Historical Fiction Books
Step into captivating past worlds with our Historical Fiction collection. From epic sagas to intimate tales, discover narratives that blend well-researched history with imaginative storytelling. Explore stories that make history come alive for every kind of reader.
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James Rollins
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Orion
Books
The Last Oracle - A Sigma Force Novel
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Goodreads rating: 4.17
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If you're into books that intertwine history with nail-biting suspense, "The Last Oracle" by James Rollins is a perfect fit. Imagine a plot that mixes ancient prophecies with cutting-edge science—a story where children could hold the key to humanity's future. It's the kind of adventure that keeps you hooked by combining real-world intrigue with explosive, fictional twists. James Rollins is known for satisfying the cravings of readers who miss the likes of Michael Crichton, so give this a shot for your next adrenaline-fueled read.
Edward Geoffrey Parrinder, Michael Thelwell, Amos Tutuola |
Grove
Press
The Palm-Wine Drinkard; and, My Life in the Bush of Ghosts
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Goodreads rating: 3.86
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If you're intrigued by the mystical and the mythical, Amos Tutuola's "The Palm-Wine Drinkard" can transport you to otherworldly African landscapes. Its narrative, rich in folkloric charm, offers a unique glimpse into Yoruba tales, making it a compelling read for adventurers at heart who relish in the exploration of cultural depths through literature.
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"Arcadia" by Iain Pears isn't just a novel; it's a tapestry of interconnected stories that challenges the boundaries of fiction. The experience is akin to exploring a literary maze with pathways leading to different realities. It's a read that would be perfect for lovers of complex, thought-provoking literature who revel in the joy of seeing disparate narrative threads come together in unexpected ways.
Oliver Bowden
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Penguin
Export
Assassins Creed Revelations
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Assassins Creed Revelations is a thrilling adventure that plunges you into the world of Ezio, a master assassin as he battles against Templars to uncover a hidden library in Constantinople. With its historical setting and gripping storyline, this book is perfect for fans of action and adventure who are looking for a page-turning read.
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Valerie Martin's "Property" offers a profound narrative that immerses you in the antebellum South, weaving a story that reveals the harrowing realities of ownership and autonomy. This gripping novel provides insight into the personal and societal chains that bind both owner and owned, delivering an enthralling and resonant experience that will leave you pondering long after the last page. With validation from literary giants like Toni Morrison, it promises substance that could challenge and captivate you in equal measure.
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Arthur Koestler, Daphne Hardy |
Scribner
Darkness at Noon
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Goodreads rating: 4.11
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"Darkness at Noon" dives deep into the chilling reality of living under a totalitarian regime and how it can betray even its most loyal servants. As you navigate through the protagonist's psychological torture, the book forces you to confront the complex layers of political idealism and its often devastating personal cost. It's a poignant exploration for anyone fascinated by political ideologies or the psychological depth of human belief systems, challenging you in ways that go far beyond a simple historical narrative.
David Luke, Thomas Mann |
Vintage
Classics
Death in Venice and Other Stories
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Goodreads rating: 3.86
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"Death in Venice and Other Stories" could captivate you with its rich prose and profound themes. Thomas Mann crafts a narrative that's as much about the internal struggles of the protagonist as it is about the external environment of a decaying Venice. It's an artistic reflection on desire and mortality, bound to leave a lasting impression on anyone intrigued by the complexities of the human heart.
Joseph Conrad
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Vintage
Classics
The Heart of Darkness and Youth
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Goodreads rating: 3.43
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If you're after a voyage into the psychological depths and the ambiguities of colonialism, "Heart of Darkness" could be a powerful read for you. Conrad's introspective prose weaves darkness, both literal and metaphorical, into a story that challenges and provokes. The novella peels back layers of the human psyche as Marlow's journey mirrors a trek into the soul's murky waters. It's a compact tale but dense with meaning that's likely to linger with you long after the last page.
R. Scott Bakker
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Orbit
The Darkness That Comes Before - The Prince of Nothing
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Goodreads rating: 3.83
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If you're aching for a fantasy series that dares to step away from the well-trodden paths of Tolkien-esque worlds, "The Darkness That Comes Before" should be on your shelf. R. Scott Bakker has crafted a narrative so rich and intense, it's like peeling back layers of history atop a realm of magic and forgotten powers. Dive into a complex tale of ambition, betrayal, and the awakening of an ancient evil that might resonate with you long after the last page.
