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Topic: Saw some great historical fiction listed...

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ALbookbugg avatar
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Subject: Saw some great historical fiction listed...
Date Posted: 3/10/2007 6:06 PM ET
Member Since: 10/29/2005
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I was browsing and noticed that there are some really good novels of historical fiction just sitting there begging to be requested. Thought I'd give you guys a heads up! These books are not listed on my shelf.

1. A Catch of Consequence by: Diana Norman ISBN 0007105444 This book is set in early America.

2. City of Darkness, City of Light by Marge Piercy  ISBN 0449912752 Set during the French Revolution; focuses on some of the women who played prominent roles during this time.

3. The Linnet Bird by Linds Holeman   This book was listed without an ISBN. It was printed in 2004 so it isn't too old to have been issued an ISBN number. It might have been printed in another country. There isn't a very good description but if you'd like to read one look at this ISBN 1400097401. The book is set in Colonial India.

4.The Brothers of Gwynedd by Edith Pargeter ISBN 0747232679 Set in medieval times. This one was a bit slow to start for me, but I ended up really enjoying it.  

5. The Heaven Tree Trilogy by Edith Pargeter ISBN 0751504734 Another medieval novel.

6. I am Mary Tudor by Hilda Lewis  ISBN 0446780170  I haven't actually read this one yet, but I already have a copy that I bought because I've heard good things about it.

It seemed a shame for all these good books to be homeless!

FeliciaJ avatar
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Date Posted: 3/10/2007 6:27 PM ET
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Thanks for the heads up. I ordered the "Mary Tudor" book.
achadamaia avatar
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Date Posted: 3/10/2007 9:27 PM ET
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Thanks for the recommendations.  I've only read a few historical fiction books but I enjoy the genre.  Just never knew what to select (now I have something to look for!)
harmony85 avatar
Date Posted: 3/10/2007 9:42 PM ET
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The Linnet Bird is an excellent read!
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L. G. (L)
Date Posted: 3/11/2007 5:32 AM ET
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Thanks, Valli - you rock!!!
ALbookbugg avatar
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Date Posted: 3/11/2007 8:59 PM ET
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Thanks LG! I try to rock, at least occasionally! :-)

Bonnie, I really enjoyed The Linnet Bird too.  She has another book coming out soon called, The Moonlit Cage. I'm on the wishlist, but I can't remember what it is about. :-/

Has anyone read Beverly Swerling's book, City of Dreams? I wouldn't call it an outstanding example of literature, but the decriptions of early medicine were so interesting. I really enjoyed it, definitely worth reading. I also loved how famous Americans of the Revolution kept popping into the story.There are copies of this listed too if anyone is interested.

lilynlilac avatar
Date Posted: 3/11/2007 9:53 PM ET
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Thanks for the heads up..this is my favorite genre!!
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Date Posted: 3/12/2007 10:38 PM ET
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Some more great historical fiction that is often overlooked:

 "Look Away" & its sequel "Until the End" by Harold Coyle.

 The two books must be read in order, as Until the End picks up right where Look Away left off.  Together, they are the story of 2 brothers who fought in the Civil War.  In some ways, the story is similar to Jakes' North & South Trilogy, but by no means is Coyle a Jakes-knockoff.  Its been several years since I've read them, but I remember those books very vivedly.

 I'd love to say that I have them available on my bookshelf, but the copies that I recently picked up are soon to be read by my wife, so they're off the table for now.  I just figured I'd put a plug in for Mr. Coyle - I'm sure you folks could probably find these books on this site - If not, they are worth paying for at your local bookseller :)

 

L avatar
L. G. (L)
Date Posted: 3/13/2007 2:21 AM ET
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Thanks again, valli - I just ordered City of Dreams too. :)
reader avatar
Date Posted: 3/14/2007 10:38 AM ET
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Thanks Valli I just ordered City of Dreams Too.
reader avatar
Date Posted: 3/14/2007 10:38 AM ET
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Thanks Valli I just ordered City of Dreams Too.
ALbookbugg avatar
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Date Posted: 3/14/2007 11:29 AM ET
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You are all very welcome! I've come across a couple more.

The Players: A Novel of Young Shakespeare by Stephanie Cowell  ISBN 0393040607

Shield of Three Lions by Pamela Kaufman ISBN 0446324191 This one is set during the Crusades. It's a very light, fun read. It's the first book in a trilogy.

I do have one book of historical fiction on my shelf that I wanted to mention because I don't think anyone would notice it if I didn't. This book was published in Canada so the ISBN wasn't recognized by the system and I had to use the no ISBN option. It's a fairly new book though, published in 2003. It's a read once, trade paperback-

Vancouver by David Cruise and Alison Griffiths  If you enjoy Edward Rutherfurd's sagas, you will enjoy this book too. I haven't read much about this area so it was interesting for me.

If you guys have any good historical fiction listed or have seen any available for request, tell us! I'm always looking for historical fiction and good history books. They are both hard to find here without being on a wishlist. Of course, I've gotten great books from my wishlist too so it all works out! I do get a bit excited when I find some that are available though!

