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Books matching: historical figures in fiction

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  1. #1

    The Darwin Affair by Tim Mason
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    The Darwin Affair by Tim Mason is a Victorian thriller set in 1860, where Chief Inspector Detective Charles Field is tasked with solving a series of murders and unraveling a conspiracy against Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. The plot revolves around the clash between those who support Charles Darwin's theories and those who seek to discredit them, leading to a complex narrative filled with historical figures like Charles Darwin, Sir Richard Owen, Karl Marx, and Bishop Wilberforce. The book combines mystery, history, and suspense, taking readers on a journey through the dark alleys of Victorian London and the corridors of power.

    The writing style of The Darwin Affair is engaging and fast-paced, keeping readers hooked with its non-stop action and unexpected twists. The author, Tim Mason, skillfully weaves together real historical events and fictional elements, creating a vivid portrayal of Victorian England and its societal tensions. The characters, particularly Chief Detective Inspector Charles Field, are well-developed, adding depth to the narrative and making it a compelling read for fans of historical fiction and mystery.

    The heat moved like a feral thing through the streets, fetid and inescapable. Chief Detective Inspector Charles Field, sweating in his shiny black greatcoat, ducked into the shadowed portico of a hous...

  2. #2

    The Difference Engine by William Gibson, Bruce Sterling
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    'The Difference Engine' by William Gibson and Bruce Sterling is an alternative history novel set in a Victorian England where steam-powered technology has advanced to the point of creating mechanical computers. The book explores the consequences of Charles Babbage completing his steam-powered computer, the Difference Engine, and the societal changes brought about by this technological advancement. The plot follows multiple storylines that intertwine, involving intrigue, civil disorder, and a Sherlock Holmes-style mystery surrounding stolen computer cards.

    The writing style of 'The Difference Engine' is described as detailed and immersive, painting a vivid picture of an alternate Victorian landscape where industrialism and early computing have triumphed over traditional political and social structures. The narrative is noted for its complexity, with some readers finding the plot convoluted yet fascinating, while others struggled to follow the multiple intertwining storylines and found the characters lacking depth and consistency.

    Below her, in a neglected formal garden, leafless vines lace wooden trellises on whitewashed, flaking walls. From the open windows of her sickroom, a warm draft stirs the loose white hair at her neck,...

  3. #3
    The Vorrh
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    Book 1 in the series:The Vorrh

    The Vorrh - The Vorrh by B Catling
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    'The Vorrh' by B Catling is a complex and challenging fantasy novel set in an unnamed African country during the late 19th or early 20th century. The central focus of the book is the mysterious Vorrh forest, which has a profound impact on the characters from the colonial town of Essenwald and beyond. The narrative weaves together multiple subplots involving historical figures, surreal elements, and mystical themes, creating a rich and vivid backdrop for the story to unfold. The writing style is described as poetic, with vivid descriptions that paint a surreal and hallucinatory picture of the world within the novel.

    “That which is marred at birth Time shall not mend, Nor water out of bitter well make clean; All evil thing returneth at the end, Or elseway walketh in our blood unseen. Whereby the more is sorrow in ...

  4. #4
    1876
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    Book 3 in the series:Narratives of Empire

    1876 - Narratives of Empire by Gore Vidal
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    Gore Vidal's '1876' is a historical fiction novel set during the pivotal year of 1876, focusing on the disputed U.S. presidential election between Tilden and Hayes. The story unfolds in a backdrop of corruption, chaos, and the destruction of the country, with a vividly presented cast of characters. The narrative is engagingly written, with a mix of real-life figures and fictional characters, providing insights into the political and social scene of the time.

    The book follows the fictional character Charles Schuyler, a reporter, as he navigates through the social and political intricacies of New York and Washington D.C. during this tumultuous period. Vidal's writing style evokes the look, attitudes, tastes, and smells of the era, with a focus on historical accuracy and biting observations on politics and society, making it a compelling read for those interested in historical fiction.

    “THAT IS NEW YORK.” I pointed to the waterfront just ahead as if the city were mine. Ships, barges, ferry boats, four-masted schooners were shoved like a child’s toys against a confused jumble of buil...

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Narratives of Empire )

  5. #5
    Rewrite
    Book 2 in the series:Timescape

    Rewrite - Timescape by Gregory Benford
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    'Rewrite' by Gregory Benford is a science fiction novel that delves into the concept of time travel and consciousness exploration. The plot revolves around a character who relives a portion of his life repeatedly, exploring the idea of making changes to the world using knowledge of history. The book incorporates elements of quantum mechanics, reincarnation, and the impact of altering historical events. Characters such as Albert Einstein, Robert Heinlein, and Philip K. Dick play significant roles in advancing the storyline, adding depth to the narrative. The writing style combines elements of fantasy and compelling storytelling, creating an imaginative and thought-provoking read that keeps readers engaged.


