#historical-fiction

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What to Know About Denzel Washington's Gladiator II Character

Gladiator II intertwines historical elements and fictional narratives, particularly focusing on the character Macrinus and his political ambition.

Top of Your Stack: 11.21.24 - San Francisco Bay Times

Katherine Rundell's Vanishing Treasures highlights endangered animals, illustrating their beauty and fragility in the natural world.

A Thousand Splendid Suns Review

The novel illustrates the struggles of Afghan women during the Taliban's rise, reflecting broader themes of loss and resilience.
#literature

Badenheim 1939; Katerina; The Story of a Life by Aharon Appelfeld review survivors' tales full of beauty and pain

Appelfeld's writing skillfully portrays the Holocaust through distance and irony, emphasizing the profound impact on individuals and society.

The 10 Books You Should Be Reading This November

November is a month for reflection, ideal for exploring deep themes through diverse book recommendations.

Precipice by Robert Harris review the prime minister's affair

Robert Harris's 'Precipice' explores a historical love affair amidst the impending World War I, blending romance with espionage and societal critique.

'Uniquely qualified': Elizabeth Jane Howard's niece to continue her Cazalet Chronicles novels

Louisa Young will continue Elizabeth Jane Howard's Cazalet Chronicles series with three new novels set in the 1960s and 70s.

The Art of Fiction No. 243

Pat Barker's writing career has spanned a wide range of subjects and genres, including feminist literature, historical fiction, and retellings of classical stories.
She values the feedback and discussion that comes from engaging with audiences during promotional events, seeing it as an opportunity to gain new perspectives on her work.

Cover Reveal: The Traitor of Sherwood Forest - Medievalists.net

Amy S. Kaufman reimagines Robin Hood's story through the eyes of his spy in her debut novel, set for release in spring 2025.

Badenheim 1939; Katerina; The Story of a Life by Aharon Appelfeld review survivors' tales full of beauty and pain

Appelfeld's writing skillfully portrays the Holocaust through distance and irony, emphasizing the profound impact on individuals and society.

The 10 Books You Should Be Reading This November

November is a month for reflection, ideal for exploring deep themes through diverse book recommendations.

Precipice by Robert Harris review the prime minister's affair

Robert Harris's 'Precipice' explores a historical love affair amidst the impending World War I, blending romance with espionage and societal critique.

'Uniquely qualified': Elizabeth Jane Howard's niece to continue her Cazalet Chronicles novels

Louisa Young will continue Elizabeth Jane Howard's Cazalet Chronicles series with three new novels set in the 1960s and 70s.

The Art of Fiction No. 243

Pat Barker's writing career has spanned a wide range of subjects and genres, including feminist literature, historical fiction, and retellings of classical stories.
She values the feedback and discussion that comes from engaging with audiences during promotional events, seeing it as an opportunity to gain new perspectives on her work.

Cover Reveal: The Traitor of Sherwood Forest - Medievalists.net

Amy S. Kaufman reimagines Robin Hood's story through the eyes of his spy in her debut novel, set for release in spring 2025.
moreliterature

Why is Wolf Hall's Thomas Cromwell such a fascinating character?

Thomas Cromwell's life intrigues due to the secrecy surrounding his personal story, enriching the historical narrative.
#political-themes

The best recent crime and thrillers review roundup

The Outsider explores the complexities of loyalty within a dangerous criminal family, while White City reflects the enduring consequences of political manipulation and crime.

CJ Sansom obituary

CJ Sansom transitioned from lawyer to best-selling novelist through hard work and dedication, creating a beloved historical fiction series that echoes modern political struggles.

The best recent crime and thrillers review roundup

The Outsider explores the complexities of loyalty within a dangerous criminal family, while White City reflects the enduring consequences of political manipulation and crime.

CJ Sansom obituary

CJ Sansom transitioned from lawyer to best-selling novelist through hard work and dedication, creating a beloved historical fiction series that echoes modern political struggles.
morepolitical-themes

I'm Charlie Walker review stereotype-busting sort-of true story of a trucker and an oil spill

The film presents the story of Charlie Walker, a Black entrepreneur who overcomes racism while navigating the challenges of business and personal ambition.

