Historical Fiction

A Botanist's Guide to Flowers and Fatality

by Kate Khavari

★★★★

First, I’d like to thank @netgalley and @dreamscape_media for my audio ARC. I really enjoyed my ARC for the first of Saffron’s mysteries, so I was excited to see the audio for book two was available for requests. I got lucky; my request was approved on release day! Saffron is still the sassy, smart, and determined protagonist we met in book one; however, Saffron undeniably shows more confidence in the sequel. I enjoyed Lee’s character as well, as he challenged Saffron in a way that Alexander didn’t. Let me say though, his smug attitude did get on my nerves periodically just as it was likely intended to. The audio narrator did a fantastic job bringing the story to life. I found this murder mystery was not just a copy of the first book, so I’m thankful that Khavari was able to maintain some relationship between the books while also making the sequel original. It was dark, engaging, and led to me developing a variety of questions regarding poisons during that point in history. I look forward to seeing what she has in store for the inevitable book 3. 

Serpent & Dove

by Shelby Mahurin

★★★★

I love a good fantasy series, and I have been eyeballing this one for quite a while. I managed to get my hands on an audiobook copy via Libby after a several-month wait, and it was worth the wait. I found the story was magical, beautifully written, and periodically borderline spooky. With a believable portrayal of magic and a touch of romance, I was hooked. Mahurin compellingly depicts the conflicts that the enforcers of laws face; we see Reid as both the unmovable witch killer and the husband of a witch. Through Louise, we are reminded that someone who steals or has taken a human life is not always evil; there are ultimately a variety of factors that motivate people to do bad things. Together, we see how these complexities come together and impact relationships; many of the lessons shown here should be considered by readers within their own life. I can’t wait to see what lessons can be found in Blood & Honey. 

Uncommon Type

by Tom Hanks

★

I love Tom Hank’s various films, so I had honestly hoped that I would love his short story anthology as well. Honestly, I hated it. There wasn’t anything wrong with the writing style, but it was so dull! It took me months to get through this collection because I genuinely felt disappointed every time I picked it up. I originally thought the idea of a bunch of short stories that were all connected by typewriters (s) was interesting, but that was about as far as my interest made it. I can’t say I’d recommend this one to anyone; I honestly wish I could have the time I spent reading it back so I could use it to read something else. 

The London Séance Society

by Sarah Penner

★★★★

TLSS is out now, and it is definitely worth checking out. I got lucky and snagged a copy via @netgalley, and I found myself hooked. Penner has a way of incorporating the illogical without taking away from the believability of a story. I really enjoyed The Lost Apothecary, so I knew I had to read this one when she initially posted about its release dates. I loved how strong Lenna is, and Vaudeline was interesting. I kept trying to figure out the ending, but the twists and turns kept me guessing until the end. I love that Penner also includes notes about the actual history of the time period at the end of the novel; I found the information both fascinating and educating.

Midnight in Everwood

by M.A. Kuzniar

★★★★

I loved The Nutcracker as a child, especially the Barbie retelling, so I knew I was going to love this novel. I found the overall premise to be intriguing, as Marietta’s unexpected journey to a magical world echoed that of Marie- however, there isn’t really a “Nutcracker” character like some versions. We do get to learn about a variety of villages in the sugar-dusted world, although the story takes place in Everwood. In a world filled with sweet riches, loyal soldiers, a terrible king, and terrified villagers, Kuzniar maintains a very similar aesthetic to the original Nutcracker telling. Marietta’s story is delectably sweet with a touch of something darker. I found a copy of Kuzniar’s retelling through Libby, so I recommend checking with your local library.  

Blood Water Paint

by Joy McCullough

★★★★

Blood Water Paint tells the story of Artemisia Gentileschi, a historical Italian painter, through poetry and prose. I love historical fiction, but I normally don’t care for poetry; McCullough may have just changed my perspective though. Artemisia’s story is heartbreaking, and yet it speaks to the harsh truth that many women have faced. It considers the misogynistic beliefs of our past, but it offers advice and insight that are arguably still relevant today.  We also get to experience some of history’s favorite subjects in a way rarely painted before. Artemisia’s courage and passion are inspiring, and McCullough’s poetry is a compelling compliment to the story. I would recommend snagging yourself a copy if possible; I found mine on @libby.app.

The Personal Librarian

by Marie Benedict & Victoria Christopher Murray

★★★★★

While I try to review diverse works all year long, I feel it’s important that we discuss important real people throughout Black History Month. We don’t hear about Belle Marion Greener, also known as Belle da Costa Greene, yet it was her who historically paved the way for many women (and women of color once her true identity was known). Her story is compelling, informative, and will leave you wanting to know more. Benedict and Christopher Murray make a point of acknowledging where their telling of Belle’s life becomes more fictionalized, so readers can separate their Belle from Belle the historical figure. I loved learning about Belle’s strength, grace, and intelligence. I can’t imagine the internal (and external) struggles she faced trying to pass while not forgetting who she truly is. I could not recommend reading her story enough. 

