Historical Fictionistas discussion
Recommendations?
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What Should I Read Next?
Oh, and I only got 9 pages in on your to read list before I ran out of steam. One that I saw off your TBR list that I would recommend is Conn Iggulden's first book in his Roman series.The Gates of Rome
Terri wrote: "Seriously, Luckngrace? I had no idea. Thank you very much for the info!! :-) Terrific news."Just went to my tbr list. Here it isThe Land of Painted Caves. Seems like it took her 15 years to write this one. Hope I haven't forgotten Ayla's backstory.
You might have to read the series from scratch before you read The Land of Painted Caves, Luckngrace! :-) That's what I'll be doing.
Terri wrote: "You might have to read the series from scratch before you read The Land of Painted Caves, Luckngrace! :-) That's what I'll be doing."
I read them all years ago and have been waiting in frustration for this last one. I was afraid JA would DIE before she finally got it finished. They are each heavy tomes, but I have never read anything like them before and I'm chomping at the bit for the finale.
So now that I'm on the right thread; I'd like recommendations for what I should read. I haven't read much of the historical fiction genre, but I have a few in mind I'd like to read. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, and Memoirs of a Geisha are two I really want to read and plan on reading. I know Memoirs of a Geisha is on our to-read list for discussion. I'd also like to read one of Philippa Gregory's books. Where should I start?Any suggestions? Thanks! :)
I am more into bloody, gritty, butch historical fiction, so I am afraid I have nothing to recommend yet. Rest assured, Dylan, I have no doubt that recommendations will come thick and fast from other Historical Fictionista members though. So, hang on tight. :-)
Hi there, I am a new member going crazy writing down all these great books to read!! What I would like if possible are some recommendations for historical fiction set in Spain. I have read The Shadow of the Wind.Thanks so much!
Cassandra
Mod
You might want to read Zafon's [book:The Angel's Game, which takes place before Shadow of the Wind.
Dylan wrote: "So now that I'm on the right thread; I'd like recommendations for what I should read. I haven't read much of the historical fiction genre, but I have a few in mind I'd like to read. The Book Thie..."Dylan, I have read all of Phillipa Gregory's books and if I were you, I would start with The Constant Princess and go foreward from there. I, unfortunately, started with The Other Boleyn Girland I think I missed alot which would have helped me.
CassandraJulia wrote: "Hi there, I am a new member going crazy writing down all these great books to read!! What I would like if possible are some recommendations for historical fiction set in Spain. I have read Th..."</i>I can share with you a list of some I've read, some I'm familiar with, and some that are TBR. I think you'll find something that might suit your taste:)
[book:Captain Alatriste (1st in a series) by Arturo Perez-Reverte
The Spanish Inquisition 1-3 by Jean Plaidy
Isabella and Ferdinand 1-3 by Jean Plaidy
Guernica: A Novel by Dave Boling
Poison by Kathryn Harrison
The Last Jew by Noah Gordon
Crown of Aloes by Norah Lofts
Cathedral of the Sea by Ildefonso Falcones
The Sharpe Series features many battles in Spain during the Napoleanic Wars starting with Sharpe's Rifles by Bernard Cornwell
The Crusader: A Novel by Michael Alexander Eisner
The Schoonover Collection: Queen's Cross by Lawrence Schoonover
Alhambra - Arena of Assassins by Colin de Silva
The Spanish Bow by Andromeda Romano-Lax
The Last Queen by C.W. Gortner
I just finished Ken Follett's new historical fiction epic Fall of Giants and I thought it was a good read. I started it late Friday night and finished it early Monday morning, so obviously it was a page turner if I read 1000 pages in 3 days. There are some slow parts, much like any book, but I thought it was good. It is set during WWI (actually 1914-1923), so if you do not enjoy this time period or you have had your fill of WWI, I suggest you hold off. It revolves around 5 different families (American, English, Welsh, Russian and German)and their struggles during the war and right after. It is the first book in a trilogy about the 20th century and these 5 families, so now unfortunately, I have to wait a few years for the second book to come out...oh well.
Moony wrote: "I've been wanting to read more books taking place in Asian countries, especially Japan and China. I really liked Snow Flower and the Secret Fan and The Good Earth is one of my favorite books. Most ..."Have you tried India? I was totally engrossed with The Raj Quartet by Paul Scott. It's first title was "The Jewel in The Crown" which was the title of the mini-series that appeared on Masterpiece Theatre many years ago. The books were great and definitely "Asian" although not China or Japan.
