I just finished the book The Aviator's Wife by Melanie Benjamin. It is a fictional account of the marriage and life of Charles and Anne Morrow Lindbergh written from Anne's first person perspective. It is wonderful! I knew he was a famous aviator and that their baby had been kidnapped, but that was it. There is so much more to them than I ever knew! When the book was over, all I wanted to do was know MORE! The author even stated in the notes in the back of the book that "reading historical fiction makes the reader want to learn more about the characters and time period." Isn't that the truth? In fact, Anne Morrow Lindbergh wrote a book called Gift from the Sea that is mentioned in The Aviator's Wife. I immediately ordered it and should have it by Monday. I want to read her wisdom for women.
After I watched the movie Titanic, I wanted to read and watch anything that had to do with it, to learn the stories of those who sailed (and died) on that fateful voyage. Historical fiction does that to me. It inspires me to research and dig deeper.
When Dawson and I were studying American History last year, we were stuck on slavery and the Civil War for quite some time. We were reading all kinds of historical fiction and just couldn't move on! We wanted to learn more and more!
Around that time I picked up the book The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom. It was "Roots" and "North and South" all wrapped up into one book. It was so good! Kathleen Grissom is currently researching and writing a historical account of the story of Crow Mary, a Native American woman who carried a Colt revolver in her studded belt. You can bet it will be on my reading list.
I have also recently started reading books by Kate Morton. The Forgotten Garden, The House at Riverton, and The Secret Keeper have moved me though World War I, pre-World War II England through the blitz, and Victorian England in the 19th century. The Distant Hours is next.
 |
| Photo Credit |
History was so boring to me when I was growing up. But, now?? I am hooked! I love ANYTHING with a historical backdrop. How about you? Do you have any excellent historical fiction titles and authors you would like to share?
This post is linking up with the Schoolhouse Review Crew's current Blog Cruise, "A Good Read".
I agree history was boring in my high school too. I think it really depends on the teacher. My oldest loves history but she loves the teacher and the teacher makes it fun.
ReplyDeleteI am in college history class right now and have to take 1 more for my degree. I was dreading it but I love my teacher, love researching my papers and actually like history. I really hope she teaches the other history class I have to take.
Books look great will have to check them out if my review pile ever dwindles down low enough. :)
Thanks for the book recommendations. I'm "between reads" right now and really want to get my hands on a good one. I enjoy historical fiction as well.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed The Kitchen House and Kate Morton's books. The Aviator's Wife looks good. I'll add that to my TBR list.
ReplyDeleteHere are a few that I have read over the past couple of years and enjoyed.
One Thousand White Women by Jim Fergus
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer & Annie Barrows
The Help by Kathryn Stockett
The Gendarme by Mark Mustian
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
The Red Tent by Anita Diamant
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith
A Town Like Alice by Neville Shute
The Power of One by Bryce Courtenay
Phantom by Susan Kay (not sure this really counts as historical fiction, but loved it)
The Daughter of Time by Josephine Tey
Happy reading!
Sarah
I haven't set aside time to just read a good book in a long time. Maybe this will do it. The Aviator's Wife sounds like it will be interesting. I have to tell you- Jane Eyre, A Town Like Alice, and The Daughter of Time are among my absolute favorite reads. AND, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn is my favorite read ever. From the time I first read it in high school, I have reread about once a year. I am not sure what it is- I just can't put it down each time. Thanks for the recommendations.
ReplyDelete"History was so boring to me when I was growing up. But, now?? I am hooked! I love ANYTHING with a historical backdrop" - This made me smile! I agree 100%. Historical fiction has also sparked my interest in certain cultures and time periods. We just need a bit of an interesting story attached to learning :) I must recommend my most recent find, “Shanghai Love” by author Layne Wong ((http://laynewong.com/). The main character, Peilin, is a woman of honor and tradition. She is betrothed to marry a man but he is killed before her wedding. Bound by duty she takes his name and adopts his family as her own. A young, vibrant character, married to a ghost and stuck in what seems to be a hopeless situation. The story takes place in World War 2 and brings Peilin to Shanghai to look after her deceased husband’s family herbal medicine shop. She is introduced to a new world and new people. Shanghai is also Henri’s destination as he has graduated from medical school as Hitler is rising to power. The young Jewish refugee soon meets Peilin and you can guess what happens from there! You really want these two to end up together and be happy! It is a book that can easily transport the reader to another place and time. I recommend it to any chick-lit, romance, historical fiction or historical romance lovers out there
ReplyDelete