Task 15: Read a Book of Historical Fiction Set Before 1900

[Rokkan]

Thank goodness for Conn Iggulden. Going to be reading The Gates of Rome for this one.

[Daena]

Yay, excited to read this one Bring Up the Bodies, before we get the next one this year!

[Astrid]

Not very familiar with this genre, but kinda excited for this, especially because I'm obsessed with Reign. So my choices are The White Queen (or any other Phillippa Gregory book), The Luxe (barely makes it, set in 1899), The Luminaries or Burial Rites

[Bea]

Although I planned to read another book for this task, I just got Burial Rites out of the library for another group, and so I will change my plan and put it here.

[Eva]

Cheri wrote: "I'm very curious about The Wake by Paul Kingsnorth, which got nominated for a bunch of awards and which I purchased on sale. It's set in England right after the Norm..."

It is also a movie - on Netflix! I loved reading this book.

[Eva]

I have a couple of ideas: What the Lady Wants which is about Marshall Field. The other choice is The House of Hawthorne which is about Nathaniel Hawthorne.

[Martha]

Karen wrote: "Deera wrote: "I'm going to read Burial Rites by Hannah Kent for this task."

This is one of my favorite books! Such a good choice... so moving and atmospheric... I hope you enjoy it."

I loved this book! I'm reading Wolf Winter right now and it reminds me of Burial Rites in its tone and setting.

[Emily]

Is it okay that I have already started the book but will not finish until 2016? I am new to this challenge. I'm currently reading Daughter of Fortune by Isabel Allende, set in the mid-1800s. Really enjoying it.

[Martha]

Emily wrote: "Is it okay that I have already started the book but will not finish until 2016? I am new to this challenge. I'm currently reading Daughter of Fortune by Isabel Allende, set in the mid-1800s. Really..."

I think so. I'm definitely doing that now. The books I finish will count for 2016 though and not 2015.

[Jennifer]

I'm going to go for The Moor's Account for this challenge - set in the 1520s, expedition to the Americas, Moroccan author, POC lead...I'm really excited for it.

[Katy]

Deera wrote: "I'm going to read Burial Rites by Hannah Kent for this task."

This book knocked me out - excellent choice.

[Katy]

Monica wrote: "I'm thinking of something a little less conventional that I am reading for a different group challenge next year...

To Say Nothing of the Dog"

Isn't To Say Nothing of the Dog set in the 1940s?

[Robin P]

Katy wrote: "Monica wrote: "I'm thinking of something a little less conventional that I am reading for a different group challenge next year...

To Say Nothing of the Dog"

Isn't To Say Nothing of ..."
You are partly right -The very first scene is in WWII. The "historians" are from some time in the future and travel to past eras. Most of the book takes place in Victorian times. The main characters go there for a relaxing vacation but end up with humorous complications.

[Katy]

Ah, thanks. I've been wanting to read it, and may just use it for this category now!

[Viv]

I am reading The Corpse Reader for this one. It's set in China in the 13th century. It was recommended to me by a bookworm friend and also my mum, so I have high hopes!

[Alice.]

I'll read The Song Of Achille by Madaline Miller

[Leslie]

How to be Both by Ali Smith
Gutenberg's Apprentice by Alix Christie

[Kristi]

I'm reading The Impeachment of Abraham Lincoln by Stephen L. Carter.

[Martha]

I finished The Architect's Apprentice today. It fits multiple topics, but I'm going to use it for the Historical Fiction Set Before 1900 category. I liked it a lot!

[Lea]

Jo wrote: "Longbourn or Death Comes to Pemberley for me..."

Was thinking of Longbourn, but may have to read Death Comes to Pemberly - I watched the BBC on Netflix and loved it! Thanks for mentioning it.

[sarah]

I never finished Burial Rites by Australian author Hannah Kent even though I was 3/4 of the way through and really enjoying it. Looking forward to rectifying this.

[Clark]

As Far as The Eye Can See by Robert Bausch. Amazing amazing amazing. Takes place in the 1870's. I can't remember the last time I finished a book this quickly. Two days. Couldn't put it down.

[Clark]

As Far as The Eye Can See by Robert Bausch. Amazing amazing amazing. Takes place in the 1870's. I can't remember the last time I finished a book this quickly. Two days. Couldn't put it down.

[Katie]

Abbie wrote: "Thoughts on The Red Tent? It's been on my shelf and my TBR list for a while. Would rather read Ramayana for the "book about religion" category."

The Red Tent is one of my all time favorites! I think its a better fit for historical fiction than religion.

[Sam F]

Just finished - The Invention of Wings. Absolutely loved it - very interesting historical fiction.

[Patty]

Sam F wrote: "Just finished - The Invention of Wings. Absolutely loved it - very interesting historical fiction."

Great story. I really enjoyed it also.

[Beachesnbooks]

I just started The Passion by Jeanette Winterson for this task--it's set in the Napoleonic era and I really love the writing style so far.