Anna wrote: "I just finished Ken Follett's new historical fiction epic Fall of Giants and I thought it was a good read. I started it late Friday night and finished it early Monday morning, so ob..." Actually I can't get enough of that time period. I recently read "The Children's Book" by AS Byatt. It was set in the early 1900's through WWI. Perfect time period for me. And I loved "Possession" by Byatt. But I HATED The Children's Book. I was very surprised that it didn't go better. I would love to have recommendations from others who have good reads for WWI through WWII era. I can warn you though that I've read a bunch of them.
Brideshead Revisited
Once An Eagle
There are a bunch but those 2 are great!
Lori, you will definitely like Fall of Giants or at least I believe you will. It is all about WWI and the few years right after the war. I love that time period as well and I could give you some good recommendations on Historical Fiction murder/mystery/suspense series that take place during that time period, if you want. Just let me know!
Bring it on Anna! I've got a few also. I keep bringing up Robert Goddard and In Pale Battalions. My absolute favorite. Always looking for more of the WWI & WWII era titles, though.
I've read Sarah's Key. Heartbreaking! Those Who Save Us is fairly new, isn't it? I think that it has caught my eye before. Child 44 has popped up recently in a lot of ways. I think that I've seen it in the Bargain bin at the bookstore? That doesn't sound very nice but I do like a bargain. The thing is I don't know if it good. Let me know if you've read it and your thoughts.
Dylan: I just finished the Book Thief. Fairly good book. It comes highly recommended by many sources. The thing is -- it's a different format told by the narrator: Death. You don't see that every day. I knew that going into the book but was surprised by other things. I do recommend it also. It is unexpected and unique.
Thanks Naomi! I'll check out The Constant Princess sometime.@ Heather: I'm interested in the victorian era, the tudors, I love Italy (if there are any Historical novels about that country), I also love YA if anyone has any recommendations for YA historical fiction books. I'd like to experiment a large variety of Historical fiction novels. :)
@ Lori: I have The Book Thief and really want to read it. I also have and want to read Water For Elephants sometime. My to-read list is huge! lol
Evelina A. wrote: "CassandraJulia wrote: "Hi there, I am a new member going crazy writing down all these great books to read!! What I would like if possible are some recommendations for historical fiction set in Spai..."Thanks SO much Evelina and Becky!
Jackie wrote: "Dylan, have you tried Sarah Dunant? All of her books seem to be based in Italy."And you didn't think about suggesting them to me??????? Jackie!!!!! :-) (added to my list)
Silly Jeane. You never asked for recs. :P
For Italy, there's also Signora Da Vinci by Robin Maxwell. It's on my reading list for next year - I thought it looked good.
Dylan wrote: "Thanks Naomi! I'll check out The Constant Princess sometime.@ Heather: I'm interested in the victorian era, the tudors, I love Italy (if there are any Historical novels about that ..."
I love Daphne du Maurier. One of my favorite books of hers is My Cousin Rachel. A good chunk of it takes place in 1920's Italy. It is a great read!
Lori, I was shocked to find Child 44 on the bargain shelf. Not that it's bad, it just makes me sad that it hasn't sold as many copies as it should have. It is a very underrated book. I have bought copies for several family members and loan mine to all my friends. It is definitely a dark story but that time in history was dark. The follow up The Secret Speech was also wonderful. As a side note: Child 44 is in production to become a movie by Ridley Scott.
Jackie wrote: "Silly Jeane. You never asked for recs. :P"I did!!!! And you should know me by now to realize that everything related to Italy just has to be told to me!!!! :-)
pssss. going to italy next friday :-)
Liz wrote: "For Italy, there's also Signora Da Vinci by Robin Maxwell. It's on my reading list for next year - I thought it looked good."I wanted to add it but it is already done:-)
Naomi wrote: "Dylan wrote: "Thanks Naomi! I'll check out The Constant Princess sometime.@ Heather: I'm interested in the victorian era, the tudors, I love Italy (if there are any Historical nove..."
Great!!!!!!
I loved Sarah's Key and Those Who Save Us. I read Sarah's Key for my local book club and thoroughly enjoyed it and my brother actually recommended Those Who Save Us b/c he enjoyed it so much. I know the author of Sarah's Key has a new book out called A Secret Kept, I have not read it yet, but it is on my TBR list (which just continues to grow and grow and grow).
Also in regards to above comments, I also love Daphne de Maurier, I fell in love after reading Rebecca.In regards to Sarah Dunant, I loved Birth of Venus and I have In the Company of the Courtesan on my TBR list.
