This was a nice read to start off the New Year. The author took the lives of women who were related to or close to truly famous people and imagined a short story about their lives. Based on facts, she weaves revealing and touching bits about what it is like to be close to, but not sharing, fame. She features the lives of Edna St Vincent Millay's sister, Norma, Allegra, the daughter of Byron, Dolly Wilde, niece of Oscar and other lesser knowns. It was a different and clever approach that required some research and imagination. I thought the book crumbled at the end when she added a couple of seemingly unrelated tales.
Showing posts with label historical fiction. Show all posts
Showing posts with label historical fiction. Show all posts
Monday, January 4, 2021
Almost Famous Women - Megan Mayhew Bergman
Wednesday, August 3, 2016
The Leopard - Giuseppe di Lampedusa
This book was another RV park swap. It had fantastic reviews on the back cover, claiming it to be a masterwork and when I researched it, I discovered it is considered one of the 10 best historical novels of all time.
It's the story of a Prince of Sicily in the 1860's when Italy evolved from several separate states to a united country. I was ignorant of the political entities and geographic boundaries in Italy and was suprised to learn that while in the U.S., Lincoln was being elected and South Carolina seceded, Italy had not united into a single country.
The Prince, known as the Leopard for the family crest, is the patriarch who foresees that the forces of unification will change their way of life forever. The history of the struggles and eventual triumph of the revolt unfolds through his eyes as he observes the impact on the future generations.
The book was published posthumously, the author having been a real, and one of the last, Princes of Sicily. It was based on the life of his grandfather and created quite a stir at the time because of its holding up of the aristocracy's decadence and the expression of regret for the unification. It's difficult to appreciate the impact it had at the time.
I found it to be a challenge to read and a fantastic lesson on the history of Italy in the 19th century.
Published: 1960 (in English, original Italian in 1958) Read: July 2016 Genre: Historical fiction
It's the story of a Prince of Sicily in the 1860's when Italy evolved from several separate states to a united country. I was ignorant of the political entities and geographic boundaries in Italy and was suprised to learn that while in the U.S., Lincoln was being elected and South Carolina seceded, Italy had not united into a single country.
The Prince, known as the Leopard for the family crest, is the patriarch who foresees that the forces of unification will change their way of life forever. The history of the struggles and eventual triumph of the revolt unfolds through his eyes as he observes the impact on the future generations.
The book was published posthumously, the author having been a real, and one of the last, Princes of Sicily. It was based on the life of his grandfather and created quite a stir at the time because of its holding up of the aristocracy's decadence and the expression of regret for the unification. It's difficult to appreciate the impact it had at the time.
I found it to be a challenge to read and a fantastic lesson on the history of Italy in the 19th century.
Published: 1960 (in English, original Italian in 1958) Read: July 2016 Genre: Historical fiction
Wednesday, February 17, 2016
Hitler's Niece - Ron Hansen
I took this book on the plane and back to Salt Lake City, Utah where I attended a genealogical conference. I was so worn out each evening I hardly read any of it at night and ended up finishing it when I returned home.
The book is based on the facts of the period and actual quotes and known activities of Hitler. It tells the story of the relationship between him and his half-sister's daughter, Geli, or Angelica. I found it difficult to read as the evil henchmen surrounding Hitler and the monster himself are described as weird, sad people with inflated egos and strange personal habits instead of the calculating leaders of the genocide of WWII. I'd not known that his niece died in his home where they lived together, an apparent suicide that the author gives a different twist. Not recommended.
Published: 1999 Read: February 2016 Genre: Historical Fiction
The book is based on the facts of the period and actual quotes and known activities of Hitler. It tells the story of the relationship between him and his half-sister's daughter, Geli, or Angelica. I found it difficult to read as the evil henchmen surrounding Hitler and the monster himself are described as weird, sad people with inflated egos and strange personal habits instead of the calculating leaders of the genocide of WWII. I'd not known that his niece died in his home where they lived together, an apparent suicide that the author gives a different twist. Not recommended.
Published: 1999 Read: February 2016 Genre: Historical Fiction
Saturday, August 1, 2015
Mrs Grant and Madame Jule - Jennifer Chiaverini
I picked this up in the libarary as a new read without renewal, which I thought would mean a good book that many want to borrow. Not the case in my opinion. It's impossible to tell fact from fiction since the author gives little explanation of the research she did for the book. Grant is lauded as a great and good man and he and Julia having a wonderful love story. The slave girl's story appears to be entirely fiction, based only on the fact that Mrs Grant did have a slave maid throughout the Civil War.
It was easy to read and did provide some facts on the battles of the Civil War and their chronology. But it appears the author read a few stories and embarked on the book she wanted to write with little concern over distinguishing facts from fiction. Not recommended.
