises herself as a man to work at the camp, and through her journey, readers witness the brutality faced by the laborers and the unlikely bonds formed amidst their struggles for survival.
Everhart's writing style is immersive and richly descriptive, allowing readers to visualize the setting vividly, almost like watching a movie unfold. The character development is deeply engaging, making it easy to feel the emotions of Rae and Del as they face their challenges. Although the book is praised for its gripping narrative, some readers found the ending less satisfying than the build-up, feeling that it lacked the same depth as the earlier chapters. Overall, the book offers a blend of history, hardship, and hope, making it a recommended read for fans of Southern historical fiction.
- #2
Save:'The Memoirs of Cleopatra' by Margaret George is a detailed historical fiction novel that delves into the life and loves of Cleopatra. The book is written from Cleopatra's first-person perspective, providing an intimate portrayal of the legendary queen's journey from her early memories to her tragic end. The novel captures the grandeur of ancient Egypt, political intrigues, battles, and personal relationships, offering a mix of factual events and fictional conversations with historical figures like Julius Caesar and Mark Antony.
The book is praised for its meticulous research, vivid descriptions, and immersive storytelling that bring Cleopatra's world to life. Margaret George's writing style is commended for its ability to engage readers and provide a fresh perspective on a well-known historical figure. Despite its length, the novel is described as captivating, providing insights into Cleopatra's character, ambitions, and struggles, making it a compelling read for fans of historical fiction and ancient civilizations.
Warmth. Wind. Dancing blue waters, and the sound of waves. I see, hear, feel them all still. I even taste the sting of the salt against my lips, where the fine, misty spray coats them. And closer even... - #3
Save:'Shannon' by Frank Delaney follows the story of Robert Shannon, an American chaplain who suffers from shell shock after World War I. Seeking solace and healing, he travels to Ireland to trace his family roots along the Shannon River and reunites with a nurse from the war. The novel intricately weaves together themes of Irish history, genealogy, post traumatic stress disorder, and scandals in the Catholic Church, all while delivering a gripping plot that keeps readers engaged until the very end. Delaney's writing style is described as immersive, with vivid descriptions that bring the setting and characters to life, making it a compelling read for those interested in Anglo-Irish history and rich storytelling.
At the vulnerable age of thirty, Robert Shannon lost his soul. Nothing is worse; no greater danger exists. Only sinners lose their souls, it's said, through the evil that they do. Not Robert Shannon. ... 'Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet' by Jamie Ford revolves around the story of Henry Lee, a Chinese American boy, and Keiko Okabe, a Japanese American girl, as they navigate their friendship amidst the backdrop of the Japanese internment during World War II. The narrative alternates between Henry's childhood in the 1940s and his adult life in the 1980s, exploring themes of love, friendship, loyalty, and the impact of war on society.
Through personal stories and historical events, the book sheds light on the cultural tensions, racial discrimination, and the experiences of Japanese Americans during WWII, particularly in Seattle. Jamie Ford's writing style weaves together real-life events with fictional characters, creating a bittersweet tale of forbidden love, resilience, and the lasting effects of war on individuals and communities.
The old Seattle landmark was a place he’d visited twice in his lifetime. First when he was only twelve years old, way back in 1942—”the war years” he liked to call them. Even then the old bachelor hot...- #5
Save:'Katheryn Howard: The Scandalous Queen' in the 'Six Tudor Queens' series by Alison Weir follows the tragic life of Katheryn Howard, the fifth wife of Henry VIII. It delves into her early beginnings, her longing for love, her marriage to the king, and her ill-fated romance with Thomas Culpepper. The novel portrays Katheryn as a naive and unprepared queen, manipulated by her family for political gain, ultimately leading to her downfall and execution. Alison Weir's writing style combines meticulous research with fictional elements, bringing to life the historical figure of Katheryn Howard in a compelling and emotional narrative.
Katheryn was seven when her mother died. She would never forget being led by her nurse into the dim, musty bedchamber where Father was kneeling beside the bed, his head in his hands and his shoulders ...