I have a dilema and can't quite decide what to do. I think I want to read Possession next by A.S. Byatt, but I've never read anything by this author and know nothing of this book. Has anyone else read it? If so, what did you think?
Nope, sorry Paw, I haven't read it.Maybe you should just jump in and do it. Trust your instincts. :-)
Okay, very specific question. Any HF ecommendations set in Italy? Youc an repeat anything you already mentioned here :-)Jackie anything? :-) Maybe anything I have on my wish list? I like the medici family....
Mod
Hahaha, I know....it is very not natural...but damned where is Jackie????!!!!!!
Hi everyone, I need a suggestion for the challenge! My favorite topics include Cleopatra, Russia, Italy (Roman Empire), Egypt and Scotland. Non-HF? I enjoy mysteries, stories relating to animals and paranormal reads. I don't want to influence suggestions too terribly much so I'll just leave it at that. =) Thanks!
Nikki, What particular challenge or just in general?
Jeane wrote: "Okay, very specific question. Any HF ecommendations set in Italy? Youc an repeat anything you already mentioned here :-)Jackie anything? :-) Maybe anything I have on my wish list? I like the medi..."
LOL. I thought I should let you suffer for a bit you sneak. :P Hmmmm, let me see have you tried any book by Sarah Dunant? Her books are usually set in Italy.
Maude--I'm sorry, I didn't know there was another challenge ongoing! I meant the HF Challenge #4.. Task 10.3 requires I seek a rec out.
Jeane wrote: "Okay, very specific question. Any HF ecommendations set in Italy? Youc an repeat anything you already mentioned here :-)Jackie anything? :-) Maybe anything I have on my wish list? I like the medi..."
I just read Juliet which goes back and forth from present day Italy to 14th century Italy. Set in Siena. Anything by Sarah Dunant. I loved
Sacred Hearts
Also The Agony and the Ecstasy: A Biographical Novel of Michelangelo
Jeane wrote: "Okay, very specific question. Any HF ecommendations set in Italy? Youc an repeat anything you already mentioned here :-)Jackie anything? :-) Maybe anything I have on my wish list? I like the medi..."
Jeane: I really liked In the Company of the Courtesan, set in Venice.
Nikki, I've heard that Cleopatra's Daughter by Michelle Moran is very good. I've not read it, but I did read Nefertiti, and that was good. Margaret George has a book entitled The Memoirs of Cleopatra. Again, I've not read it, so I don't know much about it. It's on my list though. Kate Quinn has a great book - Mistress of Rome.
A good mystery that I enjoyed was The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield.
As for Scotland, I'm sure you've already read the Outlander by Diana Gabaldon...most everyone has.
Nikki. I recommend River God by Wilbur Smith (if you can source it).A great read set in Ancient Egypt.
River God: A Novel of Ancient Egypt
Nikki, I meant what Challenge TASK? It is still the ongoing Challenge. Sorry to confuse you.
Thank you everyone! I love the recs! Most of them are on my TBR shelf too so that helps me out too. =) southpaw--thanks for the recs, I have all of those read or tbr as well. I absolutely loved Memoirs of Cleopatra and Cleopatra's Daughter, I recommend both of them! I recently purchased Nefertiti and look forward to it.
Terri--I really should read River God, I've had it to read for quite some time! Good to hea you enjoyed it.
Heather--Nice! An excuse to use a Sookie book for the challenge. =)
Here I thought I might have few books to choose from for this but all these book recs are great! Thanks again everyone!
Hah! I swear..I didn't even look to see if you had River God on your TBR when I recommended it, Nikki! LOL! :-)I definitely enjoyed the book. I think there has been another one written to follow it up, but my interest in the Egyptian setting moved on long before that next book was written.
Your rec was just THAT good. =) I did not even realize that book had a sequel or that I actually owned the sequel before the first book. Thanks for pointing that out, I would never have looked into it otherwise. Has your interest in Egypt ended? Or do you just have stages of interest?
Historical Fictionistas
Books mentioned in this topic
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Mary Doria Russell (other topics)Elizabeth Chadwick (other topics)
Lauren Willig (other topics)
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Lauren Willig (other topics)
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Absolutely anything by Paul Doherty. He does Roman mysteries as well as mysteries in other eras. A union of two of your loves. :-)
You could try Domina
Or The Soul Slayer which is not Roman, but a mystery of his set in the 16th century.
Naomi,
:-) Glad I can help you build your tbr.