Briefly Noted Book Reviews

Molly Aitken's "Bright I Burn" explores the life of Alice Kyteler, a historical figure who navigated love, loss, and social stigma in 13th-century Ireland.
Suzumi Suzuki's "Gifted" delves into the harsh realities faced by a young woman grappling with trauma and familial dysfunction while working in Tokyo's adult entertainment.

Curtain Calls: Michelangelo and da Vinci compete in The Contest' at Berkeley City Club

The Contest dramatizes the rivalry between Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo, highlighting the interplay of art and politics during a turbulent time in Florence.

New Medieval Books: The Stone Witch of Florence - Medievalists.net

The Stone Witch of Florence combines historical details with magic and mystery, creating a compelling narrative set during the Black Death.
#identity

Rapture by Emily Maguire review tale of medieval female pope feels fresh and intimate

Emily Maguire's novel Rapture explores faith and identity through the life of Pope Joan, emphasizing societal roles and personal challenges in a historical context.

Apple TV+'s Pachinko Expands Its Narrative Palate For An Emotional Season Two | TV/Streaming | Roger Ebert

The narrative of 'Pachinko' explores generational struggles with identity, ambition, and familial duty, emphasized through the experiences of Sunja and her grandson Solomon.

Rapture by Emily Maguire review tale of medieval female pope feels fresh and intimate

Emily Maguire's novel Rapture explores faith and identity through the life of Pope Joan, emphasizing societal roles and personal challenges in a historical context.

Apple TV+'s Pachinko Expands Its Narrative Palate For An Emotional Season Two | TV/Streaming | Roger Ebert

The narrative of 'Pachinko' explores generational struggles with identity, ambition, and familial duty, emphasized through the experiences of Sunja and her grandson Solomon.
moreidentity

New Medieval Books: Olav Audunssn - Medievalists.net

'Olav Audunssøn' is a richly woven saga that explores the intricate relationships and historical context of medieval Norway, showcasing Undset's literary brilliance.

Karl Marlantes, Deep River Storyteller

"Deep River" explores the immigrant experience of Finnish settlers in America, focusing on their struggles and resilience in the face of historical challenges.
The novel's setting along the Columbia River serves as a backdrop for the cultural and historical legacy of the logging industry and Finnish immigrants.

The Real History Behind Netflix's Korean War Epic Uprising

The film 'Uprising' examines friendship and class disparity against the backdrop of the Imjin War in late 16th century Korea.

The Mordant Intimacy of Cecile Desprairies's "The Propagandist"

The exploration of historical artifacts raises questions about provenance and the legacies of family histories tied to complicity in past injustices.

Han Kang's Nobel Prize

Han Kang's work deeply explores heavy themes like patriarchy and historical trauma through an experimental literary lens.
#world-war-ii

How a National Family Secret in France' Inspired Her Novel

The Propagandist reveals the hidden truths of France's collaboration with Nazi Germany during WWII, inspired by the author's personal family history.

Helen Mirren Tells a Story of Evil and Hope During WWII in 'White Bird'

The film 'White Bird' highlights the importance of kindness through a narrative of refuge in Nazi-occupied France.

In brief: Small Bomb at Dimperley; The Revelation of Ireland 1995-2020; The Story of Art Without Men review

Evans's novel is impressive in its storytelling despite not being groundbreaking, set in a post-war context.
Ferriter reflects on Ireland's recent transformations, analyzing the socio-political landscape in relation to Brexit.
Hessel highlights the narratives of female artists in a male-dominated history of art, offering a more balanced perspective.

How a National Family Secret in France' Inspired Her Novel

The Propagandist reveals the hidden truths of France's collaboration with Nazi Germany during WWII, inspired by the author's personal family history.

Helen Mirren Tells a Story of Evil and Hope During WWII in 'White Bird'

The film 'White Bird' highlights the importance of kindness through a narrative of refuge in Nazi-occupied France.

In brief: Small Bomb at Dimperley; The Revelation of Ireland 1995-2020; The Story of Art Without Men review

Evans's novel is impressive in its storytelling despite not being groundbreaking, set in a post-war context.
Ferriter reflects on Ireland's recent transformations, analyzing the socio-political landscape in relation to Brexit.
Hessel highlights the narratives of female artists in a male-dominated history of art, offering a more balanced perspective.
moreworld-war-ii

Alan Hollinghurst's Lost England

Alan Hollinghurst redefined gay literature with his candid depiction of sexuality and intricate prose, often drawing comparisons to literary greats like Henry James.

