Medieval Mom Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 Okay, anyone have any historical fiction suggestions for us parents to read? We're studying ancients this year, but any era or lists including other time periods will do. Yes, I'll be re-reading classic lit. (Homer, etc.) that I read in college in the Classic Dept. years and years ago, as well as non-fiction to deepen my understanding of history. But at this time in my life, I'd like a little fun reading, too. I've pretty much only read classic lit. (Really. I'm that kind of geek!:blushing:) So I just don't know what's out there! So! Give me your best! Page turners, excitement around every corner, living breathing characters... You know. The good stuff!:w00t: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Perry Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 Okay, anyone have any historical fiction suggestions for us parents to read? We're studying ancients this year, but any era or lists including other time periods will do. Yes, I'll be re-reading classic lit. (Homer, etc.) that I read in college in the Classic Dept. years and years ago, as well as non-fiction to deepen my understanding of history. But at this time in my life, I'd like a little fun reading, too. I've pretty much only read classic lit. (Really. I'm that kind of geek!:blushing:) So I just don't know what's out there! So! Give me your best! Page turners, excitement around every corner, living breathing characters... You know. The good stuff!:w00t: Pillars of the Earth and World Without End by Ken Follett The Source by James Michener Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sebastian (a lady) Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 Okay, anyone have any historical fiction suggestions for us parents to read? We're studying ancients this year, but any era or lists including other time periods will do. Yes, I'll be re-reading classic lit. (Homer, etc.) that I read in college in the Classic Dept. years and years ago, as well as non-fiction to deepen my understanding of history. But at this time in my life, I'd like a little fun reading, too. I've pretty much only read classic lit. (Really. I'm that kind of geek!:blushing:) So I just don't know what's out there! So! Give me your best! Page turners, excitement around every corner, living breathing characters... You know. The good stuff!:w00t: Sharon Kay Penman for English History Patrick O'Brian for Napoleonic Maritime, I have been reading through this series and enjoying them a lot Pompeii by Harris I've heard about Mary Renault but I haven't read her books yet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joy at Home Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 Oh, Pillars of the Earth! My all time favorite book! I think it's time to re-read that one!! Blessings, lisa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elw_miller Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara (sorta historical fiction because the dialogue and exact details pretty much have to be made up--it is based on tons of research, though) Children's Blizzard. This is not historical fiction outright (based on actual events using diaries, etc.), but some of the details have been surmised. The Things They Carried. by Tim O'Brien (set during the Vietnam War) Les Miserables. by Victor Hugo The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich by Alexandre Solzenitchen Maus I and Maus II. (can't remember the author/artist--it's in comic book format, but definitely not for kids) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GraceinMD Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 I'm currently reading The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (about the German Occupation of Guernsey during WWII). There's a surprising amount (to me at least!) of info about that time period, given the format of the book (letters between many characters) and the title! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avila Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 I am kind of liking Jean Plaidy right now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KingM Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 I really like Alan Furst's WWII novels. They're well written and because they deal with unexpected characters, like a Polish officer in France, for example, I learn a lot as I'm reading them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robin Hood Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 The Source by James Michener Would you care to give a a book review on The Source? I'm a third of the way through and decided to shelve it for now. His take on the "evolution" of "god" was irritating to me. I don't know how far he went with it and wasn't too sure I wanted to bother to find out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Imprimis Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 Historical fiction is probably my favorite genre! In addition to the Ken Follet books already mentioned, here are some others I've enjoyed: Annette Vallon by James Tipton----takes place before and during the French revolution Katherine by Anya Seton---one of my all-time favorites!----set in 14th century England Lady of the Roses by Sandra Worth---about the War of the Roses Daughter of York by Ann Easter Smith--chronicles the life of Margaret, sister to King Edward IV Abundance by Sena Jeter---fascinating glimpse of Marie Antoinette's life I, Elizabeth by Rosalind Miles--novel about Queen Elizabeth The Eight and its sequel, The Fire by Katherine Neville If I can think of some others, I'll post them.....Happy Reading! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ravin Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 I don't often go in for historical fiction, but for a reading club a few years back I read Cleopatra. The author was a woman, I think her last name was George. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kareni Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 My recent graduate recommends for Ancient Rome: Imperium by Robert Harris and The Lock by Benita Kane Jaro. (There are two others in this series though they do all stand alone.) For the Middle Ages: Timeline by Michael Crichton Regards, Kareni Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Medieval Mom Posted July 9, 2009 Author Share Posted July 9, 2009 (edited) Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful! Thank you for all the recommendations! I appreciate it! Thanks!:bigear: P.S. Keep them coming! Edited July 9, 2009 by Medieval Mom Edited to encourage more responses :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Danestress Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 It was marvelous, and then I never could get into another Penman novel - not sure why. But While Christ and his Saints Slept is really good! