Historical Fictionistas discussion
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Ancient History (Old Threads)
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2017: What are you reading?
PattyMacDotComma wrote: "The pen is mightier than the sword plus a picture's worth a thousand words equals Amnesty's letter-writing campaigns plus this picture book for all ages...."Ooh, nice math :)
Band of Brothers – Stephen E Ambrose – 4****
The subtitle is all the synopsis anyone needs: E Company, 506th Regiment, 101st Airborne from Normandy to Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest. Ambrose profiles the officers and enlisted men alike. Their personal stories, gleaned from hours of interviews as well as their journals and letters, lend great authenticity to the narrative.
LINK to my review
Not such a fan of this one, but others may enjoy it.Fever Dogs: Stories by Kim O'Neil
My review
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I'm reading the foundling by Joseph Fronczak the true story of a search for identity and biological family in the time of DNA. It's fascinating
Just finished Lord John And The Hand Of Devils which was a compilation of three short stories that followed one of my favorite characters in the Outlander Series. Link to my full review: Review
Margaret wrote: "I'm reading the foundling by Joseph Fronczak the true story of a search for identity and biological family in the time of DNA. It's fascinating"I liked that one too. When I posted my review on GR, there is a GR member who will comment on all of the positive reviews saying that it is all untrue. I buzzed through other positive reviews and she commented the same on all. I basically replied that whether her statement was true or not or whether the story was true or not, it did not detract from my enjoyment of the book. She hasn't replied back.
Margaret wrote: "I'm reading the foundling by Joseph Fronczak the true story of a search for identity and biological family in the time of DNA. It's fascinating"Thanks for the heads up -- this sort of thing is right up my alley!
Donna wrote: "Margaret wrote: "I'm reading the foundling by Joseph Fronczak the true story of a search for identity and biological family in the time of DNA. It's fascinating"I liked that one too..."
Margaret wrote: "I'm reading the foundling by Joseph Fronczak the true story of a search for identity and biological family in the time of DNA. It's fascinating"
The first link doesn't go to a book, and the second link goes to a Georgette Heyer historical fiction of the same name. This is the link to Paul Joseph Fronczak's book, The Foundling: The True Story of a Kidnapping, a Family Secret, and My Search for the Real Me.
Sounds like an interesting premise, whether it's true or not!
South Australia became home to popular Scottish-born rocker Jimmy Barnes whose autobiography is in two parts. The first is Working Class Boy
Scottish slums to SA migrant hostels was frying pan to fire!
My review
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Jackie wrote: "I finished Lexicon, which was quite the ride. Now, I'm switching back to HF and reading Rebel Queen."I love Michelle Moran. She's so nice.
The Gatekeeper – Kathryn Smith – 4****
Subtitle: Missy LeHand, FDR, and the Untold Story of the Partnership That Defined a Presidency. This is a fascinating biography of the woman “beside” the man, who despite her influence at the time, quickly slipped out of the public’s consciousness.
LINK to my review
Just had a four day weekend and finished off four titles on the Summer TBR reading challenge - a couple of historical mystery series books that I had fallen behind on (Time of Fog and Fire and Murder on St. Nicholas Avenue) and a couple of WWII novels (Bridge of Scarlet Leaves and The Lost Wife). Now, on to the more literary The 19th Wife by David Ebershoff in book format and The Lure of the Moonflower on audio for Austin traffic!
One of my favourite authors is Aussie Tim Winton whose recent non-fiction Island Home is an important addition to Australian literature and to conservation campaigns worldwide. 
Non-fiction, part memoir, part reminiscences, part passion about how to save his beloved island - Australia - from the insidious effects of development and climate change.
5★ My review with some good photos
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Just finished Daughters of Rome by Kate Quinn and loved every second of it. Here is my review: thoughts on this book
Bletchley Park: The Secret Archives
Just started into this richly illustrated documentary of Bletchley's WW2 role as the U.K.'s communications intelligence center. Technical information, human interest items, it's terrific. Wish I had this when I started my novel on Bletchley. But it comes in quite timely for the sequel's development.