Foul Lady Fortune

by Chloe Gong

★★★★★

First, I’d like to say thank you to @netgalley for my ARC of this book. I found myself wanting to learn more about Shanghai as I read about Rosalind’s adventures as a 1930s spy. I love a good whodunnit, and I found myself changing guesses every chapter or so; Gong really kept me on my toes. I feel like Gong also did well with her characters; they felt authentic, and I appreciated that she could show some of the downsides/concerns of immortality and other genetic changes. I didn’t know much about the Nationalist/Communist/Imperial war over territories in China, so this left me wanting to learn more. I don’t want to share any spoilers, but I will say that this book was addictive; I found myself engaged and had no desire to put it down each time I started reading it. If you love mysteries or historical fantasy, I suggest snagging this title when it releases later in the month.

Damnation Springs

by Ash Davidson

★★★

I'd like to start off by saying that this book would probably be most enjoyable for people who enjoy 1970s US historical fiction, as well as those that are into environmental-themed reads. The novel's concept is interesting, and you really get to know each of the characters involved. Although I found myself frequently getting distracted and could barely focus on this read; I spent months trying to read these chunks at a time so I could review this as fairly as possible despite my apparent disinterest. I snagged this as an ARC from NetGalley, as I had heard great things about it. I found that I learned quite a bit about how the logging process goes, and it inspired a variety of conversations with my relatives about their memories of the time. As someone who has seen the environmental changes in my Southern California town over a few years, I felt for those residents of Damnation Springs that represented everyone who was tired of our forests being destroyed. I've seen my town get drier, hotter, and a whole lot less green. Even if I did not really care for the writing style, I will agree that it was covering some very important issues. I think what really made this a 3/5 for me though was the ending it felt too cliche after the originality of the rest of the story. 

The Lobotomist's Wife

by Samantha Greene Woodruff

★★★★

I snagged this as my Prime First Reads a little while back, and I finally had the chance to read it… This is probably one of my favorite PFRs yet. I love a good historical fiction story, and the initial cover information sounded intriguing. I found myself very curious about what kind of person could love the monster that led to lobotomy becoming the norm in the U.S.; although this wasn’t historically accurate, as acknowledged by the author, I did find that the wife (Ruth) felt very authentic. I was able to see how someone may have not seen/believed the villain that their husband was becoming, and as such, how the villains of a story can become convinced that they are really heroes. I don’t know a ton about how the procedure is performed (beyond the basic ice pick method or lobe removal), but Woodruff wrote in a way that I could fully understand what was happening. Despite knowing the nightmare lobotomy became, I found myself excited for the Apters as they continued to make “progress” toward curing mental illnesses. Similarly, I found myself sharing a parallel level of concern and dread as Ruth began to discover the truth about their so-called cure; I know it was the persuasive power of Woodruff’s writing style that allowed me to empathize so much with the characters. I would definitely recommend checking The Lobotomist’s Wife out if you haven’t done so already!

Signal Moon

by Kate Quinn

★★★★

I snagged this as a Prime First Reads on Amazon Kindle this month. This brief introduction to Quinn's writing has left me excited for some of the other titles I own- such as The Alice Network- and I've heard it pairs beautifully with The Rose Code. In 57 pages (cover to cover), Quinn made me root for the success of Lily and Jackson. This story takes place in two different times, during two different wars, and yet similarities can be drawn between both realities that remind us that the things that matter transcends time.

The Paris Library

by Janet Skeslien Charles

★★★★

I love good historical fiction novels, especially the ones that are based on true events. While The Paris Library isn’t exactly how the events happened, Charles definitely got the overall basis of it across. I found that the characters each faced so many relatable challenges, as well as scenarios I could never imagine being in myself. Odile and Lily take readers on adventures that show both the best and the worst of humanity. If you enjoyed The Paris Architect, you’ll likely enjoy this one

Number the Stars

by Lois Lowry

★★★★

If you are looking for a book to help you talk to your children (ages 9-12) about the Holocaust, this is an age-appropriate way to begin the conversation. Number the Stars helps show the atrocities of WW2 from a child’s perspective, so this may make the history of it all easier for a child to comprehend. Although the Holocaust was now more than 70 years ago, hatred is still very much alive today; it is critical that we teach our children about the cruelties of humanity’s past so we can ideally prevent it from occurring again. Our main character, Annemarie, is a prime example of courage; she acknowledges her fear as she helps protect her friend Ellen, but she does what she believes is right anyway. This story is perfect for introducing your child(ren) or students to the darker side of history and encouraging the values we need in society (courage, love, and perseverance). 

