Books matching: historical figures in fiction
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- #1
Save:A witty, insightful romp through scandals and society in 1876 America - ideal for history lovers and political junkies, but the sprawling cast and dense politics might not win over every reader.
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...1976•394 pages
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Narratives of Empire ) - #2
Save:Come for the murder mystery, stay for the atmospheric, well-researched ride through Gilded Age New York. Long-winded at times, but worth it if you’re into historical thrillers with depth and a dark edge.
Set in late 19th century New York City, 'The Alienist' by Caleb Carr follows a team of individuals, including the alienist Dr. Laszlo Kreizler, crime reporter John Moore, and a few detectives, as they track down a serial killer targeting young boys and possibly young girls. The novel intertwines historical figures like Theodore Roosevelt with fictional characters to create a gripping psychological thriller. Through detailed historical research, the author recreates the atmosphere of the period, delving into the birth of American profiling and modern forensic science.
The book is a complex blend of mystery, thriller, and historical fiction, providing a rich historical portrait of New York City while also delivering a suspenseful detective story utilizing early psychological profiling techniques. The narrative is filled with chilling details and vivid descriptions that bring the city to life, immersing readers in the gritty yet intriguing world of criminal investigation in the late 1800s.
The words as I write them make as little sense as did the sight of his coffin descending into a patch of sandy soil near Sagamore Hill, the place he loved more than any other on earth. As I stood ther...1994•571 pages - #3
Save:Gangland by Chuck Hogan is a gripping novel that blends factual events from 1970s Chicago mob history with well-crafted fictional characters. The plot revolves around Tony Accardo, the mob boss, who sets his soldier, Nicky Pins, on a violent path of revenge after a theft. The narrative is filled with rich cultural references that paint an authentic picture of the era, making it appealing and relatable to readers, especially those familiar with Chicago.
The tan Coronet sedan had been parked on the opposite side of South Wenonah Avenue, two houses back from Giancana’s brick bungalow. Nicky had been sitting low in his ’74 Plymouth Satellite, parked fou...August 2022•353 pages - #4
Save:A wild, inventive cyber-dystopian adventure with loads of action, sharp humor, and a world unlike any other - just be ready to juggle complex plots and a hefty cast!
'The Demi-Monde' in the series 'The Demi-Monde Saga' by Rod Rees is a sci-fi novel that introduces readers to a virtual world, the Demi Monde, created for US military training. The plot revolves around the main character, Ella Thomas, who enters the Simulation to rescue Norma Williams, the daughter of the US President, trapped in the Demi Monde. combines elements of history, fiction, and religion, creating a dark and suspenseful atmosphere that keeps readers engaged. The writing style is described as inventive, with a well-realized world that features a mix of characters and a unique plotline.
The Demi-Monde is the first simulation product ever to be platformed on and operated by the ABBA quantum computer. ABBA is a Quanputer-based system developed and operated by ParaDigm CyberResearch Lim...January 2011•666 pages - #5
Save:A fun, darkly entertaining Victorian romp with a dash of conspiracy and lots of historical flavor. Not perfect, but worth picking up if you like mysteries that blend fact and fiction with a theatrical flair.
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...June 2019•392 pages - #6
Save:A dazzling, immersive steampunk classic that’s big on atmosphere and ideas, but less so on coherent plot or emotional connection - best enjoyed for the ride, not the destination.
'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,...1990•478 pages Dazzling, dreamlike, and totally original - The Vorrh is a masterpiece of wild imagination, but its ambitious style and structure can be polarizing. Go in expecting a challenge and you’ll be rewarded with a reading experience unlike any other.
'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...2012•502 pages- #8
Save:A sweeping, beautifully written tale blending real history and poignant personal drama - perfect for historical fiction fans who enjoy stories of resilience and hope, though the focus on history over emotion may not suit every reader.
After suffering through the worst of the Spanish Civil War, young doctor Victor Dalmau is offered the chance to emigrate to Chile on a ship chartered by Chilean poet Pablo Neruda. Taking with him the mother of his dead brother's child Victor and his new family survive further upset over the next forty years. In a work of fiction that is populated by real characters such as Neruda, Isabel Allende has crafted a love story to Chile and also explored the stories of the Spanish diaspora. The scenes at the start of the book are some of the best writing I have read about the Spanish Civil War and after that, the story continues to weave the lives of the people into the events of the world.
In 1939, the poet Pablo Neruda organized a ship to transport 2200 Spanish refugees to Chile, to start a new life. In A Long Petal of the Sea Isabel Allende placed two fictional characters, Victor and Roser, into this setting and imagines their lives over the next 50 years. Or at least that's what I think she meant to do. Unfortunately, the book often reads like a Wikipedia entry on Chilean history, with the characters as convenient pawns in that narrative. There's a lot of good stuff for a novel here a multigenerational story arc involving war, romance, illegitimate children, lost loves, and lives well lived despite adversity. But the long explanations of history and the political climate snuff out any possibility of the reader's emotional engagement.
THE YOUNG SOLDIER WAS PART of the “Baby Bottle Conscription,” the boys called up when there were no more men, young or old, to fight the war. Victor Dalmau received him with the other wounded taken fr...2019•352 pages - #9
Save:Rewrite is a twisty, idea-heavy time-loop adventure that’s more interested in exploring consciousness and history than being a traditional sci-fi thriller. Not for everyone, but if you like your science fiction with a big dash of speculative philosophy - and some cameos from icons - it’s definitely worth the ride.
'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.
But to be young was very heaven! —William Wordsworth, The Prelude 1 Charlie’s body jerks backward against a mattress. His arms and legs snap inward to clasp his gut. Panic squeezes the air from his lu... - #10
Save:A dazzling, genre-blurring romp through art, history, and absurdity - “Sudden Death” is a cerebral treat, best for adventurous readers who don’t mind losing their place in time now and then.
Sudden Death by Alvaro Enrigue is a novel that intricately weaves together a tennis match between historical figures, such as Caravaggio and Quevedo, with events from the 16th century like the conquest of Mexico and the Counter Reformation. The narrative jumps back and forth in time, offering insights into the lives of these characters and exploring themes of power, religion, and cultural clashes. The author's writing style blurs the line between fact and fiction, creating a playful yet erudite atmosphere that keeps the reader engaged and questioning the boundaries of history and storytelling.
The oldest written record of the word tennis makes no mention of athletic shoes; rather, it refers solely to the sport from which they take their name, a sport that—along with fencing, its near kin—wa...2013•272 pages
