My Historical Fiction Recommendations
So, in the spirit of continuing on the theme of 'historical' blogs, I have decided to give you some historical fiction recommendations. As you may have guessed from my frequent rants on history and historical inaccuracies, I rather enjoy reading about history. As a result, I read a lot of historical fiction. And, when I say a lot, I mean a ton. So, without further ado, here are some of my recommendations for good, historical fiction reads.
1) The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory - This was one of the first historical fiction novels I ever read that was written for adults. While it was quite a shock for a twelve year old, after re-reading it as an adult, I have to say that is quite an entertaining book. It tells the story of Mary and Anne Boleyn, two girls locked in a fatal battle for a king's affection. I think the struggle with historical fiction is always, first and foremost, humanizing the characters. This book especially does a wonderful job of humanizing Henry VIII, a king traditionally maligned (and for good reason too).
2) The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara - Even outside of its genre, this is one of my favorite books, hands down. It recounts, with stunning precision and attention to detail, the battle of Gettysburg. I first read The Killer Angels in 8th grade, for a history project, even though my teacher tried to tell us that it was too 'advanced' for most of us. I loved it immediately. The book puts a human face to the big names that we all hear about in history class. I especially loved the contrast of the Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain subplot to the larger arcs of the generals' stories. Chamberlain, especially, seems to have a broader, grander idea of the war that contrasts stunningly with the gritty details; it makes the Civil War personal.
3) The Eagle of the Ninth by Rosemary Sutcliff - This book is definitely more fiction than historical, but as it's a novel about Roman Britain, I've decided to include it anyway. The novel follows one man's story as he sets about to regain his honor and restore his father's reputation by recovering the lost standard of his father's legion. His journey takes him from Roman outposts to the vast, mysterious wilderness of Caledonia, modern day Scotland. I originally read this book after seeing the movie The Eagle and found this rendition of the story infinitely more satisfying and interesting. It reminded me of a more perceptive Heart of Darkness that long predates the Belgian Congo.
4) The Madonna of the Seven Hills/ Light on Lucrezia by Jean Plaidy - These are actually two separate books, but as they're a sort of series, I listed them together. After watching the TV show The Borgias, I started getting curious about the real history behind the world's first crime family. I was lucky enough to land on Jean Plaidy's novels. Plaidy is a master of historical fiction (more about that later) and her depiction of the life of Lucrezia Borgia is a masterpiece. Plaidy approaches Lucrezia with a human touch, so often lacking when writing about the Borgia family. Far from the ambitious, grasping clan that historians tell us of, Lucrezia appears as a young woman trying to make the best out of a complicated and confusing situation.
5) Girl with a Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier - Again, I saw the movie version of this book first and, after reading the book, found it to be much better (although Colin Firth and Scarlett Johansson were in the movie and Colin Firth did a shockingly good job). This book is more of a creative, re-imagining of history than actual fact; it tells the possible tale behind one of the most enigmatic paintings in western art, Girl with a Pearl Earring by Johannes Vermeer (a painting widely regarded as the Mona Lisa of the North). The book tells the story of young maid in Vermeer's household who, unwittingly, finds herself the subject of Vermeer's famous painting. While the book is not quite as romantic as the movie, it strikes a creative balance between the world as the painter sees it and the world as it really is.
6) The Crucible by Arthur Miller - Now, I'm sure that everyone reading this blog has heard of The Crucible, but, unfortunately, it seems to me that only a small segment of the population has ever read it. The Crucible is an American classic that tells the story of the Salem witch trials in a compelling, captivating voice that stretches across the generations. It's dialogue is legendary, it's drama is memorable; The Crucible is an unparalleled work of American drama. If you haven't already read it, go pick up a copy. It's very short and you could probably read it in a matter of hours.
7) Pirate Latitudes by Michael Crichton - I was quite surprised when I picked up this book because it didn't seem like the sort of thing that Michael Crichton would write, but Crichton once again proved himself to be a master of his craft. It is the story of a pirate, Hunter, who is hired by the governor of Jamaica to capture a Spanish treasure galleon. The book, based on actual events and people, is thoroughly researched and refreshingly grounded in fact. You can really tell that Crichton knows what he is talking about. It is a quick read and I enjoyed every minute.
8) Mary, Queen of France by Jean Plaidy - Another excellent book by Jean Plaidy, Mary, Queen of France tells the story of Henry VIII's younger, favored sister, Mary Tudor. In the book, Mary, a headstrong, fiery girl is forced to marry the aging King of France, although the only man she is interested in having as a husband is her brother's best friend, Charles Brandon. After the death of the King of France, Mary and Charles elope, without Henry's permission. Despite the disastrous consequences that follow, it is a story full of romance and promise. I've always thought that Mary Tudor, virtually ignored in the annals of Tudor history, was a fascinating figure, worthy of far more attention. Her romance with Charles Brandon is one of the greatest love stories of the English monarchy.
9) The Sea of Trolls by Nancy Farmer - Once again, this is a book that is more fiction than fact, but it is an excellent story, so I am including it here. This book was written for children, but is entertaining for adults as well. I first read The Sea of Trolls around age eight and was so fascinated by it, that I turned right around and read it again. The book follows the story of a Saxon peasant named Jack and his sister Lucy as they are kidnapped by Norse vikings and carried off to a land of ice, snow, and magic. It is a well researched, almost plausible tale that weaves magic and reality with seamless ease that borders on the mythological. And, anyway, It's worth reading for the trolls along.
