Books Like...
'The Emancipator's Wife' by Barbara Hambly is a fictional portrayal of Mary Todd Lincoln, the wife of President Abe Lincoln. The story delves into Mary's troubled life, exploring themes of loss, addiction, and mental health. Readers get an insight into Mary's world, punctuated by tantrums, migraine headaches, and tragic events including the loss of her children and husband. The narrative captures Mary's volatile behavior and the challenges she faced, presenting a complex and flawed character. Through a blend of historical accuracy and imagination, the author paints a vivid picture of Mary's life, from her Southern belle upbringing to her marriage with Abraham Lincoln and the hardships she endured during the Civil War era.
If you liked The Emancipator's Wife, here are the top 15 books to read next:
The novel 'Patriot Hearts: A Novel of the Founding Mothers' by Barbara Hambly explores the intertwined stories of Martha Washington, Abigail Adams, Sally Hemings, and Dolley Madison during the early years of the United States, from the Revolution to the British march on Washington, DC in 1814. The book offers a fresh perspective on the formation of the nation through the eyes of these women as they navigate raising children, loving men involved in building a new government, and making sacrifices for their country. The narrative jumps back and forth through time, providing a sideways view on the political and personal events surrounding George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison presidencies.
When they were girls together in Hanover County, Virginia, Dolley had always striven to live up to her friend Sophia Sparling’s elegance, and Sophie, she observed now, almost forty years later, awaite...- #2
Save:Cusi, a young Inca warrior, and Micay, the daughter of a chieftain, are drawn together despite the differences in their circumstances in a world turned upside down, in a saga of the final years of the powerful Inca Empire
... - #3
Save:"Caravans" by James A. Michener is a captivating tale set in post-WW2 Afghanistan, following the journey of a young American diplomat, Mark Miller, as he searches for a missing American woman named Ellen who has married an Afghan. The book provides a vivid depiction of the diverse cultures and complex history of Afghanistan, offering insights into the political landscape and social dynamics of the region. Through engaging characters and a fast-paced narrative, the story unfolds as a mix of adventure, romance, and exploration of personal and cultural identities.
On a bleak wintry morning some years ago I was summoned to the office of our naval attaché at the American embassy in Kabul. Captain Verbruggen looked at me with an air of frustration and growled, “Da... - #4
Save:'The Belt of Gold' by Cecelia Holland is a historical novel set in Constantinople in AD 802. The story follows Frankish warrior Hagen, who becomes entangled in a power struggle between Empress Irene and pretender to the throne John Cerulis. The plot is described as complex and poisonous, involving court officials, spies, diplomats, and charioteers. The book is praised for its vivid depiction of Byzantine Constantinople and its engaging portrayal of characters with varied ambitions and fears. The narrative weaves together multiple plotlines that ultimately converge under the manipulative Empress Irene.
Shimon gave her a long meditative stare. He had the long sad face of his people, deeply graven with lines, and although he never raised his voice it made her quail a little to risk his anger. But if s... - #5
Save:'The Valley of the Kings' by Cecelia Holland is a historical fiction novel that revolves around the story of Howard Carter and the events leading up to the death of Tutankhamun. The narrative is divided into two parts, with the first part focusing on Carter's expedition in the early 20th century, while the second part delves into ancient Egypt during Tutankhamun's reign. combines these two distinct stories under one title, exploring the challenges faced by Carter during his search for Tutankhamun's tomb and providing a glimpse into the life in ancient Egypt.
My name is Howard Carter, and I am English; I am an Egyptologist. In 1902 I was working for the Egyptian Department of Antiquities, supervising the diggings in the Valley of the Kings, near the ancien... - #6
Save:'Jerusalem' by Cecelia Holland is a historical novel set in the medieval kingdom of Jerusalem during the Crusades. The story revolves around Rannulf Fitzwilliam, a Templar knight with a mysterious past who struggles with internal conflicts. The novel delves into the clash between European and Islamic cultures, as well as the challenges faced by characters like Princess Sibylla and King Baldwin. The writing style is described as immersive, with detailed settings that transport the reader to the Holy Land in the 1180s, showcasing the struggles and battles faced by the Templars and the residents of Jerusalem and Damascus.
Rannulf slid down over its crupper to the ground. The other knight kept to his saddle; with a half-spoken oath he slammed his spurred heels savagely into the horse’s flanks. The beast gave a long wear... - #7
Save:"Ironfire" by David Ball is a historical novel set in the 16th century Mediterranean, primarily focused around Malta and culminating in the Siege of Malta. The story follows the intertwined lives of three main characters - a brother and sister from Malta and a French knight - as they navigate through the conflicts between Christianity and Islam during the era. The book is praised for its detailed descriptions of locations like Malta, Istanbul, and France, as well as for blending fictional and real-life characters seamlessly into a family saga about home and belonging.
The writing style of "Ironfire" is commended for its ability to transport readers to the 16th century, immersing them in the intricacies of the novel. The author, David Ball, is lauded for his thorough research and creative storytelling that brings to life the historical events of the time, such as the Siege of Malta, in a captivating and engaging manner.
They didn’t see the dead sentry hanging upside down on the watchtower. It was Bartholomeo, an older boy who lived on their own street, his throat cut deep as he slept, cut from ear to ear. His blood h... - #8
Save:'The Covenant' by James A. Michener is a sweeping historical fiction novel that covers the history of South Africa over 500 years, starting from the early San peoples to the era of apartheid. The book follows the stories of several families - one Dutch Afrikaner, one English, and one native - providing a fictional account of the founding of South Africa through well-researched storytelling. The writing style of Michener presents the history of South Africa through different time periods with extremely interesting characters, giving readers a comprehensive introduction to the country's complex past.
While these narcotic names infected him with their sweet poison he stayed on deck and watched the moon tiptoe across the waves of an ocean he still could not comprehend, and grudgingly he admitted tha... - #9
Save:Empires of Sand by David Ball is a historical adventure fiction novel set in the 19th century, dividing its narrative between Paris and the Sahara during the Franco-Prussian War. The book follows French protagonists through a tale of action, love, and cultural narrative, immersing readers in a world of intrigue, deception, and forbidden love on an exotic stage. The writing style is described as old-school adventure with a vibe reminiscent of stories like Indiana Jones, focusing on detailed historical events and rich character development.
“The children! Hold fire!” It was too late. The gun roared and kicked back against the huntsman’s shoulder. It was a long shot, a hundred and fifty meters or more. He had almost not seen the boar, nea... - #10
Save:"Russka: the Novel of Russia" by Edward Rutherfurd is a sweeping historical novel that spans 1800 years of Russian history, following the lives of multiple families through different eras. The book starts with the people of the Steppes, then delves into the periods of the Tatars, Ivan the Terrible, the Cossacks, Peter the Great, Catherine the Great, Tsar Nicholas, and the Revolution. The narrative weaves together personal stories with major historical events, offering a vivid portrayal of Russia's past and the resilience of its people.
The book is structured as a saga of six families, providing a comprehensive view of Russian history from ancient times until the 1990s. Readers are taken on a journey through the turbulent events that shaped Russia, from the early periods of history to the developments leading up to the collapse of the Soviet Union. With lifelike characters and intricate period details, Edward Rutherfurd brings the history of Russia to life in a captivating and engaging manner, offering a rich tapestry of passion, loss, and the enduring spirit of the Russian people.
Like horsemen they came from the east with their billowing white canopies, from who knew what endless steppes – sweeping majestically over the little collection of huts by the river’s edge and continu...