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melissel Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 (edited) Pillars of the Earth... Yay! I'm just about to start this! ETA: Medieval Mom, I'm not sure whether this is suitable for you (might not be for some Christians, I'm not totally sure), but have you read the Merlin books by Mary Stewart? The Crystal Cave is the first one. These are my all-time favorite books. I re-read them at least once a year, and when I need a sure bet for a drive or a visit to the DMV, I always grab one of these. I highly recommend them if you haven't read them yet. Edited July 9, 2009 by melissel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sebastian (a lady) Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 I am kind of liking Jean Plaidy right now. I learned a ton about the various monarchs that don't get big Masterpiece Theatre productions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KathyBC Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 I really enjoyed a title Ria recommended awhile back, "Gates of Fire" by Steven Pressfield, about the epic Battle of Thermopylae. It's definitely for adults (I seem to recall plenty of blood and gore), but the view the author presented of true leadership was deeply moving and inspiring. :thumbup: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lilbean05 Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 I LOVED LOVED The Source! The book is from the viewpoint of a Jewish archaeologist who finds, along with his counterparts of various religions, different artifacts from each layer of earth they are digging. Obviously, the older the artifact, the deeper it is in their dig site. Most chapters tell a story about each artifact and how it came to be in that very spot, starting with the oldest and working up through modern times. I am very much a Christian, but found this book fascinating. The end focus of the book, in my opinion, is on Judaism, but also very much gets into how Christianity and Islam branched from Judaism. It is really awesome to read the particular chapter that discusses people coming to Christ from Judaism. I can see how you might be a bit turned off by the beginning of the book, as they discuss Ba'al and El and many of the other religions that existed at the same time as early Judaism. It is a difficult read, and quite explicit--lots and lots of tears were shed as I buried my face in the book for hours. But I do think it is VERY important to realize the significance of Michener discussing Judaism from the perspective of these other religions. Ba'al and El are mentioned several times in the Old Testament, but the stories that we read are from the Judaism/Christian perspective. Michener presents some ideas of what it was like to NOT be Jewish at the time, how those people lived, what they were taught, how they viewed Jewish folks, and how the groups interacted. I do believe the beginning of the book in which Michener presents the first people coming to live in groups, without language, without God (and come to know pick your unnamed at the time higher existence), could come in conflict with those read the Bible literally. It seems to fit in more with an evolutionary approach, as humans develop basic relationships, standardized speech, etc. But, I do believe this is the only chapter that takes this leap outside of events that are documented in the Bible. Anyway, those are my two second thoughts on the book. I highly recommend it! It is deep, detailed, very long read, but very well worth it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Virginia Dawn Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 I like time travel books for historical fiction: Fire, Burn!- John Dickson Carr (a story about London as Scotland Yard was being formed) Time and Again- Jack Finney (New York in the late 1800's) There is a sequel, or this is the sequel, I can't remember the name of the other book. The Doomsday Book- Connie Willis (middle ages, plague) To Say Nothing of the Dog- Connie Willis ( Read Three Men in A Boat First by Jerome Jerome first, then this will make you laugh) Other non-fiction: Michael Pearl's Books: The Dante Club, and The Poe Shadow, he now has one about Dickens. Umberto Eco's books: The Name of the Rose (medieval monastery and library). The Mysterious Flame of Queen Loana (Italy during Fascism told through the memories of a recovering stroke victim) Geraldine Brooks: March (Civil War), The People of the Book (Fictional History of a Jewish Illuminated Manuscript created during the Inquisition, covers several periods of history) Non-fiction: I know you wanted fiction but Kon-Tiki was one of my favorite reads this year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura Corin Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 How are you about same-sex relationships? Mary Renault's books give a wonderful sense of the atmosphere of mythological, classical and Alexandrian Greece. Same-sex relationships are often central to the books. Laura Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Medieval Mom Posted July 9, 2009 Author Share Posted July 9, 2009 Yay! I'm just about to start this! ETA: Medieval Mom, I'm not sure whether this is suitable for you (might not be for some Christians, I'm not totally sure), but have you read the Merlin books by Mary Stewart? The Crystal Cave is the first one. These are my all-time favorite books. I re-read them at least once a year, and when I need a sure bet for a drive or a visit to the DMV, I always grab one of these. I highly recommend them if you haven't read them yet. Yes, I have read these! I think they're fantastic. Of course, I read Lord of the Rings every year... I love fantasy. :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Medieval Mom Posted July 9, 2009 Author Share Posted July 9, 2009 I LOVED LOVED The Source! The book is from the viewpoint of a Jewish archaeologist who finds, along with his counterparts of various religions, different artifacts from each layer of earth they are digging. Obviously, the older the artifact, the deeper it is in their dig site. Most chapters tell a story about each artifact and how it came to be in that very spot, starting with the oldest and working up through modern times. I am very much a Christian, but found this book fascinating. The end focus of the book, in my opinion, is on Judaism, but also very much gets into how Christianity and Islam branched