Just readin'
1) The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory - This was one of the first historical fiction novels I ever read that was written for adults. While it was quite a shock for a twelve year old, after re-reading it as an adult, I have to say that is quite an entertaining book. It tells the story of Mary and Anne Boleyn, two girls locked in a fatal battle for a king's affection. I think the struggle with historical fiction is always, first and foremost, humanizing the characters. This book especially does a wonderful job of humanizing Henry VIII, a king traditionally maligned (and for good reason too).
2) The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara - Even outside of its genre, this is one of my favorite books, hands down. It recounts, with stunning precision and attention to detail, the battle of Gettysburg. I first read The Killer Angels in 8th grade, for a history project, even though my teacher tried to tell us that it was too 'advanced' for most of us. I loved it immediately. The book puts a human face to the big names that we all hear about in history class. I especially loved the contrast of the Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain subplot to the larger arcs of the generals' stories. Chamberlain, especially, seems to have a broader, grander idea of the war that contrasts stunningly with the gritty details; it makes the Civil War personal.
3) The Eagle of the Ninth by Rosemary Sutcliff - This book is definitely more fiction than historical, but as it's a novel about Roman Britain, I've decided to include it anyway. The novel follows one man's story as he sets about to regain his honor and restore his father's reputation by recovering the lost standard of his father's legion. His journey takes him from Roman outposts to the vast, mysterious wilderness of Caledonia, modern day Scotland. I originally read this book after seeing the movie The Eagle and found this rendition of the story infinitely more satisfying and interesting. It reminded me of a more perceptive Heart of Darkness that long predates the Belgian Congo.
4) The Madonna of the Seven Hills/ Light on Lucrezia by Jean Plaidy - These are actually two separate books, but as they're a sort of series, I listed them together. After watching the TV show The Borgias, I started getting curious about the real history behind the world's first crime family. I was lucky enough to land on Jean Plaidy's novels. Plaidy is a master of historical fiction (more about that later) and her depiction of the life of Lucrezia Borgia is a masterpiece. Plaidy approaches Lucrezia with a human touch, so often lacking when writing about the Borgia family. Far from the ambitious, grasping clan that historians tell us of, Lucrezia appears as a young woman trying to make the best out of a complicated and confusing situation.
5) Girl with a Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier - Again, I saw the movie version of this book first and, after reading the book, found it to be much better (although Colin Firth and Scarlett Johansson were in the movie and Colin Firth did a shockingly good job). This book is more of a creative, re-imagining of history than actual fact; it tells the possible tale behind one of the most enigmatic paintings in western art, Girl with a Pearl Earring by Johannes Vermeer (a painting widely regarded as the Mona Lisa of the North). The book tells the story of young maid in Vermeer's household who, unwittingly, finds herself the subject of Vermeer's famous painting. While the book is not quite as romantic as the movie, it strikes a creative balance between the world as the painter sees it and the world as it really is.
6) The Crucible by Arthur Miller - Now, I'm sure that everyone reading this blog has heard of The Crucible, but, unfortunately, it seems to me that only a small segment of the population has ever read it. The Crucible is an American classic that tells the story of the Salem witch trials in a compelling, captivating voice that stretches across the generations. It's dialogue is legendary, it's drama is memorable; The Crucible is an unparalleled work of American drama. If you haven't already read it, go pick up a copy. It's very short and you could probably read it in a matter of hours.
7) Pirate Latitudes by Michael Crichton - I was quite surprised when I picked up this book because it didn't seem like the sort of thing that Michael Crichton would write, but Crichton once again proved himself to be a master of his craft. It is the story of a pirate, Hunter, who is hired by the governor of Jamaica to capture a Spanish treasure galleon. The book, based on actual events and people, is thoroughly researched and refreshingly grounded in fact. You can really tell that Crichton knows what he is talking about. It is a quick read and I enjoyed every minute.
8) Mary, Queen of France by Jean Plaidy - Another excellent book by Jean Plaidy, Mary, Queen of France tells the story of Henry VIII's younger, favored sister, Mary Tudor. In the book, Mary, a headstrong, fiery girl is forced to marry the aging King of France, although the only man she is interested in having as a husband is her brother's best friend, Charles Brandon. After the death of the King of France, Mary and Charles elope, without Henry's permission. Despite the disastrous consequences that follow, it is a story full of romance and promise. I've always thought that Mary Tudor, virtually ignored in the annals of Tudor history, was a fascinating figure, worthy of far more attention. Her romance with Charles Brandon is one of the greatest love stories of the English monarchy.
9) The Sea of Trolls by Nancy Farmer - Once again, this is a book that is more fiction than fact, but it is an excellent story, so I am including it here. This book was written for children, but is entertaining for adults as well. I first read The Sea of Trolls around age eight and was so fascinated by it, that I turned right around and read it again. The book follows the story of a Saxon peasant named Jack and his sister Lucy as they are kidnapped by Norse vikings and carried off to a land of ice, snow, and magic. It is a well researched, almost plausible tale that weaves magic and reality with seamless ease that borders on the mythological. And, anyway, It's worth reading for the trolls along.
Just readin'
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