[Julie]

I started reading The Red Tent last night. Thanks for the suggestions!

[Megz]

I'm going to read Skin by Ilka Tampke. It's set in AD 43, so... I win ;) Skin

[Cristina]

I wonder if Sharon Kay Penman's new novel Outremer will be out in 2016 so I can read it for this category! ;)

[Dhruv]

Since Burial Rites has been mentioned a lot here, I'm gonna go with that one :)

[Lisa]

I'm reading The Last Kingdom

[Karin]

I'll be reading Balm: A Novel for this challenge. Got it on sale a few weeks ago for the kindle.

[Eva]

I may read The Dovekeepers. It will also count as a book over 500 pages. The Dovekeepers

[Angela]

would The Devil in the White City count? I know it's set in 1893, but not sure if it's a true story or not. Thanks!

[Rainey]

It is a true story. Great book by the way - The book is set in Chicago in 1893, intertwining the true tales of Daniel H. Burnham, the architect behind the 1893 World's Fair, and Dr. H. H. Holmes, the serial killer who lured his victims to their deaths in his elaborately constructed "Murder Castle."

[Shirley]

Rigby wrote: "Does anyone have a recommendation for me - I like how Sarah Waters works appeal to me, but I've already read most of them. Does anyone know authors or books doing something similar (..."

Patience & Sarah would count as historical fiction with a lesbian couple. Very different writing style to waters though. Give me a bit of time and I may be able to find some more for you.

[Shirley]

Rigby wrote: "Does anyone have a recommendation for me - I like how Sarah Waters works appeal to me, but I've already read most of them. Does anyone know authors or books doing something similar (..."

Frog Music if you haven't read would also be a very good choice! Based on a true story about the murder of a frog catcher who wore boys clothes when it was illegal . Really enjoyed this last year.

[Shirley]

Rigby wrote: "Based on a true story disqualifies it from this requirement, right? I will have to read it anyway!"

I think it would be ok as it's still fiction, not a biography or anything. Kinda like how Phillipa Gregory may base her fiction on real people but it's still fiction if that makes sense? I kinda wish I hadn't read it already now! Hope u enjoy it if you do read it though. :)

[Bea]

Rigby wrote: "Based on a true story disqualifies it from this requirement, right? I will have to read it anyway!"

Not sure how that would disqualify it if it is fiction. A lot of mystery type of fiction books are based on real murders. Still fiction unless the author is writing a factual account. And, a lot of historical fiction centers around real actual historical figures and times. Still fiction.

[Ashley]

Emma wrote: "I've put down for this, from what I can tell it should meet the requirements.."

Good choice! I just finished it myself. Couldn't put it down!

[Barbara]

Jennifer wrote: "I'm going to go for The Moor's Account for this challenge - set in the 1520s, expedition to the Americas, Moroccan author, POC lead...I'm really excited for it."

That's a fantastic idea! I saw this book on the Booker long list last year, and wanted to read it. I was worried that I wouldn't have time if I wanted to do the Read Harder challenge this year. Clearly my brain is not exactly working at full capacity right now, since it didn't even occur to me to kill two birds with one stone.

[Barbara]

Rigby wrote: "Does anyone have a recommendation for me - I like how Sarah Waters works appeal to me, but I've already read most of them. Does anyone know authors or books doing something similar (..."

The Fair Fight doesn't really have a lesbian romance per se, but it hits a lot of the other Sarah Waters marks (focus on women, esp unconventional, lower class women, Victorian Era, etc).

[Angela]

I've nearly finished The Pale Horseman, which is the second in the series about Alfred the Great and his struggles against Viking invasion. I'm liking it a lot!
I'm also hoping to read Wolf Hall for this challenge. I've had the book for ages, loved the TV series and now is the time to read it!!)

[Ashley]

Question to the group and/or BookRiot: Would something from the steampunk sub-genre be acceptable for this challenge? If it's set in Victorian London, I wonder if that can count for historical fiction?

[Ale]

I've read Company of Liars for this challenge and it's been a cracking read. It's set during the plague in 1348 and sort of sets itself as a modern reinterpretation of Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales. Overall, a superb read and it means I can still read Wolf Hall for the "over 500 pages" category.

[Eva]

I need an opinion, please. Do you think The Dovekeepers counts as a religious book? I haven't read it yet. Thanks!

[Martha]

Ale wrote: "I've read Company of Liars for this challenge and it's been a cracking read. It's set during the plague in 1348 and sort of sets itself as a modern reinterpretation of Chaucer's [boo..."

I loved that book!

[Martha]

Eva wrote: "I need an opinion, please. Do you think The Dovekeepers counts as a religious book? I haven't read it yet. Thanks!"

It's listed 48 times with a religious tag, so in my opinion I'd say yes.

[Eva]

Thank you! I also thank you for pointing out the tags. I am still learning how to use this website! So, The Dovekeepers it is. I will use this for my historical fiction, religious, and a book over 500 pages categories.