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Date Posted: 3/14/2007 7:05 PM ET
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I want to second the recommendation for "I Am Mary Tudor" -- that's an older book, too! & I recall reading it many years ago & thinking, as I finished it, "This is something special." I'll have to track it down again for a re-read, partly for nostalgia's sake, partly to see if my tastes have remained the same as they were then.
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Date Posted: 3/16/2007 8:26 PM ET
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Valli: I was able to get a copy of The Linnet Bird on Half .comThanks for  recomending it.It looks good.
FeliciaJ avatar
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Date Posted: 3/16/2007 11:10 PM ET
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Here's another one:

Virgin: Prelude to the Throne by Robin Maxwell (about Elizabeth I as a girl)



Last Edited on: 3/16/07 11:11 PM ET - Total times edited: 1
lilynlilac avatar
Date Posted: 3/17/2007 10:31 AM ET
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Rosalind Miles is an author I enjoy.  Looks like 2 of the books of her Guenvere series are posted; if you ever get the chance be sure to check out her Isolde trilogy and "I, Elizabeth."  "The Crystal Cave" by Mary Stewart is posted and it's one of my favorites!  Another book that I really enjoyed but that isn't posted is "The Illuminator" by Brenda Rickman Vantrease.

I have read "Virgin" by Robin Maxwell and it was pretty good; I have a couple other books of hers that I haven't had the chance to read yet but am looking forward to.

 
In lieu of today, I have to add "Ireland" by Frank Delaney.  I think it was the best book I read last year. 

Also, I posted this in another thread somewhere but thought I'd post it here too.  There's a forum called historicalfiction.org that I frequent.  When Philippa Gregory was having problems with her boards, another member started this forum so we could keep in touch with each other.  At the time I was pretty new to the historical fiction genre but I've learned of so many new authors and books it's just crazy.  Lots of nice folks to chit chat with, member book reviews, books of the month, etc.   

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Date Posted: 3/17/2007 6:01 PM ET
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Another good book, which has been around for a while, is "Pillars of the Earth" by Ken Follett.  It's about the construction of a gothic cathedral in the 12th century.  Lots of intrigue, and great historical background.  I was transported to the 12th century in the first 2 pages!  A different kind of book from Follett. 
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Date Posted: 3/17/2007 6:04 PM ET
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How do you find historical fiction on PBS?  Should there be a designation for it on the search pages?  Another good book, which is pretty current,  is about the Chicago World's Fair.  The title is something like "The Devil in the White City".  It chronicles the building of the World's Fair (The White City) as well as the evil deeds of a serial killer who preys on the girls who come to Chicago to work.  Excellent.  Sorry.  Don't know the author.
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Date Posted: 3/17/2007 6:05 PM ET
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I have some historical fiction listed- by James Thom, e.g. Follow the River and a couple of others.
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Date Posted: 3/17/2007 6:32 PM ET
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"Ireland" by Frank Delaney.  I think it was the best book I read last year.

I heartily agree with that. After I read it I debated long & hard about posting that book. Then I glanced at the towers of books to be read and with a pang posted it. 

Delaney has written several other non-fiction books about the Celts as well. 

bookaddicted avatar
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Date Posted: 3/17/2007 6:34 PM ET
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How do you find historical fiction on PBS?

Go to Search, Literature & Fiction, Genre Fiction and there is a choice for historical. 

ALbookbugg avatar
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Date Posted: 3/17/2007 9:40 PM ET
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There is a copy of Jane Stevenson's book, The Winter Queen, listed. There is also a large print copy, if anyone could use that.

She has another book called The Shadow King, but I'm not sure if it part of a series or not. I don't think it is, but I could be wrong.

I want to second, or third, Ireland. GREAT book!

ALbookbugg avatar
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Date Posted: 3/17/2007 9:43 PM ET
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Anne,

I really enjoyed The Linnett Bird. I'm glad you found a copy. I'm eagerly awaiting her newest book to be released now!

Sunfish,

I loved Pillars os the Earth. Do you have your name on the wishlist for his next novel of historical fiction? It's about the black death and takes place in the same location as Pillars. I'm probably going to have to go buy this one. I was interested in the plague already so this is right up my alley. The name of it is World Without End  ISBN 0525950079, in case anyone didn't know it. Another book I can't wait to read!



Last Edited on: 3/17/07 9:51 PM ET - Total times edited: 1
reader avatar
Date Posted: 3/17/2007 10:35 PM ET
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Marian: Thanks I just orderd Pillars of the Earth.And put The Devil in White City on my wish list.

Last Edited on: 3/17/07 10:38 PM ET - Total times edited: 1
reader avatar
Date Posted: 3/17/2007 10:50 PM ET
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Valli:I have her newest book on my wishlist.I am  number 2.Are you number one?

Last Edited on: 3/17/07 10:54 PM ET - Total times edited: 1
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