Published: 2015 Read: July 2015 Genre: Historical Fiction
ISBN: 0525954295
Thursday, May 7, 2015
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society - Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
My goodness, it looks like I haven't done any reading in over a month! I took a trip to my birthplace in March and was completely absorbed in researching my ancestors, exploring the towns where they lived and experiencing the area as it is today. I did pick up a couple books and will try and catch up on logging my reading for the past several weeks.
This book was a gem. Told as a series of letters between a newspaper columnist who wrote upbeat pieces during WWII in London and the inhabitants of Guernsey, an island off the coast of England, it educates and inspires. During the war, the island was occupied by the Germans for several years and the people there were isolated from news with dwindling food and supplies.
We're treated to a friendship, a courtship, a community of survivors that are slowly revealed in the exchange. I delighted in the way the characters unfolded and how their quirks and personalities were so pointedly portrayed in their quick retorts and poignant stories.
Some examples:
"He's got that way of believing his opinion is the truth, but he's not disagreeable about it. He's too sure he's right to bother being disagreeable."
"Emily [Bronte] had to make Heathcliff up out of thin air!...Men are more interesting in books than they are in real life."
The author does a masterful job of letting people reveal themselves as they tell stories of others. I marked many pages that were tender:
"[People] thinking to comfort me, said 'Life goes on.' What nonsense, I thought, of course it doesn't, it's death that goes on."
"Have you ever noticed that when your mind is awakened or drawn to someone new, that person's name suddenly pops up everywhere you go? My friend Sophie calls it coincidence, and Mr. Simpless, my parson friend, calls it Grace. He thinks that if one cares deeply about someone or something new one throws a kind of energy out into the world..."
The journalist ends up going to the island to gather their story, thinking it might be her next book that her publisher and friend is waiting to be drafted. We know the trip will lead to a book and more.
A highly recommended read.
Published: 2008 Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 780385341004
This book was a gem. Told as a series of letters between a newspaper columnist who wrote upbeat pieces during WWII in London and the inhabitants of Guernsey, an island off the coast of England, it educates and inspires. During the war, the island was occupied by the Germans for several years and the people there were isolated from news with dwindling food and supplies.
We're treated to a friendship, a courtship, a community of survivors that are slowly revealed in the exchange. I delighted in the way the characters unfolded and how their quirks and personalities were so pointedly portrayed in their quick retorts and poignant stories.
Some examples:
"He's got that way of believing his opinion is the truth, but he's not disagreeable about it. He's too sure he's right to bother being disagreeable."
"Emily [Bronte] had to make Heathcliff up out of thin air!...Men are more interesting in books than they are in real life."
The author does a masterful job of letting people reveal themselves as they tell stories of others. I marked many pages that were tender:
"[People] thinking to comfort me, said 'Life goes on.' What nonsense, I thought, of course it doesn't, it's death that goes on."
"Have you ever noticed that when your mind is awakened or drawn to someone new, that person's name suddenly pops up everywhere you go? My friend Sophie calls it coincidence, and Mr. Simpless, my parson friend, calls it Grace. He thinks that if one cares deeply about someone or something new one throws a kind of energy out into the world..."
The journalist ends up going to the island to gather their story, thinking it might be her next book that her publisher and friend is waiting to be drafted. We know the trip will lead to a book and more.
A highly recommended read.
Published: 2008 Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 780385341004
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
The Winding Road - Cynthia Harrod-Eagles
There are some books that I just savor every word, like a very rich dessert or perfect meal. The Morland Dynasty books have been such a find. This latest tome I had to get from the library and it finally was available earlier this month
Back in 2007 my friend Teddi offered me a series of books on English history. Beginning in the 14th century, the story of the fictional Morland family unveils the evolution of English culture, politics, religion, royalty and peasant. I devoured the first 20 or so of the series that year and collected the rest and read them all over the past few years to come up to this one, The Winding Road, #34, which covers 1925 into 1931.
The author makes me feel I am living with her characters. Their hopes, dreams, tragedies and everyday life are woven into the real stories of the events and people who shaped history.
I passed the 30+ paperbacks on to another friend. Teddi passed away last August and these books are only one of many blessings she brought to my life.
Published: 2011 Read: March 2012 Genre: Historical fiction
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Back in 2007 my friend Teddi offered me a series of books on English history. Beginning in the 14th century, the story of the fictional Morland family unveils the evolution of English culture, politics, religion, royalty and peasant. I devoured the first 20 or so of the series that year and collected the rest and read them all over the past few years to come up to this one, The Winding Road, #34, which covers 1925 into 1931.
The author makes me feel I am living with her characters. Their hopes, dreams, tragedies and everyday life are woven into the real stories of the events and people who shaped history.
I passed the 30+ paperbacks on to another friend. Teddi passed away last August and these books are only one of many blessings she brought to my life.