The Serpents Tale – Ariana Franklin – 3.5***
Book two in the series. There are several things I like about this series, starting with Adelia Aguilar – a strong, independent, resilient, and resourceful heroine. Franklin does a lot of research and it shows in the way she sets the tone and describes the landscape and relationships in 12th century England. The plot is intricate, and had more than one surprise for the reader.
LINK to my review
I recently read two wonderful historical fiction novels - The Secret Wife set in Russia during the time of the Romanov's and Titian's Boatman set in Venice just after the plague of 1570 (?). Both got 5 stars from me.
Just finished What's that tree by Eugene Moll a great book for identifying South African trees 5 stars for accessibility and scientific accuracy. Fully illustrated pinpointing diagnostic criteria
I am reading a good historical mystery series
by Rory Clements. Set in Elizabethian England. Lot's of political uses are covered
Working my way through a science ARC The Hacking of the American Mind: The Science Behind the Corporate Takeover of Our Bodies and Brains. Fascinating stuff.
I'm slowly moving towards the end of Guernica. The plot is a bit disjointed but there's no lack of sympathetic characters.
Kathleen wrote: "Just started The Winter Crown by Elizabeth Chadiwck, so far so good..."Kathleen it is a very good book I hope you enjoy it too
An oldie for a challenge was the 1908 book, The Man Who Was Thursday: A Nightmare, by G.K. Chesterton, probably something later fantasy/thriller writers grew up with, since a lot felt familiar.My review
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
NOT historical fiction ...
Into the Beautiful North – Luis Alberto Urrea – 3.5***
This is a quest novel, a coming-of-age story, and a road trip adventure, populated by one of the most eclectic cast of characters in literature. I loved Nayeli, whose smile is like the sunrise. She’s honest, fierce, loyal to her friends, and determined to succeed in her mission. The novel is translated from Spanish to English, but still includes much Spanish and even some “Spanglish.” This may be challenging for readers who don’t speak Spanish.
LINK to my review
I've finished Guernica. I liked it but didn't love it. 3.5 stars.https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I finished a few books this past week:Rebel Queen- I haven't read much Indian historical fiction and I'm not too sure how historically accurate Moran's portrayal is, but I really enjoyed it.
The Girl with All the Gifts- This was interesting. I think it had some flaws, but enjoyable and I like the different take on zombies. I plan on reading the "prequel" The Boy on the Bridge, which I picked up on a whim at the library.
The Wrath and the Dawn- This one is a re-telling of 1001 Nights. It was surprisingly a fast read and I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. Definitely plan on reading the sequel.
Not historical fiction - I've started George Orwell's Down and Out in Paris and London. I like the familiarity of his writing style.
Still working on The Dark Tower re-read. Up to number 5, Wolves of the Calla. I can't recall if this is my second or third time through the series, but I'm enjoying it immensely -- I'm taking my time and feel like I'm getting a lot more out of it.
I'm reading Mr Churchill's Secretary by Susan MacNeal gives great insight into London during the last war.
Alice wrote: "Kathleen wrote: "Just started The Winter Crown by Elizabeth Chadiwck, so far so good..."Kathleen it is a very good book I hope you enjoy it too"
Thanks Alice yes I really enjoyed The Winter Crown I love the authors writing and it was so interesting.
Just finished The Winter Sea by Susanna Kearsley. My first by this author. Really enjoyed this dual-timeline/time slip novel. Current day & 1708 Scotland. A lot of historical detail but also definitely a HF romance novel.
Jayme(the ghost reader) wrote: "I finished Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fineby Gail Honeyman and starting Salem Falls"Oh, how I enjoyed Eleanor, Jayme! Isn't she delightful?
Another 5★ winner: Half of a Yellow Sun by Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. The flag of Biafra has/had half of a yellow sun.
Link to my review
PattyMacDotComma wrote: "Jayme(the ghost reader) wrote: "I finished Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fineby Gail Honeyman and starting Salem Falls"Oh, how I enjoyed Eleanor, J..."
I really liked it. I think she and I would have been friends.
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Historical Fictionistas
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Wonderful illustrations (I shared a couple) and visual story. 5★
Due out in September, so pre-order for schools and groups!
My review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...