Historical Fiction Reviews
Historical fiction typically is set around historical events or in a time in the past. Many historical novels contain a mixture of fictional and actual historical characters.
The Children's Book
'The Children's Book' is a flawed masterpiece. It is long and often confusing, yet the writing is superb. The cast of characters is spread across a Victorian and Edwardian canvas that stretches in often too-intimate detail from June 19, 1895 to May, 1919. A list of characters would have been extremely helpful; however, there is none, and the reader must grapple with a host of characters who cross…
'The Children's Book' is a flawed masterpiece. It is long and often confusing, yet the writing is superb. The cast of characters is spread across a Victorian and Edwardian canvas that stretches in often too-intimate detail from June 19, 1895 to May, 1919. A list of characters would have been extremely helpful; however, there is none, and the reader must grapple with a host of characters who cross…
Homer & Langley by E.L. Doctorow
Homer and Langley Collyer were hoarding hermits who lived in the Harlem of the early 20th Century. E.L. Doctorow turns their story into a masterpiece that captivates the reader throughout.
Homer and Langley Collyer were hoarding hermits who lived in the Harlem of the early 20th Century. E.L. Doctorow turns their story into a masterpiece that captivates the reader throughout.
The Enchantress of Florence by Salman Rushdie
Salman Rushdie's sweeping and masterfully-written historical novel is set in sixteenth century Florence and Sikri, the seat of the Mughal Empire of the East and orbits the fortunes of a young adventurer with many names and the enchantress Qara Koz.
Salman Rushdie's sweeping and masterfully-written historical novel is set in sixteenth century Florence and Sikri, the seat of the Mughal Empire of the East and orbits the fortunes of a young adventurer with many names and the enchantress Qara Koz.
The Angel's Game by Carlos Ruiz Zafon
A Barcelona youth survives his troubled childhood by taking refuge in stories until — at the age of seventeen — he gets the chance to begin writing his own.
A Barcelona youth survives his troubled childhood by taking refuge in stories until — at the age of seventeen — he gets the chance to begin writing his own.
The Collected Works of Billy the Kid by Michael Ondaatje
Michael Ondaatje's lyrical collage of poetry, photography, and fiction make up this portrait of an old West legend.
Michael Ondaatje's lyrical collage of poetry, photography, and fiction make up this portrait of an old West legend.
Flint & Silver: A Prequel to Treasure Island by John Drake
This rollicking tale of pirates and buried treasure, though a prequel to 'Treasure Island,' is no children's book.
This rollicking tale of pirates and buried treasure, though a prequel to 'Treasure Island,' is no children's book.
Shanghai Girls by Lisa See
Opening in Shanghai in 1937 and ending some 20 years later in Los Angeles, Lisa See's 'Shanghai Girls' is themed around the duality between a reverence for tradition and the pull of the modern world.
Opening in Shanghai in 1937 and ending some 20 years later in Los Angeles, Lisa See's 'Shanghai Girls' is themed around the duality between a reverence for tradition and the pull of the modern world.
The Women by T.C. Boyle
T. C. Boyle reincarnates Frank Lloyd Wright in a richly imagined novel that tells the architect’s story through the lens of the women he loved.
T. C. Boyle reincarnates Frank Lloyd Wright in a richly imagined novel that tells the architect’s story through the lens of the women he loved.
The Dakota Cipher by William Dietrich
An Ethan Gage adventure featuring Norse mythology in the American wilderness
An Ethan Gage adventure featuring Norse mythology in the American wilderness
World without End by Ken Follett
Follett is terrific at drawing characters who are compelling, funny, sexy, dramatic, and very human. Although the book is set in the fourteenth century, modern readers will immediately identify with the emotions and goals of its characters.
Follett is terrific at drawing characters who are compelling, funny, sexy, dramatic, and very human. Although the book is set in the fourteenth century, modern readers will immediately identify with the emotions and goals of its characters.
The Domino Men by Jonathan Barnes
An indirect sequel to to Barnes' 'The Somnambulist' in which the Directorate was fighting sleepers put into place by the Russians. Here, the Directorate seems to be fighting the very Devil himself.
An indirect sequel to to Barnes' 'The Somnambulist' in which the Directorate was fighting sleepers put into place by the Russians. Here, the Directorate seems to be fighting the very Devil himself.