The Map of Bones by Kate Mosse review satisfying family saga finale

Kate Mosse's 'The Ghost Ship' series captivates with strong female protagonists and combines adventure with historical intrigue, appealing to modern readers.
#romance

Review: Manhattan Project sets the scene for love and regret in novel of moral dilemma

The Sound of a Thousand Stars intricately merges romance with the ethical complexities of the Manhattan Project, showcasing both scientific brilliance and human emotion.

10 Food-Filled Beach Reads for Your Summer Vacation

Food-themed books provide summer escapism, mirroring real-life trends with a mix of genres like romance, mystery, and historical fiction.

Is The Steamy Love Story In 'My Lady Jane' Historically Accurate?

Fans of My Lady Jane series enamored by the intense chemistry between Lady Jane Grey and Lord Guildford Dudley, despite historical inaccuracies.

Review: Manhattan Project sets the scene for love and regret in novel of moral dilemma

The Sound of a Thousand Stars intricately merges romance with the ethical complexities of the Manhattan Project, showcasing both scientific brilliance and human emotion.

10 Food-Filled Beach Reads for Your Summer Vacation

Food-themed books provide summer escapism, mirroring real-life trends with a mix of genres like romance, mystery, and historical fiction.

Is The Steamy Love Story In 'My Lady Jane' Historically Accurate?

Fans of My Lady Jane series enamored by the intense chemistry between Lady Jane Grey and Lord Guildford Dudley, despite historical inaccuracies.
moreromance

Uncovered family secrets inspire Bay Area resident's new book

Family secrets can transform lives and inspire creativity.
The journey of uncovering family history can lead to profound realizations.
Historical fiction can be rooted in real-life experiences.

The Strangers by Ekow Eshun review inside the minds of extraordinary Black men

Historical emotion is difficult to capture, but 'The Strangers' offers profound imagination on the lives of five significant Black men.
#humor

New Medieval Books: The Misadventures of Master Mugwort - Medievalists.net

The 'Misadventures of Master Mugwort' is a humorous, eclectic collection of stories exploring human folly through the lens of Warring States era antics.

Hear Ye! Hear Ye! I'm Leaving the Industry

The protagonist feels disheartened by a stagnant town-crying career while comparing himself to a more successful peer in Canterbury.

New Medieval Books: The Misadventures of Master Mugwort - Medievalists.net

The 'Misadventures of Master Mugwort' is a humorous, eclectic collection of stories exploring human folly through the lens of Warring States era antics.

Hear Ye! Hear Ye! I'm Leaving the Industry

The protagonist feels disheartened by a stagnant town-crying career while comparing himself to a more successful peer in Canterbury.
morehumor

How Historical Fiction Redefined the Literary Canon

Major literary prizes increasingly favor historical fiction over contemporary narratives, signaling a significant shift in American literature.

Top of Your Stack: 9.5.24 - San Francisco Bay Times

Literature reflects on personal redemption through relationships and histories intertwined across time.
Books featured explore themes of love, history, resilience, and the quest for creative freedom.

New Medieval Books: The Mirror of Simple Souls - Medievalists.net

The Mirror of Simple Souls details the lives of Beguines in 14th century Paris, highlighting their unique independence and spiritual community.

This is genius: A new graphic novel imagines conversations between Einstein and Kafka

Ken Krimstein's 'Einstein in Kafkaland' explores Albert Einstein's pivotal year in Prague, combining biography with elements of historical fiction and whimsy.
from www.nytimes.com
3 months ago

Pachinko' Is a Gorgeous Epic of Love and Struggle

Pachinko is a multi-generational drama exploring the struggles of a Korean family dealing with oppression and aspirations under Japanese colonial rule.

Munichs by David Peace review bravura portrait of a football tragedy

The novel explores the Munich Air Disaster's profound impact on society, melding personal stories with broader themes of loss and the passage of time.

New Mafia Game Announced, Launching Next Year

Mafia: The Old Country returns the franchise to its roots, exploring the origins of organized crime in early 1900s Sicily.

