Sunday, July 11, 2010

12 Best Historical Fiction

Looking at the books I've read so far this year here are 12 of my favourite historical fiction novels. Interestingly, there are few new releases or hyped up books. Most of them have slipped under my radar until now when I've discovered them by exploring my new library or through blogging recommendations and challenges. Links will take you to my reviews - all are books I highly recommend.


Year of Wonders by Geraldine Brooks









A Thousand Orange Trees by Kathryn Harrison

Devil's Brood by Sharon K Penman










The 19th Wife by David Ebershoff











Someone Knows My Name (The Book of Negroes) by Lawrence Hill










Blood Royal by Vanora Bennett










Snowflower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See










The Taste of Sorrow by Jude Morgan

(US - Charlotte and Emily)








By Fire, By Water by Mitchell James Kaplan


Mistress of Rome by Kate Quinn










Lady of the Butterflies by Fiona Mountain










The Greenlanders by Jane Smiley

7 comments:

  1. Great post! The only book on your list that I've read is A Year of Wonders, which is wonderful.

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  2. I loved Devil's Brood. Have you read Penman's Welsh Trilogy? Here Be Dragons has to be my all time favorite historical fiction book.

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  3. I loved The Book of Negroes! What an emotional read. I'll have to check out some of the other books you suggested - they all look great!

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  4. I thought they were all excellent HF reading.

    Daphne - I've read all SKP's books and would probably choose the Welsh Trilogy as my favourite.

    Emidy - An amazing story and very moving.

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  5. Good list! I have only read Year of Wonders (loved it except for the dodgy ending)and Snow Flower which I thoroughly enjoyed as well.

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  6. Good choices! Even if I haven't read a single one, but I did read a Brooks book I really liked

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  7. Thanks for the great list. I have The 19th Wife on my TBR shelf. I can't wait to read it.

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