The Given Day by Dennis Lehane
Boston, 1918. The Boston police are contemplating an historic strike, and everyone is looking for the “Red Menace” who, it is believed, will encourage unionization and blow up the city.
Boston, 1918. The Boston police are contemplating an historic strike, and everyone is looking for the “Red Menace” who, it is believed, will encourage unionization and blow up the city.
Serena by Ron Rash
Set in Waynesville, North Carolina during the depression, Ron Rash's novel 'Serena' traces the story of a wealthy lumber baron and his ruthlessly ambitious wife.
Set in Waynesville, North Carolina during the depression, Ron Rash's novel 'Serena' traces the story of a wealthy lumber baron and his ruthlessly ambitious wife.
Alexander and Alestria by Shan Sa
Shan Sa weaves her own mythology in order to create the back story for Alestria, a woman warrior who in battle meets and falls in love with Alexander the Great.
Shan Sa weaves her own mythology in order to create the back story for Alestria, a woman warrior who in battle meets and falls in love with Alexander the Great.
Beside A Burning Sea by John Shors
It's 1942. A U.S. hospital ship is torpedoed and sunk by a Japanese plane somewhere in the South Pacific and the survivors, including a wounded Japanese prisoner, make it to a deserted island.
It's 1942. A U.S. hospital ship is torpedoed and sunk by a Japanese plane somewhere in the South Pacific and the survivors, including a wounded Japanese prisoner, make it to a deserted island.
Wolf Totem by Jiang Rong
Winner of the inaugural Man Asian Literary Prize. The story of Chen Zhen, a Beijing intellectual who moves to the grasslands of Inner Mongolia during the Chinese Cultural Revolution.
Winner of the inaugural Man Asian Literary Prize. The story of Chen Zhen, a Beijing intellectual who moves to the grasslands of Inner Mongolia during the Chinese Cultural Revolution.
The Somnambulist by Jonathan Barnes
Project yourself back to Victorian London, with its teeming thoroughfares and dark alleys. Into that evocative scene now place Edward Moon, a deft stage magician and detective, and his silent associate, the Somnambulist.
Project yourself back to Victorian London, with its teeming thoroughfares and dark alleys. Into that evocative scene now place Edward Moon, a deft stage magician and detective, and his silent associate, the Somnambulist.
The Age of Shiva by Manil Suri
Following his spectacular debut novel, "The Death of Vishnu," Manil Suri returns with a mesmerizing story of modern India.
Following his spectacular debut novel, "The Death of Vishnu," Manil Suri returns with a mesmerizing story of modern India.
John: A Novel by Niall Williams
John the Apostle, now a frail, blind old man, lives in forced exile on the desolate island of Patmos with a small group of his disciples.
John the Apostle, now a frail, blind old man, lives in forced exile on the desolate island of Patmos with a small group of his disciples.
The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett
The Pillars of the Earth is a saga of good and evil, treachery and intrigue, violence and beauty. Not-so-noble knights, righteous heroes, valiant heroines and both virtuous and immoral men of God highlight this story.
The Pillars of the Earth is a saga of good and evil, treachery and intrigue, violence and beauty. Not-so-noble knights, righteous heroes, valiant heroines and both virtuous and immoral men of God highlight this story.
Gentlemen of the Road by Michael Chabon
Originally titled Jews with Swords, Michael Chabon's Gentlemen of the Road is a slender novel full of history and the flowery language of historical adventure writing.
Originally titled Jews with Swords, Michael Chabon's Gentlemen of the Road is a slender novel full of history and the flowery language of historical adventure writing.
Peony in Love by Lisa See
Lisa See wonderfully blends historical facts with the spiritual life of 17th Century China.
Lisa See wonderfully blends historical facts with the spiritual life of 17th Century China.
What is the What by Dave Eggers
Eggers illuminates the history of the civil war in Sudan through the eyes of Valentino Achak Deng, a Sudanese Lost Boy now living in the United States.
Eggers illuminates the history of the civil war in Sudan through the eyes of Valentino Achak Deng, a Sudanese Lost Boy now living in the United States.
A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
By Khaled Hosseini, author of The Kite Runner, A Thousand Splendid Suns is a story of the unconquerable spirit of a people seen through the eyes of two indomitable women.
By Khaled Hosseini, author of The Kite Runner, A Thousand Splendid Suns is a story of the unconquerable spirit of a people seen through the eyes of two indomitable women.