from Judaism. It is really awesome to read the particular chapter that discusses people coming to Christ from Judaism. I can see how you might be a bit turned off by the beginning of the book, as they discuss Ba'al and El and many of the other religions that existed at the same time as early Judaism. It is a difficult read, and quite explicit--lots and lots of tears were shed as I buried my face in the book for hours. But I do think it is VERY important to realize the significance of Michener discussing Judaism from the perspective of these other religions. Ba'al and El are mentioned several times in the Old Testament, but the stories that we read are from the Judaism/Christian perspective. Michener presents some ideas of what it was like to NOT be Jewish at the time, how those people lived, what they were taught, how they viewed Jewish folks, and how the groups interacted. I do believe the beginning of the book in which Michener presents the first people coming to live in groups, without language, without God (and come to know pick your unnamed at the time higher existence), could come in conflict with those read the Bible literally. It seems to fit in more with an evolutionary approach, as humans develop basic relationships, standardized speech, etc. But, I do believe this is the only chapter that takes this leap outside of events that are documented in the Bible. Anyway, those are my two second thoughts on the book. I highly recommend it! It is deep, detailed, very long read, but very well worth it! Interesting! I like reading about worldwide religions, anyway. (I'm not a conservative Christian, so these things do not offend me in any way.) This book sounds intriguing! Likewise, I did enjoy the Red Tent by Diamant. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Medieval Mom Posted July 9, 2009 Author Share Posted July 9, 2009 (edited) Just to be clear: fantasy, discussion of various religions, etc. are all "game". I'm very open-minded. So feel free to suggest titles without any recriminations from me! Hah! Thanks again! This is terrific! :thumbup1: Edited July 12, 2009 by Medieval Mom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dirtroad Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 Beowulf Gilgamesh (personally it was awful, but very old & worth study) Cantebury Tales (never had it in school, new reading to me) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shiloh Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 (edited) Did anyone mention the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon? It is historical fiction from the era of the Jacobite uprisings in Scotland/England to early slavery in the West Indies to the War for Indepence in the American colonies. The first two books especially are page turning and very well written. Literaturish. Most of it can be read aloud to older children but there are some "adult" moments to edit accordingly. ***** I have immensely enjoyed English history books by Alison (Allison?) Weir. From The Plantagenets through James I plus Ellen of Aquitaine. Thorough research - presented well. Not dry. She has a title about the Six Wives of Henry VIII that was riveting. To me. **** I recently read Born Fighting: How the Scots-Irish Shaped America by James Webb. Very readable though not literature and deals with the contributions of a class of people who have been somewhat overlooked. My two oldest have been asked by my husband to read it so they better understand some social/worldview dynamics that are peculiar (so we thought) to our family. Edited July 9, 2009 by shiloh i love editing Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LibraryLover Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 (edited) Pillars of the Earth. Why did it take a zillion pages to say nearly nothing? :D I am not a fan. I did enjoy: Killer Angels And, ok, I am a Phillipa Gregory fan. Others: Sophie's Choice Year of Wonders There are so many. Here's one list. http://www.bookbrowse.com/browse/index.cfm?category_number=39ny. Edited July 9, 2009 by LibraryLover Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
i.love.lucy Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 When We Were Gods - Colin Flaconer (about Cleopatra) The Good Men - Craig (abt 14th century France and the Inquisition) The Far Pavilions - MM Kaye The First Man in Rome - Colleen McCullough as mentioned already: The People of The Book, Umberto Eco's The Name of the Rose, Ken Follet, Allison Weir, Sharon Kay Penman, The Source (on my shelf but not yet read - intimidating me!) :lurk5: Hist Fiction is my favorite genre so I will keep checking in for more suggestions I haven't read yet! One thing I did to get a good list going of books I want to read is to visit Amazon's genre list. Then you can read reviews and figure out it they are for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Medieval Mom Posted July 9, 2009 Author Share Posted July 9, 2009 Barbara Tuchman's A Distan Mirror: The Disastrous 14th century - not exactly fiction but gripping historical documentary. She also has historical fiction to offer. Wonderful stuff. Also, Thomas Costain writes a lot of medieval historical fiction. Ah! "Gripping historical documentary" recommendations are welcome, too! Thank you!:) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Medieval Mom Posted July 11, 2009 Author Share Posted July 11, 2009 Thank you again for all the terrific recommendations, along with links for more listings. I'm off to the library! :auto: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stacia Posted July 11, 2009 Share Posted July 11, 2009 A random assortment of books I enjoyed (in no particular order): Memoirs of a Geisha Galileo's Daughter Daughter of Fortune (a bit slow-starting, but good after that) The Professor and the Madman I, Claudius The Daughter of Time Dancer (a fictionalized biography rather than historical fiction, but still fascinating) In the Company of the Cortesan (the author also wrote The Birth of Venus, but I didn't like that one as well) Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress Into Africa: The Epic Adventures of Stanley and Livingstone People of the Book The Historian (has lots of eastern European history even though it's a Dracula story, lol) I see that there have been a few recommendations for The Pillars of the Earth. I thought it was ok, but it was not a favorite of mine. On a slightly different note, a great biography is Passionate Nomad; it has lots of great historical info about the Middle East from the early to mid-1900s. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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