    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Timescape )

  6. #6

    The Man on a Donkey by H.F.M. Prescott
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    The Man on a Donkey by H.F.M. Prescott is a historical novel set during the reign of Henry VIII, focusing on the Pilgrimage of Grace rebellion against the dissolution of the monasteries. The book intricately weaves together fact and fiction, portraying historical figures like Robert Aske and Lord Thomas Darcy alongside imagined characters. Through Prescott's detailed and vivid writing, readers are immersed in the religious and political turmoil of 16th-century England, exploring themes of faith, power, and loyalty. The narrative unfolds slowly, building a complex tapestry of characters and events as the rebellion unfolds and the characters' fates intertwine.

    The writing style of H.F.M. Prescott in The Man on a Donkey is praised for its meticulous historical research and rich storytelling. The author's use of authentic language and descriptive prose transports readers to the Tudor period, capturing the essence of the era. The novel delves into the personal lives and motivations of its characters, from the blind adoration of Julian Savage for Robert Aske to the conflicted beliefs of the heretic priest Gib Dawe. Prescott's narrative skillfully blends historical accuracy with imaginative storytelling, creating a compelling and immersive reading experience.


  7. #7

    The Angel of Darkness - Dr. Laszlo Kreizler by Caleb Carr
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    'The Angel of Darkness' is a sequel to the novel 'The Alienist' by Caleb Carr. The story is set in late 19th-century New York City and follows Dr. Laszlo Kreizler and his team as they investigate a female serial killer targeting children. The narrative is rich in historical details, featuring real figures like Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Clarence Darrow. The plot explores themes of forensic profiling, court trials, and the challenges of solving crimes in a corrupt society.

    is narrated from the perspective of Stovepipe Stevie, offering a unique insight into the characters and events. The writing style is described as well-researched and historically accurate, with a blend of mystery, thriller, and historical fiction elements. Despite some pacing issues and a few criticisms of certain plot developments, the book is praised for its depth, psychological aspects, and the gripping nature of the story.

    The first thing to do, along these plain lines, is to say why I’ve closed the shop up and come into the back office on a night when there’s still plenty of business that might be done. It’s a fine eve...

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Dr. Laszlo Kreizler )

  8. #8
    The Winds of War
    Book 1 in the series:The Henry Family

    The Winds of War - The Henry Family by Herman Wouk
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    "The Winds of War" by Herman Wouk is a historical fiction novel set during World War II, following the Henry family as they navigate the tumultuous events leading up to the war and the early years of the conflict. The book expertly blends historical facts with a family saga, offering vivid portrayals of famous figures like Hitler, Churchill, Roosevelt, and Stalin, while also delving into the personal lives and challenges of the characters. Wouk's writing style combines fiction and nonfiction elements, captivating readers with a compelling story that transports them back in time to the era of the war.

    The plot of "The Winds of War" is sprawling and epic, reminiscent of James Michener's works, as it covers a wide range of events and locations related to World War II. Through the lens of the Henry family, readers are provided with a comprehensive view of the lead-up to the war, the impact on American families, and the historical backdrop of the conflict. The book's engaging storytelling and inclusion of both fictional and real-life characters make it a captivating read that offers insights into the scale and scope of World War II.

    Commander Victor Henry rode a taxicab home from the Navy Building on Constitution Avenue, in a gusty gray March rainstorm that matched his mood. In his War Plans cubbyhole that afternoon, he had recei...

  9. #9

    Drood by Dan Simmons
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    'Drood' by Dan Simmons is a captivating historical literary mystery that delves into the friendship and rivalry between Charles Dickens and Wilkie Collins. The story is narrated through the eyes of Wilkie Collins, who recounts the final years of Dickens' life after a near-fatal train accident and his obsession with a mysterious figure named Drood. The novel weaves a tale of intrigue, darkness, and madness, exploring the complexities of Dickens and Collins' relationship and the haunting inspiration behind Dickens' unfinished work, 'The Mystery of Edwin Drood.'

    I was out of town on the day of my friend’s disaster at Staplehurst, so it was a full three days after the accident that I received a message from my younger brother, Charles, who had married Dickens’...

  10. #10

    Ragtime by E.L. Doctorow
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    'Ragtime' by E.L. Doctorow is a historical fiction novel set in early twentieth-century America, featuring a diverse cast of characters including fictional families and real-life figures like Harry Houdini, J.P. Morgan, and Emma Goldman. The story weaves together various narratives, exploring themes of immigration, social class, and historical events, all against the backdrop of a rapidly changing society. Doctorow's writing style is described as lush, lyrical, and cleverly written, incorporating elements of humor, irony, and a unique narrative structure.

    In 1902 Father built a house at the crest of the Broadview Avenue hill in New Rochelle, New York. It was a three-story brown shingle with dormers, bay windows and a screened porch. Striped awnings sha...

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