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
The Kite Runner is Afghanistani-American novelist, Khaled Hosseini's best-selling debut novel, a tale of betrayal and redemption that rises above time and place while simultaneously remaining firmly anchored against the tumultuous backdrop of modern Afghanistan.
The Kite Runner is Afghanistani-American novelist, Khaled Hosseini's best-selling debut novel, a tale of betrayal and redemption that rises above time and place while simultaneously remaining firmly anchored against the tumultuous backdrop of modern Afghanistan.
House of Meetings by Martin Amis
In 1946, two brothers and a Jewish girl fall into alignment in pogrom-poised Moscow...
In 1946, two brothers and a Jewish girl fall into alignment in pogrom-poised Moscow...
On Agate Hill by Lee Smith
Through the precocious writings of a civil war orphan girl, Lee Smith reveals her life on Agate Hill.
Through the precocious writings of a civil war orphan girl, Lee Smith reveals her life on Agate Hill.
Thirteen Moons by Charles Frazier
In Thirteen Moons, an historical fiction set in the mid-19th century, protagonist Will Cooper recalls his adventures amidst the Cherokee at a Smoky Mountain trading post.
In Thirteen Moons, an historical fiction set in the mid-19th century, protagonist Will Cooper recalls his adventures amidst the Cherokee at a Smoky Mountain trading post.
The Interpretation of Murder by Jed Rubenfeld
Inspired by Sigmund Freud's only visit to America, The Interpretation of Murder is an intricate tale of murder and the mind's most dangerous mysteries.
Inspired by Sigmund Freud's only visit to America, The Interpretation of Murder is an intricate tale of murder and the mind's most dangerous mysteries.
Human Traces
Human Traces by Sebastian Faulks begins in Brittany where a young, poor boy somehow passes his medical exams and goes to Paris, where he attends the lectures of Charcot, the Parisian neurologist who set the world on its head in the 1870s. With a friend, he sets up a clinic in the mysterious mountain district of Carinthia in south-east Austria.
Human Traces by Sebastian Faulks begins in Brittany where a young, poor boy somehow passes his medical exams and goes to Paris, where he attends the lectures of Charcot, the Parisian neurologist who set the world on its head in the 1870s. With a friend, he sets up a clinic in the mysterious mountain district of Carinthia in south-east Austria.
Empress by Shan Sa
In seventh-century China, during the great Tang dynasty, a young girl rose from the humble Wu clan to become the first Empress of China.
In seventh-century China, during the great Tang dynasty, a young girl rose from the humble Wu clan to become the first Empress of China.
Telegraph Days by Larry McMurtry
Telegraph Days turns the stereotype of Western women on its head, likely portraying a more accurate picture of the toughness of the women who helped settle the West.
Telegraph Days turns the stereotype of Western women on its head, likely portraying a more accurate picture of the toughness of the women who helped settle the West.
Back to Wando Passo
David Payne captures the essence of two distinct eras in the South, imbuing them with so much reality that we need a fan for the heat and passion of the place and a swatter for the mosquitoes.
David Payne captures the essence of two distinct eras in the South, imbuing them with so much reality that we need a fan for the heat and passion of the place and a swatter for the mosquitoes.
The Book Thief by Mark Zusak
During World War II in Germany, a foster girl learns to read and shares her stolen books with her neighbors during bombing raids as well as with the Jewish man hidden in her basement.
During World War II in Germany, a foster girl learns to read and shares her stolen books with her neighbors during bombing raids as well as with the Jewish man hidden in her basement.
The Madonnas of Leningrad by Debra Dean
A portrait of war and remembrance, of the power of love, memory, and art to offer beauty, grace, and hope in the face of overwhelming despair.
A portrait of war and remembrance, of the power of love, memory, and art to offer beauty, grace, and hope in the face of overwhelming despair.
Arthur and George by Julian Barnes
The story of how the lives of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, a man of letters and the creator of Sherlock Holmes, and George Edalji, an unfortunate outsider unjustly imprisoned, are surprisingly woven together.
The story of how the lives of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, a man of letters and the creator of Sherlock Holmes, and George Edalji, an unfortunate outsider unjustly imprisoned, are surprisingly woven together.
The March by E.L. Doctorow
E.L. Doctorow renders the 1864 Civil War march of Union General William Sherman.