Great or Nothing

by Joy McCullough, Tess Sharpe,  

Jessica Spotswood & Caroline Tung Richmond

★★★★

What do you read while on your lunch break? I chose this ARC since I enjoyed Alcott’s Little Women. This reimagining of LW brings the characters to life in a unique way- they are now navigating life during WW2. Jo, still our lovable tomboy, finds herself going to work in the factories building military equipment. Amy enlists in the Red Cross, while Meg stays home and tries to better her local community. Each mourns Beth, as she only has a voice in this novel via poems. The characters got to be portrayed as deeper and more relatable in this version of the story, and the setting made the story a little easier to follow. With four perspectives and four authors, each character clearly has their own attitudes and beliefs. The March girls are still strong, independent, and bold. I loved getting to follow the characters along for the journey, especially since we miss most of Amy in the original Little Women. The authors bring the passion, anger, and desperation of the sisters to live in a way that Alcott did not. If you love historical fiction and woman-centered stories, this one is worth your time! 

When the Nightingale Sings

by Suzanne Kelman

★★★★

I snagged this book as an ARC from @netgalley, although it’s now been out for a while. I typically love historical fiction, especially WW2 novels. This one just didn’t suck me in though.

I loved the concept of learning about Hedy Lamarr, as her inventions have had quite an impact on us all today; I even loved the idea of learning about one of the female scientists (Judy Jenkins) involved in the Manhattan Project. There is nothing inherently wrong with the book; it has a love interest, real-life problems, plus some extreme drama- it just wasn’t my favorite. I did appreciate that they demonstrate just how chaotic working within the sciences during wartime is, as my family has heard plenty of stories from two relatives that were involved with the Manhattan Project themselves. This story displayed beautifully the conflicting emotions that arise during the war, especially among people that find themselves being asked to invent anything intended to help stop the war. I will admit though that I found myself unable to really relate with Hedy and Judy, though they deal with some situations that we still face (failing marriages, sexism within the science field, etc.). 

The Vanishing Half

by Brit Bennett

★★★★★

I love historical fiction, and TVH just hits differently. I've read a variety of stories about people's experiences when "passing" (people of color, typically Black individuals, allowing others to believe they are white either by assumption or assertion) thanks to my African American Literature course, but Bennett's story just impacted me differently. It broke my heart that the twins were essentially separated due to the hardships created by racism in the pre-2000s USA. As the sisters are forced to choose between their identity (and each other) and the life they want (for themselves, for their children), they become a part of two different worlds. The racism and discrimination faced in America by POC is no secret, but Bennett movingly portrays the secrets that Black women (and often men) were forced to keep in order to have equal opportunities in a nation that claimed it didn't want them. TVH will break your heart as it paints a picture of some of the harshest realities of being a POC in the USA.

The Four Winds

by Kristin Hannah

★★★★★

Hannah's The Four Winds is a heart-stopping read set during the Dust Bowl in the 1930s USA. This book shows the good, the bad, and the ugly of farming in old California. I have a soft spot for this book since it takes place about 30 minutes from my home. You'll meet a lovable main character, determined kids, and a whole lot of intriguing characters along the way.

All The Light We Cannot See

by Anthony Doerr

★★★★★

I'm always a sucker for a good historical fiction novel. Doerr did not let me down with this WWII tale of rebellion, survival, and love. The story comes from two perspectives; a French girl named Marie-Laure, and a German boy named Werner. Marie-Laure is completely blind. Werner loves the pursuit of knowledge, and he's a bit of a STEM prodigy even when living in the orphanage with his siblings. Although the paths of Marie-Laure and Werner pass, it isn't in the way that readers may predict. This book will take you through the streets of France, as well as across the front as the Germans continue their continental takeover. Doerr manages to write about a war that has produced endless literature, and yet, he does it completely uniquely. 

Opium and Absinthe

by Lydia Kang

★★★★

If you're looking for a good supernatural mystery, this may be the Halloween read for you. Kang's Tillie is such an authentic character that you can picture her walking the streets of 1899 NYC. With a 'vampire' on the loose, two aspiring journalists who are determined to find the truth, and multiple bodies drained of blood, Opium and Absinthe will take you through an unforgettable journey of medical phenomena and murder.

Daisy Jones & the Six

by Taylor Jenkins Reid

★★★★

This book has all of the rockstar and flower child vibes a reader could ask for. Be transported back in time with the magical Daisy and the original members of The Six. Reid paints a picture of the good, the bad, and the ugly of the 60s and 70s music industry in this documentary-style historical fiction. With all the drugs, sex, and rock n roll readers can expect, this is one read that will take you on a wild ride. 

