Category Archives: historical fiction
Jepp, Who Defied the Stars – Katherine Marsh
Set during the late 1500s, young Jepp, a dwarf, is much loved by his innkeeper mother. When a mysterious noble visits the inn, he convinces Jepp and his mother that Jepp should go with him to the court of the … Continue reading
Dodger – Terry Pratchett
Dodger is interrupted from his work in the sewers of Victorian London when he hears the screams of a lady being beaten. Rescuing the lady, who has escaped from a horrible marriage to a German prince, is the first of … Continue reading
Gods and Warriors – Michelle Paver
During the Bronze Age in ancient Greece, scrappy orphan Hylas, branded an outsider and banished from the village, has kept himself and his sister alive by tending goats. The story opens with Hylas running for his life after losing his … Continue reading
The Kingmaker’s Daughter – Philippa Gregory
Little Anne, nearly nine years old, is processing into the throne room at the Tower of London, come to pay her respects to the Queen who will be crowned tomorrow. She steps forward to make her curtsey and is stunned … Continue reading
The Red Chamber – Pauline A. Chen
In the spring of 1721 Lin Daiyu and her father are nearing the end of the Forty-Nine Days Mourning, keeping vigil beside her mother’s coffin. A strange man appears, like them, wearing mourning robes of un-dyed hemp. At first her … Continue reading
Mission to Paris – Alan Furst
Frederic Stahl, an internationally famous Hollywood film star is making a film in Paris. Having spent a few years there as a young man, Stahl was looking forward to the visit. As soon as he arrived, he changed into a … Continue reading
The Wicked and the Just – J. Anderson Coats
The story takes place in Wales around 1280 when King Edward I of England conquered Wales. He sealed his control of the Welsh by granting lands to loyal Englishmen and moving them into newly built town houses within castle walls. … Continue reading
Peaceweaver – Rebecca Barnhouse
The historical fantasy setting is 6th century Scandinavia and the scene of constant fighting between the clans. Hilf is the niece to the Scylfing (Swedes) king and is prone to spells of hyper-adrenaline when she skillfully uses her sword to kill … Continue reading
Code Name Verity – Elizabeth Wein
This book is amazing and intense. The story follows two young women and their involvement in the British war effort during WWII. One is a pilot, the other is a spy. The story opens in Julie’s voice. She has been … Continue reading
The Lady of the Rivers – Philippa Gregory
Once again, Philippa Gregory has wonderfully recreated life among the royals in the fifteenth century. This is the third volume in the Cousins’ War series, but the first chronologically. It’s a prequel to The White Queen and tells the story … Continue reading
In Darkness – Nick Lake
I finished this book several days ago and it still lingers with me and will for some time. More than lingers, it haunts me. In Darkness weaves together two time periods in Haiti’s tumultuous history and is told through two … Continue reading
The Mighty Miss Malone – Christopher Paul Curtis
Mr. Curtis’s newest has award winner written all over it. Set during the Depression, we become one of the Malone family, facing their heartaches, struggles, and joys. The story opens in Gary, Indiana, where the family is intact, but very … Continue reading
Icefall – Matthew J. Kirby
I love Viking books and this is now one of my favorites. Solveig is the oft-forgotten second daughter of a Viking king. The king’s oldest daughter, Asa, is beautiful and his young son will be his heir, so he has … Continue reading
May B – Caroline Starr Rose
May is a young girl on the lonely Kansas prairie during the time of homesteaders and sod houses. She is hired out by her parents to keep house for a newly married couple 15 miles away. The young wife is terribly … Continue reading
Moon Over Manifest – Clare Vanderpool
Moon Over Manifest is a deserving winner of the Newbery Award, however, I doubt if students will gobble it down en masse. The historical fiction sticker on the spine of a book is akin to a sticker of death. Then … Continue reading
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