Historical fiction: what would you recommend?

[LSCB]

Hi all. I am reading The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane, having recently finished New York, both of which are historical novels. And I'm working my way through the Outlander series, but taking a time out to read some real history to give me a better understanding of what was actually going on in the world at the times those books are set.

What I'm wondering is what historical fiction you would recommend, excluding those that I've mentioned, above, and anything by Michener (been there, done that).

Thanks so much! -- LSCB

[Haleakala_LKB]

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LSCB wrote:

Hi all. I am reading The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane, having recently finished New York, both of which are historical novels. And I'm working my way through the Outlander series, but taking a time out to read some real history to give me a better understanding of what was actually going on in the world at the times those books are set.

What I'm wondering is what historical fiction you would recommend, excluding those that I've mentioned, above, and anything by Michener (been there, done that).

Thanks so much! -- LSCB

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Will watch replies with interest. I am reading New York right now. Really enjoying it!

LisaB

[LSCB]

Yes, it's a great book. And as a result of reading it, I now have a biography of Benjamin Franklin on my list of must-read books! --LSCB

[Doug_Pardee Distinguished Bibliophile]

What kind of "historical"? There are an awful lot of eras and locales.

What kind of "novel"? Are you looking for something fairly true to the period, or just anything set in the past?

Here's one I really enjoyed from the WW-II era:

Billy Boyle (Billy Boyle World War II Mystery Series #1)

[LSCB]

Thanks Doug. No particular era. Mostly looking for something well written, entertaining, and not misleading when it comes to history. Artistic license is one thing, rewriting history is another! Thanks for the recommendation. --LSCB

[kathylcsw]

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LSCB wrote:

Hi all. I am reading The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane, having recently finished New York, both of which are historical novels. And I'm working my way through the Outlander series, but taking a time out to read some real history to give me a better understanding of what was actually going on in the world at the times those books are set.

What I'm wondering is what historical fiction you would recommend, excluding those that I've mentioned, above, and anything by Michener (been there, done that).

Thanks so much! -- LSCB

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@LSCB did you like The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane? I have it on my wishlist but reviews have been both bad and good. The description sounds really good.

[LSCB]

I'm really enjoying it, as a matter of fact. It moves between the time of the Salem witch trials and the years following, and 1991. The main character is a grad student hoping to become a professor. Since I work at a University, I particularly enjoy that aspect. I think it's pretty well written, too. I don't care for books with graphic sex scenes, but prefer instead good plots and descriptive writing. Plus, the book now has me interested in doing some reading on the actual history of the Salem witch hunts/trials, etc. This book, plus New York, which I finished about a week ago, have me quite interested in U.S. history from the time of the earliest settlers through to about 1800. One way I judge whether a book is good is when it inspires me to explore topics covered in its own story. I hope this helps! --LSCB

[LarryOnLI]

LSCB wrote:

Thanks Doug. No particular era. Mostly looking for something well written, entertaining, and not misleading when it comes to history. Artistic license is one thing, rewriting history is another! Thanks for the recommendation. --LSCB

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I am re-reading on NOOK one of my favorite (if not THE favorite) novels of all time, and a very accurate historical look at the events leading up tto the second world war.

The Winds of War

 

[Allem-o]

To Try Men's Souls

  

Valley Forge

  

[LSCB]

Thank you! Here's a synopsis of Wouk's book, from B&N:

Synopsis

A Masterpiece of Historical Fiction-The Great Novel of America's "Greatest Generation" Herman Wouk's sweeping epic of World War II, which begins with The Winds of War and continues in War and Remembrance, stands as the crowning achievement of one of America's most celebrated storytellers. Like no other books about the war, Wouk's spellbinding narrative captures the tide of global events-and all the drama, romance, heroism, and tragedy of World War II-as it immerses us in the lives of a single American family drawn into the very center of the war's maelstrom.

--LSCB

[gtownreader]

I read The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane this summer and enjoyed it.  I loved the Outlander series too.  I did stop after the fourth to take a break and never got back to them.  I'm hoping the first will be offered for free again so I can start over.

I've read all of Kate Morton's books (The Distant Hours, The Forgotten Garden, and The House at Riverton).  I highly recommend them all.

[mister-j]

You might try anything by Jeff Shaara including Gone For Soldiers about the Mexican America War and The Rising Tide the beginning of a trilogy on WWII in Europe.  Also anything by Bernard Cornwell including Agincourt (a stand alone I think), or his Sharpe series starting with Sharpe's Tiger. 

[Beth_DeEtt]

I recently read New York.  I certainly thought it was enjoyable! I also appreciated the obvious historical scholarship behind the story.  I was disappointed that two of what I thought were the more interesting family stories were dropped during the novel's course, and I felt that the later chapters were somewhat rushed and not as richly detailed as the rest of the book.

I just finished this book, which I cannot recommend highly enough!  It's wonderful!  I think I'll be reading more about the Channel Islands soon... 

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

  

[LSCB]

These are all great leads. Keep 'em coming! -- LSCB

[Rainfall00]

I looove historical fiction! My absolute, top faves from last year and this year so far -

Year of Wonders by Geraldine Brooks

Moloka'i by Alan Brennert

Ireland by Frank Delaney

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer & Annie Barrows

Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay

Day After Night by Anita Diamant

Clan of the Cave Bear by Jean M. Aeul

Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

[kathylcsw]

I second the recommendations for Winds of War and War and Remembrance. I read them many years ago and absolutely loved them! There was a miniseries made from them many years ago too. Great reads.

[Rainfall00]

I've also been told by many friends that you must read at least one book (but preferably many) each by Bernard Cornwell, Sharon Kay Penman, and Elizabeth Chadwick.

I have a handful of these on my Nook and bookshelves waiting to be read, so I can't vouch for them yet.

[LSCB]

Oh boy! I kinda feel like it's Christmas morning, everyone! Loving these suggestions. The only problem; I hafta find time to work, sleep etc., when all I want to do is read Read READ! -- LSCB

[scjohanson5]

I can vouch for all three.  They are great authors. 

[CasperAZ]

This book was just released today and it is historical fiction.