E.L. Doctorow renders the 1864 Civil War march of Union General William Sherman.
Europe Central by William T. Vollmann
Europe Central is dense with allusions to art, to music, to literature, and to history. Its characters include Kurt Gerstein, Käthe Kollwitz, and generals on both sides of the Eastern front in the Second World War.
Europe Central is dense with allusions to art, to music, to literature, and to history. Its characters include Kurt Gerstein, Käthe Kollwitz, and generals on both sides of the Eastern front in the Second World War.
The Widow of the South by Robert Hicks
Known throughout the country as "the Widow of the South," Carrie McGavock gave her heart first to a stranger, then to a tract of hallowed ground - and became a symbol of a nation's soul. The Widow of the South captures the vast madness of war, and the courage of a remarkable woman to claim life from death itself.
Known throughout the country as "the Widow of the South," Carrie McGavock gave her heart first to a stranger, then to a tract of hallowed ground - and became a symbol of a nation's soul. The Widow of the South captures the vast madness of war, and the courage of a remarkable woman to claim life from death itself.
The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova
A woman finds an ancient book that take her down a path of inquiry, a quest for the truth about Vlad the Impaler, the medieval ruler of Wallachia whose gruesome reign Bram Stoker based his legend of Dracula upon.
A woman finds an ancient book that take her down a path of inquiry, a quest for the truth about Vlad the Impaler, the medieval ruler of Wallachia whose gruesome reign Bram Stoker based his legend of Dracula upon.
I, Fatty by Jerry Stahl
Framed for a crime he didn't commit, Fatty Arbuckle was the first modern celebrity whose presumed guilt - and alleged innocence - galvanized a nation...
Framed for a crime he didn't commit, Fatty Arbuckle was the first modern celebrity whose presumed guilt - and alleged innocence - galvanized a nation...
Beneath a Marble Sky: A Novel of the Taj Mahal by John Shors
Set at the height of the Mughal Empire, Beneath a Marble Sky recreates the remarkable lives of those responsible for the Taj Mahal's existence.
Set at the height of the Mughal Empire, Beneath a Marble Sky recreates the remarkable lives of those responsible for the Taj Mahal's existence.
The Plot Against America by Philip Roth
When nazi-sympathizer Charles A. Lindbergh defeats incumbent Franklin D. Roosevelt in the 1940 presidential election, Jewish American citizens have every reason to expect the worst.
When nazi-sympathizer Charles A. Lindbergh defeats incumbent Franklin D. Roosevelt in the 1940 presidential election, Jewish American citizens have every reason to expect the worst.
A Star Called Henry / Oh, Play That Thing by Roddy Doyle
Two books, the first introducing Henry Smart - Irish adventurer, IRA assassin, and lover, and the second following him on his journey through 1920s America.
Two books, the first introducing Henry Smart - Irish adventurer, IRA assassin, and lover, and the second following him on his journey through 1920s America.
Havoc in Its Third Year by Ronan Bennett
A penetrating and ambitious historical novel, Havoc, in Its Third Year is an ingenious, often deeply unnerving narrative of seventeenth-century England that speaks directly to the fanaticism and fears of today.
A penetrating and ambitious historical novel, Havoc, in Its Third Year is an ingenious, often deeply unnerving narrative of seventeenth-century England that speaks directly to the fanaticism and fears of today.
The System of the World (Baroque Cycle III) by Neal Stephenson
Set in the early 18th century and featuring a diverse cast of characters that includes alchemists, mathematicians, thieves, pirates, and royalty, this third volume in Neal Stephenson's Baroque Cycle wraps up an historical work of fiction of epic proportions.
Set in the early 18th century and featuring a diverse cast of characters that includes alchemists, mathematicians, thieves, pirates, and royalty, this third volume in Neal Stephenson's Baroque Cycle wraps up an historical work of fiction of epic proportions.
Isle of Canes by Elizabeth Shown Mills
Elizabeth Shown Mills, in "Isle of Canes," her first novel,brings a sense of passion and respect for the families to this "faction," fact told through fiction.
Elizabeth Shown Mills, in "Isle of Canes," her first novel,brings a sense of passion and respect for the families to this "faction," fact told through fiction.
Arrogance by Joanna Scott
In Joanna Scott's breakthrough novel the Austrian artist Egon Schiele comes to prismatic life in a narrative that defies convention, history, and identity.