The Serpent Queen Recap: Rumors of Her Virginity Are Greatly Exaggerated

The portrayal of Elizabeth I in the article emphasizes her ambition and disregard for traditional female roles, contrasting her with sympathetic depictions of Mary, Queen of Scots.

Elusive Samurai takes anime visual design in jaw-dropping directions

Elusive Samurai impresses with its innovative animation styles interwoven with historical storytelling, but it may take time to engage fully with its narrative.

Women in Blue is Good at Suspense, Medium at Feminism | TV/Streaming | Roger Ebert

The show 'Women in Blue' presents a surface-level understanding of gender dynamics and historical events, lacking depth but engaging with an intriguing mix of elements.

What the AnOther Team Are Reading This Summer

Historical fiction can be immersive, educational, and enjoyable, appealing to readers seeking easy yet compelling reads.

A Little Trickerie by Rosanna Pike review loveable historical fiction

Historical fiction exploring the life of a real-life fraudulent figure allows for imaginative storytelling of unknown motivations and unique voices.

Briefly Noted Book Reviews

Exploration of historical figures in a contemporary setting reveals connections between past and present struggles.

Caleb Carr, Author of Dark Histories, Dies at 68

Caleb Carr, author of 'The Alienist,' passed away at 68, known for his in-depth research and focus on violence roots.

A new novel shows how the U.S. fought Nazis with economics

Moore's 'The Wealth of Shadows' combines spy novel readability with insightful economic lessons

Sam Taylor: Translating is like X-raying a book. You get a deep tissue read'

Sam Taylor transitioned from writing novels to literary translating for financial support, culminating in a novel with a unique parallel universe concept.

The Problem With TV's New Holocaust Obsession

The Tattooist of Auschwitz portrays a love story within familiar Holocaust imagery influenced by pop culture.

C.J. Sansom, Mystery Novelist Drawn to Tudor England, Dies at 71

The article highlights the successful career and unfortunate death of C.J. Sansom, a popular historical novelist known for his detailed and suspenseful depiction of events in Tudor England.

History, addiction and community in Tommy Orange's latest novel - High Country News

Orange's sequel, Wandering Stars, delves into ancestral history and the ongoing struggles faced by a Native American family, tackling themes of oppression and addiction.
#childrens-books

The best books of 2023

Zadie Smith's first historical fiction
Selections of the best books in various genres

The Best California Books for Children

Highlighting children's books reflecting life in California, adding six new books to the reading list based on readers' recommendations.

The best books of 2023

Zadie Smith's first historical fiction
Selections of the best books in various genres

The Best California Books for Children

Highlighting children's books reflecting life in California, adding six new books to the reading list based on readers' recommendations.
morechildrens-books

Everyone's obsessed with the gay pirates of 'Black Sails' now that the adventure drama is streaming on Netflix

The pirate drama Black Sails gained popularity on Netflix years after its initial airing, showcasing queer representation in historical contexts.

The must-read books of spring 2024

Exploring diverse genres and inspirations in new book releases for spring.
Authors crafting modern Gothic and historical tales with strong female leads.

'James' revisits Huck Finn's traveling companion, giving rise to a new classic

Classic literature reimagined with a focus on a Black character as the protagonist.
The reimagining of Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Percival Everett is a unique and compelling historical heist novel.

Books from Mexico, Netherlands, and Japan bring rewrites of history, teen tales

Reading books from different literary traditions in translation allows for new connections and insights.
Alvaro Enrigue's latest novel, You Dreamed of Empires, is a counterfactual history of Hernan Cortes' arrival in Moctezuma's court, with a focus on political maneuvering and drug use.

Night Watch by Jayne Anne Phillips review ravages of the US civil war

The novel Night Watch by Jayne Anne Phillips explores the cost of war for both combatants and non-combatants.
The story is primarily focused on the experiences of a little girl named ConaLee and her mother, Eliza, during and after the American civil war.
#historical fiction

Five of the best science fiction and fantasy books of 2023

Conquest is a detective story with elements of science fiction, conspiracy theories, and various cultural references.
Him is a historical fiction novel that also incorporates science fiction and explores the concept of the multiverse.

Should Historical Fiction Have Modern Sensibilities, Or Stick To Its Time?

The genre of historical fiction encompasses various sub-genres and is popular across different age groups.
The debate surrounding historical fiction is whether it should adhere strictly to the attitudes of its time or incorporate modern ideas.

