More Books We Like
- Books We Like by Madison Howell published 5/18/2023
Need a New Author?
Get printable versions of these lists by clicking on the list name.
Books We Like - Historical Fiction
Published 8/30/2019 by Karen Feeney
“A Murder at Rosamund’s Gate” by Susanna Calkins I just love it when a book can transport me to another time. That is the appeal of historical fiction for me. Susanna Calkins did a wonderful job of pulling me into the setting of this story where I felt like I was there with Lucy Campion, scrubbing floors and boiling laundry as a young chambermaid. When another maid disappears and someone close to Lucy is accused, she takes it upon herself to brave the mean streets of London in search of the truth, taking me right along with her. Danger, suspense, and keen sleuthing ensue. A very satisfying read and the first in the Lucy Campion series. “Remarkable Creatures” by Tracy Chevalier Honestly, I am a fan of anything by Tracy Chevalier. This title is a special favorite though, because it tells the tale of Mary Anning, a poor young woman with a knack for locating fossils on the English seashore. She becomes friends with another fossil hunter, Elizabeth Philpot, and their discoveries shake up the scientific establishment. The story doesn’t shy away from the difficulties of the period for women and the paradigm shift that accompanies fossil discovery. It’s a fully engaging read for science buffs and feminists alike. “Circling the Sun” by Paula McLain While I didn’t find any of the characters in this story particularly likeable, this fictionalized account of Beryl Clutterbuck Markham's life was lively and interesting. It really brought to life 1920s colonial Africa with descriptions of the landscape, animals, and people. Markham was a free-spirited and strong-willed woman who grew up without a mother, learning the ways of the local Kenyan people. She developed a strong independent nature and forged her own path as an adult, becoming a horse trainer at 18 and later a bush pilot. She knew Karen Blixen, the author of “Out of Africa,” with whom she shared a romantic interest. If you’re interested in reading about colorful characters, this is one to pick up for sure. “The Chilbury Ladies’ Choir” by Jennifer Ryan This was a fantastic audiobook. The story intertwines the lives of villagers living in the English countryside during World War II. The local vicar decides to put the church choir on hold until the men return from war but the ladies have another idea. They find solace in singing and decide to carry on. With the choir practices, intrigue, family secrets, and romance are simmering within the village. A very finely woven story of people trying their best to embrace life, or create chaos, amid the uncertainty of wartime.