(Also, see 25 recommendations for the series Six Tudor Queens ) - #6
Save:'A Pledge of Silence' by Flora J. Solomon follows the gripping story of Margie, an American nurse stationed in the Philippines during World War II. The plot delves into Margie's experiences as a prisoner of war under the Japanese, highlighting the hardships she faced and the courage she displayed in such dire circumstances. The narrative is described as sad, brutal, and ultimately uplifting, portraying the untold role of women in war and the lasting impacts it had on their lives.
Sleet tapped against Margie’s window, coating the glass with a layer of ice. It obscured her view of the November sky—the start of another cold Michigan winter, her eighty-first. Eighty-one winters. I... - #7
Save:'The Scarlet Letter' by Nathaniel Hawthorne is a classic novel set in Puritan New England during the 17th century. The story revolves around Hester Prynne, an adulteress who is forced to wear a scarlet letter 'A' on her dress as a symbol of her sin. The narrative delves into the consequences of adultery on the lives of Hester, her daughter Pearl, Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale, and Roger Chillingworth. The book explores themes of morality, guilt, sin, and redemption against the backdrop of a society obsessed with morals. Hawthorne's prose is described as beautiful and the book is considered a work of art due to its compelling portrayal of human frailty and sorrow.
A throng of bearded men, in sad-colored garments and gray, steeple-crowned hats, intermixed with women, some wearing hoods, and others bareheaded, was assembled in front of a wooden edifice, the door ... - #8
Save:'Genghis: Lords of the Bow' in the series 'Conqueror' by author Conn Iggulden continues the story of Genghis Khan and his conquests, focusing on the campaign against the Chinese Xi Xia kingdom. The narrative delves into the adaptation of warfare tactics by Genghis and his warriors as they face opponents hiding behind city walls, leading to epic sieges and battles of a grand scale. The character development of Genghis and those around him is highlighted as the Mongol nation is united under his rule, showcasing his flaws, abilities, and challenges in leadership and warfare. is praised for its thrilling battle scenes, realistic depiction of warfare, and gripping storytelling that weaves together politics, treachery, and the relationships among the characters.
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Conqueror ) - #9
Save:Katherine of Aragon: The True Queen by Alison Weir is a detailed historical fiction novel that delves into the life of Katherine of Aragon, the first wife of King Henry VIII. The book portrays Katherine's struggles and dedication, from her marriage to Henry's older brother Arthur, to her tumultuous relationship with Henry VIII, and her unwavering commitment to her beliefs and values. Readers are taken on a journey through Katherine's life, experiencing her joys, sorrows, and the challenges she faced in a time where the future of a country could rest on the shoulders of a queen.
The coast of England was closer now. Standing at the balustrade of the deck, high above the stern of the ship, with tendrils of red-gold hair whipping about her face, Catalina could see green and brow... - #10
Save:'The Smoke at Dawn' by Jeff Shaara delves into the Civil War campaign in the Western Theater, specifically focusing on the struggle for Chattanooga in the aftermath of the battle of Chickamauga. Through vivid storytelling, the author brings to life the character strengths and flaws of the generals and ordinary soldiers involved in the conflict. The narrative follows the Union forces from the dreary siege to the arrival of Grant in Chattanooga, the replacement of William Rosecrans by Thomas, and Sherman's involvement, introducing various characters on both sides.
The action in the book is seen through the eyes of multiple characters, including notable figures like Ulysses Grant, George Thomas, William Sherman, and enlisted soldier Fritz Bauer. The details of the gathering of Union forces to assault Confederate positions at Lookout Mountain, Tunnel Hill, and Missionary Ridge make for compelling reading, providing a fine historical novel that immerses readers in the events of the Civil War campaign in the West.
The prisoners were marched away under guard of only a few of his men. It was clear to Forrest, and to anyone in his command, that these Federal troops were not frightened, seemed instead to be relieve...
(Also, see 24 recommendations for the series Civil War: 1861-1865, Western Theater )