John Updike
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Gardners
Memories of the Ford Administration
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Goodreads rating: 3.3
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If you're keen on political history with a twist of personal narrative, John Updike's "Memories of the Ford Administration" could pique your interest. Updike provides a deep dive into the turbulence of the '70s, yet serves it with a side of intimate confessions and human frailties that could make you reflect on the often blurred lines between our public and private lives. It's a thought-provoking read that combines the political with the personal in a way only Updike can.
Garth Risk Hallberg
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Knopf
City On Fire
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Goodreads rating: 3.4
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This book would be a good read for someone who enjoys epic, sprawling narratives set in vibrant and gritty cities. City On Fire captures the essence of 1970s New York City, painting a vivid picture of the interconnectedness of its inhabitants. With multiple characters and storylines, it weaves together a tapestry of love, art, power, and betrayal. It's a mesmerizing journey that will make you feel like you're wandering the streets of NYC yourself, immersed in its energy and chaos.
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George Orwell
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Pearson
Education
NLLB: Animal Farm
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Goodreads rating: 3.98
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"Animal Farm" isn't just a tale about animals; it's a timeless mirror reflecting the continual cycle of power and betrayal in political movements. Orwell's mastery in using a farm as a microcosm of society offers a sharp and somewhat distressing examination of human nature and governance. It's concise, yet every page resonates with layered meaning — a recommendable oeuvre for anyone intrigued by the complexities of leadership and the creeping seduction of authoritarianism.
Karan Mahajan
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Vintage
The Association of Small Bombs
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Goodreads rating: 3.57
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This book could be a gem for you if the human side of tragic events intrigues you. Karan Mahajan delves deep into the psyche of terrorism's aftermath, not just on victims, but on the perpetrators as well. The narrative is fearless and empathetic, making "The Association of Small Bombs" a profound read that addresses the complexities of political violence and its far-reaching consequences. It could change the way you perceive the news, empathy, and justice.
Martin Amis
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Vintage
Time's Arrow, Or, The Nature Of The Offense
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Goodreads rating: 3.76
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Imagine experiencing life in reverse—this is the unique structure of "Time's Arrow." It's a fascinating, unsettling exploration of morality and history that could resonate with readers who are looking for a novel way to approach heavy, complex subjects. The backward life of a Nazi doctor challenges perceptions and provokes deep thought about guilt and atonement.
Christina Schwarz
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Doubleday
Drowning Ruth
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Goodreads rating: 3.75
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If you enjoy unraveling deep-seated mysteries embedded in historical contexts, "Drowning Ruth" won't disappoint. Christina Schwarz masterfully weaves suspense through decades, immersing you in the rigid social landscapes of early 20th-century Wisconsin. The book offers a gripping exploration of the repercussions of silence and the weight of secrets. It's a haunting narrative that stays with you, perfect for those who appreciate the persistence of the past and its intrusion into the present.
Brent Weeks
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Orbit
The Blood Mirror
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Goodreads rating: 4.33
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"The Blood Mirror" is a vividly painted epic that winds through the strife of a crumbling empire with a masterful blend of magic and intrigue. If you're hungry for rich world-building with complex characters whose personal demons match the external threats they face, Weeks weaves such a tale with skill. Each twist and revelation promises to grip you, making this perfect for fans of sprawling fantasies where the stakes are as high as the sorcery.
William Safire
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Avon
Books
Freedom: A Novel of Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War
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Goodreads rating: 4.12
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If you're a history buff with a penchant for immersive storytelling, "Freedom" should be on your must-read list. William Safire invites you into the intimate chambers of political strategy and onto the chaotic grounds of war with a cinematic touch. You'll appreciate how he breathes life into historical figures, making this pivotal period in American history resonate with the urgency and drama of its time.
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The farmers of Paradise County have been leading a hardscrabble life
unchanged for generations. The Communist government has encouraged them to
plant garlic, but selling the crop is not as simple as they believed.
Warehouses fill up, taxes skyrocket, and government officials maltreat even
those who have traveled for days to sell their harvest. A surplus on the
garlic market ensues, and the farmers must watch in horror as their crops
wither and rot in the fields. Families are destroyed by the random
imprisonment of young and old for supposed crimes against the state. The
prisoners languish in horrifying conditions in their cells, with only their
strength of character and thoughts of their loved ones to save them from
madness. Meanwhile, a blind minstrel incites the masses to take the law
into their own hands, and a riot of apocalyptic proportions follows with
savage and unforgettable consequences. The Garlic Ballads is a powerful
vision of life under the heel of an inflexible and uncaring government. It
is also a delicate story of love between man and woman, father and child,
friend and friend—and the struggle to maintain that love despite
overwhelming obstacles.