In Joanna Scott's breakthrough novel the Austrian artist Egon Schiele comes to prismatic life in a narrative that defies convention, history, and identity.
The Confusion (Baroque Cycle II) by Neal Stephenson
The Confusion, the second book of Neal Stephenson's Baroque Cycle trilogy does not disappoint as he picks up his characters where he abruptly dropped them at the end of Quicksilver. Join Stephenson amidst a vast and intricate historical backdrop in Volume Two of The Baroque Cycle.
The Confusion, the second book of Neal Stephenson's Baroque Cycle trilogy does not disappoint as he picks up his characters where he abruptly dropped them at the end of Quicksilver. Join Stephenson amidst a vast and intricate historical backdrop in Volume Two of The Baroque Cycle.
Quicksilver (Baroque Cycle I) by Neal Stephenson
Volume I of Neal Stephenson's Baroque Cycle, Quicksilver, is history, adventure, science, truth, invention, sex, absurdity, piracy, madness, death, and alchemy. It sweeps across continents and decades with the power of a roaring tornado, upending kings, armies, religious beliefs, and all expectations.
Volume I of Neal Stephenson's Baroque Cycle, Quicksilver, is history, adventure, science, truth, invention, sex, absurdity, piracy, madness, death, and alchemy. It sweeps across continents and decades with the power of a roaring tornado, upending kings, armies, religious beliefs, and all expectations.
The Hornet's Nest by Jimmy Carter
In this the first work of fiction by a President of the United States, Jimmy Carter brings to life the Revolutionary War as it was fought in the Deep South. The Hornet's Nest follows a cast of characters and their loved ones on both sides of this violent conflict -- including some who are based on the author's ancestors.
In this the first work of fiction by a President of the United States, Jimmy Carter brings to life the Revolutionary War as it was fought in the Deep South. The Hornet's Nest follows a cast of characters and their loved ones on both sides of this violent conflict -- including some who are based on the author's ancestors.
To Live by Yu Hua
"To Live" is an epic and heartbreaking journey spanning four decades of recent Chinese history. It begins in the 1930s around the time of China’s second war with Japan and continues into the late 1970s reform era. In between, Hua weaves great sorrow and struggle for Fugui and his family through the tempestuous Chinese Civil War, The Great Leap Forward, and The Cultural Revolution.
"To Live" is an epic and heartbreaking journey spanning four decades of recent Chinese history. It begins in the 1930s around the time of China’s second war with Japan and continues into the late 1970s reform era. In between, Hua weaves great sorrow and struggle for Fugui and his family through the tempestuous Chinese Civil War, The Great Leap Forward, and The Cultural Revolution.
Emperor: The Gates of Rome by Conn Iggulden
In the first book of his "Emperor" series, Conn Iggulden "has turned the story of Julius Caesar into a tale of high adventure, a blood-soaked, sword-swinging epic that brings a number of vivid characters to life."
In the first book of his "Emperor" series, Conn Iggulden "has turned the story of Julius Caesar into a tale of high adventure, a blood-soaked, sword-swinging epic that brings a number of vivid characters to life."
The Names of Rivers by Daniel Buckman
Watega County is supposedly somewhere in Illinois, but Daniel Buckman places it smack dab in the twilight zone. Every man in every generation of the farming and factory families of Watega County went off to war, and for each lucky enough to return home, time stopped.
Watega County is supposedly somewhere in Illinois, but Daniel Buckman places it smack dab in the twilight zone. Every man in every generation of the farming and factory families of Watega County went off to war, and for each lucky enough to return home, time stopped.
The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay
Winner of the 2001 Pulitzer Prize for fiction, "Kavalier and Clay" is the story of two young Jewish cousins whose meeting in 1939 ignites a luminous career in comic books at a time in history when the art form exploded in American popular culture.
Winner of the 2001 Pulitzer Prize for fiction, "Kavalier and Clay" is the story of two young Jewish cousins whose meeting in 1939 ignites a luminous career in comic books at a time in history when the art form exploded in American popular culture.
Beware the Wolves by Victor Moss
Beware the Wolves, A Soviet WWII Story follows two young lovers through the horrors of the war-torn Soviet Union.
Beware the Wolves, A Soviet WWII Story follows two young lovers through the horrors of the war-torn Soviet Union.