Long after the slave trade had ended, slavers and merchants would still travel to the West coast of Africa to illegally purchase new "property," while at the same time avoiding any nation's govt ships to bring the "contraband" to the US. Such was the case with Cudjo Lewis in the early 1860s, right before the… Continue reading Review: Barracoon by Zora Neale Hurston
The Tubman Command by Elizabeth Cobbs tells the true story of Harriet Tubman's instrumental involvement in the Combahee River raid which resulted in freeing about 750 enslaved people from plantations situated on that river. Cobbs brings Tubman from mythic figure of "Moses" down to earth as a woman conflicted with her emotions in relation… Continue reading Review: The Tubman Command by Elizabeth Cobbs
As some of you may (or may not) know, I sometimes pepper my Historical Fiction reviews with Sci-Fi or Fantasy. This is one of those times. I did not want Queen's Shadow to end! Focused on Padme Amidala between the events of Episode I and II (beginning roughly five years after EPI,) Johnston explores the… Continue reading Review: Queen’s Shadow by E.K. Johnston
Blackberry and Wild Rose by Sonia Velton is set in 18th Century London, specifically within the silk industry in Spitalfields. Set against this vibrant backdrop, Velton weaves together the stories of two women--Sara, a former harlot and now maid, and Esther, wife of a wealthy silk weaver. Arriving in London naive and sheltered, Sara is… Continue reading Review: Blackberry and Wild Rose by Sonia Velton
My Lady Judge by Cora Harrison follows 15th century Mara, Brehon (Judge) of an area of western Ireland called the Burren. Brehon Law in Ireland was a civil code far more merciful and socially liberal than the criminal laws of England. What's striking about Brehon law, even long before the 15th century, is that women… Continue reading Review: My Lady Judge by Cora Harrison
I need to preface this review by saying that about 80% into The Turning of Anne Merrick I found out this book was a sequel! First, this speaks to the fact that technically this novel can stand on its own. Second, Yes--there were moments where major events in the characters' pasts came up that… Continue reading Review: The Turning of Anne Merrick by Christine Blevins
The Familiars by Stacey Halls is a fictional account leading up to the 1612 Pendle Witch Trials, featuring actual historical figures. Seventeen-year-old Fleetwood Shuttleworth becomes mistress of Gawthorpe Hall, near Pendle, and gets drawn into the controversy over her midwife's, Alice Grey, alleged involvement with the "Pendle Witches" at Malkin Tower. I did know a bit… Continue reading Review: The Familiars by Stacey Halls
Women Warriors: An Unexpected History by Pamela D. Toler is a fascinating non-fiction read accouting women warriors throughout history. I've always been interested in women who went against the norms of their times and charged ahead for future generations, and Women Warriors goes a step further by giving context to these women. While some indeed… Continue reading Review: Women Warriors: An Unexpected History by Pamela D. Toler
Set in 16th century Italy, The Chef's Secret by Crystal King follows papal chef Bartolomeo Scappi and his apprentice, Giovanni, through two intersecting tales that peel back like layers of an onion. While Scappi was indeed the chef of a Pope, King notes that not much is known about him save his recipe book, and… Continue reading Review: The Chef’s Secret by Crystal King
Highland Raven (Book 1 of the Celtic Blood series) by Melanie Karsak is a historical fantasy origin story of the real Lady MacBeth, Gruoch of Scotland. I was instantly intrigued with this premise, as I really didn't know anything about Gruoch. However, Karsak's novel is much more magical and fantasy-based rather than straight historical fiction.… Continue reading Review: Highland Raven by Melanie Karsak
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