A Botanist's Guide to Parties and Poisons

by Kate Khavari

★★★★.5

Saffron and Alexander's off-the-books investigation of the attempted murder of Mrs. Henry (a faculty member's wife) will keep readers hooked from start to finish. Although the characters frequently reference plants by their scientific names, they can still be easily understood by the average reader. This historical fiction, with the smallest pinprick of romance, utilizes many of the well-loved tropes of mystery novels without losing its individuality.

The Lost Apothecary

by Sarah Penner

★★★★

This book is great for historical fiction lovers, and it does a great job of highlighting the "magic" of the real world. I'm not normally one to enjoy stories with multiple timelines, but Penner did it well. If you're looking for murder and not-so-magical 'witches,' this is the book for you.

The Paris Architect

by Charles Belfoure

★★★★.5

Belfoure offers a unique perspective through Lucien, an ambitious (and quite selfish) architect during the Holocaust. While most WWII literature follows a protagonist that acts out of selfless motivations, such as just wanting to help a victim of hate survive the war, Lucien acts almost entirely out of his own self-interests in the beginning. Lucien is a stereotypical greedy Parisian during the war, as he opts only to help construct hiding spaces for desperate Jews around the city for financial gain. Lucien eventually comes to love the challenge of outsmarting the Reich, and he then comes to truly care about the people he hides. Lucien is a character that is so easy to hate in the beginning, but he does gradually redeem himself. TPA is an amazing read, and it is perfect for historical fiction lovers that are interested in reading about the best (and worst) of humanity.

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

by Taylor Jenkins Reid

★★★★★

I absolutely LOVED this one. Evelyn brings the film industry to life across multiple decades and ultimately highlights the cut-throat reality of trying to survive in it. The book covers the struggles of privacy and the difficulties of balancing the life of a star with being a good wife and mother. Evelyn is a protagonist that you can't help but love no matter how terribly she behaves. There are some serious Marilyn Monroe vibes coming from Evelyn; she is bad, she is smart, and she is most agreeably one of the sexiest women in classic Hollywood. LGBTQ+ representation is highly prominent throughout the novel, so this is a perfect read for those looking to diversify their library rather than experiencing another story of cis Hollywood. 

The Book Thief

by Markus Zusak

★★★★★

This is the title that introduced me to historical fiction. I read this book while I was in early high school, and curious Liesel drew me in from the very first page. It broke my heart to learn about the difficulties Max experienced during the war, as I had not yet learned about the World Wars in school. I love that Zusack also reminds readers that many German citizens were not in favor of the war effort, and many were even less supportive of the Nazis' treatment of their victims. Although the overall knowledge of the Holocaust deeply disturbed me, I love that The Book Thief showed the depth of humanity's bond through Liesel's family. I can only hope that even 1/4 of the population has the thirst for knowledge and stories that Liesel demonstrates.

The Heart's Invisible Furies

by John Boyne

★★★★★

Follow Cyril Avery, an adopted Irishman who is constantly reminded that he isn't really a part of their family. As he befriends the son of his father's powerful friends and clients, Julien becomes a fixture in Cyril's mind. Cyril finds himself struggling to understand who he is, including trying to "make" himself straight in homophobic Catholic Ireland. The novel takes place in the 1940s and ends in the modern day. Follow Cyril as he ages, as he evolves, as he moves from Ireland to mainland Europe, and finally, as he moves to the U.S. Cyril spends a lifetime essentially hating himself, and the novel covers his journey to eventually achieving self-acceptance. Cyril appears as both lovable and despicable, and yet, he is so relatable. I found I could not put this one down, as Boyne sucked me in to know if Cyril will ever find true happiness.

The Paris Wife

by Paula McLain

★★★★

So this read is highly likely to leave you feeling depressed, but the story itself is intriguing. I'd never given much thought to Hemingway as a person, but I found myself thinking of him quite a bit after finding this one on Libby. Although not everything is accurate, as it is historical fiction, I did feel like I got a deeper insight into who Hemingway may have been. Hadley repeatedly appears to be the weaker, less wild person in every situation- especially in her marriage. Ernest is temperamental, unpredictable, and flakey (most especially Hadley). As Hadley was the first of Hemingway's many wives, readers enter the story knowing that the once-loving couple can only come to a sad end. However, I did not expect this to leave me with resentment toward Hemingway (as many parts of their relationship are believed to be true). McLain crafted their love beautifully, so it hurts all the more to be reminded that Hemingway was always only really married to his work. Thankfully, Hadley is stronger than any of us could ever imagine.