The Secrets We Kept is a book about one of my favorite books: Doctor Zhivago. In 2002, I discovered Docotor Zhivago through the 2002 mini series with Keira Knightley. I fell in love with the story and then read the book, and I instantly became obsessed. Doctor Zhivago was a huge creative and literary influence… Continue reading Review: The Secrets We Kept by Lara Prescott
Little by Edward Carey tells the extraordinary, fascinating origin story of the real Madame Tussaud: Marie Grosholtz. Some people may not know that Madame Tussaud was a real person, as she seems more like a legend given the various wax museums around the world bearing her name. Marie was real (referred to by the nickname… Continue reading Review: Little by Edward Carey
Also known as Daughter of Albion: A Novel of Ancient Britain in other countries. Skin by Ilka Tampke takes place in the 1st century AD, when the Roman Empire began to encroach upon the British Isles. Although rooted in the history and culture of ancient tribal Britain, Tampke weaves a magical element into the story… Continue reading Review: Skin by Ilka Tampke
Mary Toft; or, The Rabbit Queen by Dexter Palmer fictionalizes the true story of an 18th century Englishwoman who convinced doctors of all rankings--even the King's own--that she could birth rabbits. This unique historical nugget seems stranger than fiction, and Palmer vividly fills in the blanks and the world in which Mary Toft conducts… Continue reading Review: Mary Toft; or, The Rabbit Queen by Dexter Palmer
I will be taking a brief hiatus on reviews to do some pure enjoyment reading of some thick Fantasy novels I've had on my to-do list for a while (which don't really fit the theme of my usual reviews, despite the few Sci-Fi ones I slid in.) I have more Historical Fiction ARC reviews coming… Continue reading Hiatus
Remarkable Creatures by Tracy Chevalier is based on the life of Mary Anning, an early 19th century fossil hunter, collector, and paleontologist (although without a formal education.) I first discovered Mary Anning during a visit to the National History Museum in London. I was fascinated by this young woman, whom I somehow had never… Continue reading Review: Remarkable Creatures by Tracy Chevalier
One Thousand White Women by Jim Fergus is an alt-history novel, of sorts, in which the US government agreed to the true to life request of the Cheyenne tribe to send white brides to them in order to help integrate the Cheyenne into white society and thus survive. In reality, President Grant refused, but Jim… Continue reading Review: One Thousand White Women by Jim Fergus
Based on the historical figure Mary Bryant, Fled by Meg Keneally follows the extraordinary journey of late 18th century Jenny from Cornwall to The Sydney Cove Penal Colony and all the raging seas and lives that could have been in between. When Jenny's fisherman/smuggler father dies, Jenny must find work to help support her mother… Continue reading Review: Fled by Meg Keneally
The Orphan's Song by Lauren Kate transports the reader to dazzling, romantic, and beautiful 18th century Venice. Violetta is an orphan at the Incurables, a hospital and orphanage where girls are raised in the musical arts to eventually perform in the prestigious Coro (where once sworn, a girl must never sing outside its walls.) From… Continue reading Review: The Orphan’s Song by Lauren Kate
About seven years ago I read Year of Wonder by Geraldine Brooks and really enjoyed it. Caleb's Crossing has been on my to-read list for a while, so when I found it at my local used book store, I finally decided it was time to read it. Taking place in the 17th century, Caleb's Crossing… Continue reading Review: Caleb’s Crossing by Geraldine Brooks