Five of the best science fiction and fantasy books of 2023

'Conquest' by Nina Allan is an absorbing detective story that touches on music, film, and science fiction elements.
'Him' by Geoff Ryman is a powerful historical fiction novel with a science fiction twist.

Five of the best science fiction and fantasy books of 2023

Conquest is a detective story with elements of science fiction, conspiracy theories, and various cultural references.
Him is a historical fiction novel that also incorporates science fiction and explores the concept of the multiverse.

Should Historical Fiction Have Modern Sensibilities, Or Stick To Its Time?

The genre of historical fiction encompasses various sub-genres and is popular across different age groups.
The debate surrounding historical fiction is whether it should adhere strictly to the attitudes of its time or incorporate modern ideas.

Five of the best science fiction and fantasy books of 2023

'Conquest' by Nina Allan is an absorbing detective story that touches on music, film, and science fiction elements.
'Him' by Geoff Ryman is a powerful historical fiction novel with a science fiction twist.
morehistorical fiction
from www.theguardian.com
11 months ago

The best books to give as presents this Christmas

James McBride's novel The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store explores the intersection of the Black and Jewish communities.
Alice McDermott's novel Absolution is a moral masterpiece and one of the finest modern novels the author has read.
Mary Beard recommends Zadie Smith's historical novel The Fraud and a book about 16th-century female artist Lavinia Fontana.
Clive Myrie praises Paul Murray's The Bee Sting and Rory Stewart's Politics on the Edge as insightful and engaging reads.
from www.theguardian.com
11 months ago

The big idea: should we abolish literary genres?

In the 1970s, historical fiction was not considered respectable or respected.
Hilary Mantel initially struggled to get her novel about the French Revolution published.
Genre labels can be confining and meaningless, and do not accurately reflect the content of a book.

The big idea: should we abolish literary genres?

Historical fiction wasn't respected in the 1970s and was seen as historical romance.
Hilary Mantel struggled to get her novel A Place of Greater Safety published because of the lack of interest in the French Revolution.
Genre labels like literary fiction can be confining and meaningless, and don't accurately reflect how writers write or readers read.

Sasha Vasilyuk Spins a Family Secret Into an Epic Historical Novel | KQED

Sasha Vasilyuk humanizes the impact of the Russia-Ukraine war through personal stories, bridging historical events with individual experiences.
#my-lady-jane

My Lady Jane' Is a Sly and Sassy Historical Comedy

My Lady Jane is an irreverent historical fiction series with a fantasy comedy twist, blending genre conventions playfully while focusing on relationships and power dynamics.

This New Series Puts A Fantasy Spin On Royal Family History

The new series My Lady Jane presents a revised and fantastical version of Lady Jane Grey's story with unexpected twists.

My Lady Jane' Is a Sly and Sassy Historical Comedy

My Lady Jane is an irreverent historical fiction series with a fantasy comedy twist, blending genre conventions playfully while focusing on relationships and power dynamics.

This New Series Puts A Fantasy Spin On Royal Family History

The new series My Lady Jane presents a revised and fantastical version of Lady Jane Grey's story with unexpected twists.
moremy-lady-jane

The best recent science fiction and fantasy reviews roundup

Two intertwining storylines in different settings with mystical elements create a weird and haunting fiction.

Let House of the Dragon's Women Be Evil

House of the Dragon offers more nuanced characterizations for its female leads compared to the book counterparts.

Orlando by Virginia Woolf audiobook review a superb reading by Juliet Stevenson

Virginia Woolf's novel Orlando is a tale of gender fluidity and defiance of societal norms spanning centuries, resonating with modern understandings of gender diversity.

Babylon Berlin' Is Back. Here's What You Need to Know.

American viewers can now stream the fourth season of Babylon Berlin on MHz Choice, with the story set in 1930s Germany amidst the rise of Nazism.

Could the next series of Bridgerton mark a new era of on-screen lesbian romance?

Season three of Bridgerton features a surprise lesbian couple introduction in the finale, embracing diversity and expanding the narrative beyond the books' content.

Tessa Hadley on Channelling Postwar Britain

Conjuring a vivid historical setting in a fictional story based on childhood memories and family influences.
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