Published: 2011 Read: March 2012 Genre: Historical fiction
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Friday, January 27, 2012
Anna - Cynthia Harrod-Eagles
This is the first book in a trilogy called the Kirov saga. I've already read the author's epic series, The Morland Dynasty, that covers the history of England from the 14th century up through World War I and loved it, so I wanted to read one of her other series.
Anna is an orphaned young woman who becomes a governess for a Russian aristocrat in 1802. The story continues through Napoleon's retreat in 1812. The writing was lyrical, painting wonderful images of the Russian countryside and famous cities and revealing the horrors of war.
I found my old barrier of not being able to pronounce the names of the characters getting me less invested in the book. That, and my lack of knowledge about Russian geography. I won't be reading the rest of the series right away but I do look forward to learning more Russian history and culture.
The good news is that due to the clamoring of her readers, the author is working on another installment of the Morland Dynasty. Now that I'll eat right up!
Published: 1990 Read: 1/2012
Half.com link to my copy
Anna is an orphaned young woman who becomes a governess for a Russian aristocrat in 1802. The story continues through Napoleon's retreat in 1812. The writing was lyrical, painting wonderful images of the Russian countryside and famous cities and revealing the horrors of war.
I found my old barrier of not being able to pronounce the names of the characters getting me less invested in the book. That, and my lack of knowledge about Russian geography. I won't be reading the rest of the series right away but I do look forward to learning more Russian history and culture.
The good news is that due to the clamoring of her readers, the author is working on another installment of the Morland Dynasty. Now that I'll eat right up!
Published: 1990 Read: 1/2012
Half.com link to my copy
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Kristin Lavransdatter - Sigrid Undset
Author Winner of Nobel Prize 1928
What a wonderful beginning to a New Year! The story of a fictional maid, Kristin Lavransdatter in 14th Century Norway is really 3 books:
--The Bridal Wreath Kristin, the daughter of a landowner is doted on by her father. She falls in love with a dashing, reckless man, Erlend, and betrays her family's trust and all to get her way and marry him.
--The Mistress of Husaby Kristin moves with Erlend to his estate at Husaby where she takes responsibility for running it and bears seven sons. Erlend is arrested for treason.
--The Cross Erlend is stripped of his possessions and his family moves back to Kristin's childhood home. As her children grow, her and Erlend's relationship deteriorates and Kristin anguishes over her motherly love, Catholic faith and passion for Erlend.
The story today would be called an "historical" novel as the author weaves in facts of medieval Norway. Details of daily life,dress and worship permeate the tale. This translation uses the language of the times which can take time to absorb but adds to the authenticity. But the book is much, much more. The relationships between father/daughter, husband/wife, mother/child, and many more demonstrate the meaning of love, honor, loyalty, faithfulness and forgiveness and the consequences of disobedience, imprudence, pride and anger.
I found my own heart aching at Kristin's heartbreaks and wanted to shout at her and Erlend when their headstrong ways brought pain and suffering. I plan to look for the later English translation and skim it for comparison. How wonderful that a book almost 90 years old still rings true today. I also enjoyed being immersed in the daily life of the 14th century where snippets of historical events came to life in the ways it affected the people living in those times. I was struck by how all encompassing was their catholic faith. Truly a recommended read.
Click here for Half.com link to version I read
Published: 1923, English translation Read: 1/2012
What a wonderful beginning to a New Year! The story of a fictional maid, Kristin Lavransdatter in 14th Century Norway is really 3 books:
--The Bridal Wreath Kristin, the daughter of a landowner is doted on by her father. She falls in love with a dashing, reckless man, Erlend, and betrays her family's trust and all to get her way and marry him.
--The Mistress of Husaby Kristin moves with Erlend to his estate at Husaby where she takes responsibility for running it and bears seven sons. Erlend is arrested for treason.
--The Cross Erlend is stripped of his possessions and his family moves back to Kristin's childhood home. As her children grow, her and Erlend's relationship deteriorates and Kristin anguishes over her motherly love, Catholic faith and passion for Erlend.
The story today would be called an "historical" novel as the author weaves in facts of medieval Norway. Details of daily life,dress and worship permeate the tale. This translation uses the language of the times which can take time to absorb but adds to the authenticity. But the book is much, much more. The relationships between father/daughter, husband/wife, mother/child, and many more demonstrate the meaning of love, honor, loyalty, faithfulness and forgiveness and the consequences of disobedience, imprudence, pride and anger.
I found my own heart aching at Kristin's heartbreaks and wanted to shout at her and Erlend when their headstrong ways brought pain and suffering. I plan to look for the later English translation and skim it for comparison. How wonderful that a book almost 90 years old still rings true today. I also enjoyed being immersed in the daily life of the 14th century where snippets of historical events came to life in the ways it affected the people living in those times. I was struck by how all encompassing was their catholic faith. Truly a recommended read.
Click here for Half.com link to version I read
Published: 1923, English translation Read: 1/2012
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