Over the course of the past several months, I have read a lot of books. I will not list every book I read (I've read too many, and I could not get in to some of them), but I decided to list here some of the best historical fiction books that I've read and have not yet reviewed in 2020. Now that we all have more time on our hands because we are not allowed to leave the house, a book is a good escape. I've included some books for the review from different time periods.
"The Smallest Man" by Frances Quinn
Simon & Schuster, released 7 January, 2021
This novel follows the story of a short-statured man born into dwarfism in the early 1600s. He is sold by his father and becomes a gift to the queen, who he forms a bond with after they come to realise that they are going through some of the same struggles. Most of the action in the book takes place in the backdrop of the English Civil War. The book has several interesting characters and keep me engaged. I loved it.
My review: 10/10
"Megge of Bury Down" by Rebecca Knightlinger
Rowan Moon, released 1 February, 2020
Medieval Cornwall is the setting of this book featuring a cast of lead female characters. The book mainly focuses on the young girl Megge and her sister, mother, and aunt. The family have magical powers of healing and protection of an ancient book, which Megge is frightened of. An evil neighbour disguised as a friar attempts to steal the book and harm the family, and Megge has to make life choices.
My review: 8/10
"Those Who Are Loved" by Victoria Hislop
Headline Review, released 20 August, 2020
Set in the early 1940s with the Nazi occupation of Greece and switching between modern day Greece, the story follows young Themis and her two brothers; the story focuses more on Themis and the political era between the right and left views during this chaotic time in Greece's history. Themis' family are divided by the conflict, and she joins the Communist army and must fight against her fellow citizens. In this time, she is imprisoned and meets another prisoner with a twist to her tale. The book focuses a lot on the political ideals, which were a bit dry for my taste, and I would have enjoyed a faster pace for the story.
My review: 6/10
"The Secrets of Saffron Hall" by Clare Marchant
Avon Books, released 6 August, 2020
The bulk of the book takes place in the mid-1500s in England, but some of the characters are based in the modern day. The story focuses on the young Eleanor who has to leave her beloved home after her father dies and leaves their manor/hall to the male cousin; she is forced to wed an older merchant who has made his reputation at Henry VIII's court. Eleanor is young but settles in and grows the saffron that she used to tend when she was at her old home. She earns much wealth, but her life at her new home has to come to an abrupt and tragic end, as discovered in the book she left behind that modern day occupants of the hall have discovered.
My review: 8/10
"The Dublin Girls" by Cathy Mansell
Headline, released 23 July, 2020
Nell, who is studying to become a nurse, must put her dreams on hold when her mother suddenly dies. She must take care of her two younger sisters and find a job. It is 1950s Dublin, and finding a job is difficult. Along with the difficulty she faces with work and caring for the sisters in a run-down estate, the middle sister runs away from home and the younger one gets very ill. The story is about the struggles of the three girls and Nell putting everything, including a relationship, on hold.
My review: 7/10
"The Cursed City" by Laurence O'Bryan
BooksGoSocial, released 2 June, 2020
This book takes place twenty years after Constantine became emperor of Rome, and it focuses on him moving the power of Rome to New Rome (Constantinople) in the wake of Christianity and the problems he is facing with his family and friends. Although it is a third book in a series, it feels like its own story. The book is well-written and a breeze to read, and it is full of interesting characters.
My review: 9/10
"The Missing Pieces of Nancy Moon" by Sarah Steele
Headline, released 6 August, 2020
I would consider this a blend of mystery and historical fiction. Set in the 1960s and in the modern day, the book focuses on a great mystery when a box of dress patterns is discovered in the modern day and after the owner of the box has passed away. Florence sets upon discovering this lady, Nancy Moon, through travels to Europe in order to understand how she was good friends with her grandmother and to learn her story. Florence soon unravels the mystery and connections between her family and Nancy Moon. The book focuses on different patterns of dresses that will appeal to those who are interested in fashion and know how to sew (unlike me).
My review: 6/10
"With Love from Ma Maguire" by Ruth Hamilton
Random House, released 30 September, 2011
Set at the start of 1900 in northern England, the lead character is a headstrong female who is working in a wealthy man's mill. The story is of the two families throughout the span of their lives as young adults and continuing into old age and beyond with their families. It is the story of two families who are vastly different but connected.
My review: 9/10
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