Historical Fiction Books

“It is an inexplicable lapse on the part of literary scholars and critics,” writes Nadine Gordimer in her Introduction, “that Turbott Wolfe is not recognised as a pyrotechnic presence in the canon of renegade colonialist literature along with Conrad.” Indeed, William Plomer’s astonishing first novel, which first appeared in 1926, ignited a firestorm of controversy in his native South Africa. At the novel’s center is Turbott Wolfe, a British trader who opens a general store in Lembuland. He befriends many of his black customers but has less luck ingratiating himself with the bigoted whites who have lived in the area for generations. Eventually, Wolfe and his comrades embrace miscegenation as the key to Africa’s future—the Young Africa, where the races have blurred. Provocative and deeply questioning, Turbott Wolfe remains a powerful chronicle of the intimate human consequences of racism.

This book is a riveting tale set in 1920s America, where jazz music and mobsters collide. Follow Henry Smart, a white man on the run, and Louis Armstrong, a black musician held captive by racial barriers. The story brilliantly captures the essence of the era, with its vibrant descriptions of music, the underground world of speakeasies, and the struggles for freedom. If you're drawn to stories of resilience, loyalty, and the power of music, this is a must-read.

Munich offers a thrilling portrayal of the events leading up to one of the most notorious moments in history. Expertly weaving together the perspectives of two young men, one a private secretary to Chamberlain, the other a member of the anti-Hitler resistance, this book offers readers a unique and vivid glimpse into the inner workings of the political and personal negotiations that shaped Europe's fate. Robert Harris' impeccable research and compelling prose make Munich a must-read for anyone interested in politics, history, or simply a gripping story of friendship and betrayal.

"Now That It's Over" could provide a unique literary experience if you're interested in how life-altering events can abruptly change our destinies. This award-winning narrative intricately captures the emotional and physical devastation of a natural disaster, while also exploring the backstories and complexities of its characters' lives. It's a poignant read that could resonate deeply with anyone fascinated by the intertwining of personal histories and larger-than-life events.

Recommendation: "The Ghost Of Lily Painter" is a captivating read for those who enjoy ghost stories with a touch of mystery. The book weaves a unique tale of obsession with the supernatural, and delves deep into the history of the house and its past inhabitants. The distinctive feature of this book is the haunting presence of Lily Painter, a young chorus girl who captures the heart of the protagonist, Annie Sweet. Readers will find themselves enthralled by the intricate plot, while also being spooked by the ghostly presence that permeates throughout the pages. Overall, this book is a ghostly delight that is sure to be enjoyed by fans of the supernatural and mystery genres.

Used to fighting against the stigma of her illegitimate birth, Nikki Sandeman takes on the proud and powerful Hyland dynasty--her own family, which has refused to claim her as its own--to fight for control of the tobacco empire

"The House on Paradise Street" is a good read for those interested in historical fiction. The book delves into 50 years of Greek history, with a focus on love, loss, and family. The most unique feature of this novel is the way it weaves together the personal journeys of the characters with the larger social and political history of Greece. Readers may appreciate the deep emotional resonance of the story as well as the author's skillful writing style that captures the complexities of human relationships and the impact of historical events on everyday lives."

A Gambler's Magic could be a good read for someone who enjoys western romance novels that feature themes of spiritual redemption and the power of love to heal. The unique aspect of this book is its inclusion of gambling as a way for the characters to find redemption. Readers may appreciate the complex and flawed characters, as they navigate their way through their emotional turmoil.

In his latest novel, Ivan Doig writes of a generation, shaped by the sixties, that has reached its time of reckoning, and of a man who must uncover the secrets of his father's past before he can live and love in the present. One of the greatest writers of the American West, Doig exquisitely renders the natural beauty of its landscapes as he contrasts human time with the immense clock of the earth, measuring the briefer existences that are our human fate against the patient witness of the mountains. Set in Seattle, San Francisco, Montana, and Alaska, "Mountain Time" is the story of three intense relationships: between father and son, between sisters, and between lovers. At once complex and subtle, these oldest quandaries of kinship and love are all dramatically in need of resolution.Mitch Rozier, who has spent half his fifty years writing an environmental column for an alternative west coast paper, finds himself back under his father's roof, caught up in the ordeal of obligation -- "you can't not go home again when someone is sitting there dying." The sisters Lexa and Mariah McCaskill wrestle with a past that has driven them away from domesticity and as far from their roots as they can get. Lexa has long been ready to settle down with Mitch; Mariah, a photographer who uses her camera to shield herself from the world, lands more reluctantly. And the figure from the generation that produced them, Mitch's father Lyle, both beguiles and exasperates as he attempts to rewrite events in his life before he leaves it.Doig is masterful at illuminating both human and geographical vulnerability, constantly shifting our focus between the land -- breathtaking, essential and in needof protection -- and the people bonded to it.