Authors: Mo Yan, Howard Goldblatt
Publisher: Arcade
Publication Date: 2012
C.S. Graham
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Harper
The Solomon Effect
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Goodreads rating: 3.79
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"The Solomon Effect" is a tantalizing mix for those drawn to historical intrigue and psychic phenomena. It can hook you with its blend of espionage and supernatural elements woven around a long-lost WWII mystery. If the idea of a race against time to thwart a global disaster, underpinned by dark Nazi plots, excites you, consider this your next page-turner.
Sophia McDougall
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Orion
Romanitas
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Goodreads rating: 3.25
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"Romanitas could be a good read for fans of alternate history and political thrillers. The unique concept of a technologically advanced Roman Empire sets it apart, and the use of multiple characters and their intertwining storylines adds to the intrigue and suspense. Sophia McDougall's world-building capabilities are impressive, and readers will be drawn in by the character development and the unfolding plot twists."
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If you're into high-stakes adventures with a spine of realism, "Without Warning" might just be your next page-turner. It delves into a scenario that feels almost too real, making you wonder about the fragility of our global systems. You'll find yourself engrossed in the chaos, heroism, and the resilience of humanity.
Ian Slater
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Fawcett
WW III: World in Flames
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Goodreads rating: 3.96
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If you're drawn to intense military strategy and the intricate global politics of a world on the brink of destruction, "WWIII: World in Flames" could captivate you. Ian Slater blends detailed military tactics with the stark unpredictability of war, providing a read that feels both authentic and alarmingly plausible. This book might just engulf you in its fiery narrative the way it envisions the world in flames.
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William Sutcliffe
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Bloomsbury
Publishing
Plc
The Wall: A Modern Fable
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Goodreads rating: 3.72
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"The Wall" is a poignant modern fable that echoes our collective fears about isolation and the necessity of human resilience. If you find yourself drawn to stories that reflect on societal issues through an individual's struggle, this book could offer you both a mirror and a window. Its stark, powerful narrative will likely stay with you, prompting deeper reflection on the walls we encounter in life, both literal and metaphorical.
Andrew O'Hagan
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Faber
&
Faber
The Life and Opinions of Maf the Dog, and of His Friend Marilyn Monroe
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Goodreads rating: 2.73
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If the glitz and glam of 20th-century Hollywood, combined with a unique narrative twist sounds intriguing to you, then diving into "The Life and Opinions of Maf the Dog, and of His Friend Marilyn Monroe" will be a treat. Witnessing events and changes from the perspective of Marilyn Monroe's canine companion offers you a fresh lens on history and celebrity culture, making this book a distinctive read that cleverly blurs the lines between fiction and reality.
Gert Hofmann, Michael Hofmann |
Minerva
The Film Explainer
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If you're taken by the charm of old cinemas and the delightfully quirky jobs that came with them, "The Film Explainer" will be a special read for you. It's like peering through a mischievously cracked lens at history, embracing both the laughter and the pathos of a bygone era. Not to mention, it's a sweet ride through the quips and follies of a man wrestling with his time, all embedded in a narrative that's deceptively profound.
Robert Harris
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Arrow
Fatherland
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If you're intrigued by the "what if" scenarios that tilt history on its axis, "Fatherland" is a compelling blend of historical intrigue and detective noir. Imagine a world where Hitler won, and join detective Xavier March as he unravels a conspiracy with stakes as high as the Reich itself. This novel is not just a murder mystery; it's a thought-provoking trip into an alternate 1960s, bound to grip you with its blend of fact and fiction.
Rachel Caine
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American
Library
Ink and Bone
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Goodreads rating: 3.97
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Ink and Bone is perfect for those who love thrilling tales and rebellions against oppressive regimes. The protagonist Jess Brightwell believes in the value of books, while the Great Library has monopolized knowledge and enforces strict censorship laws. At the same time, the book offers a twist on history, creating an alternate world where the Great Library of Alexandria has survived to become a powerful force controlling knowledge. The plot is full of adventure, suspense, and amazing characters, making it a fantastic read for anyone who loves rebellion and fighting for a good cause.
Stephen Hunt
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Gollancz
Foul Tide's Turning - The Far-Called
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Goodreads rating: 3.9
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If you enjoy epic fantasy with political intrigue and rich world-building, "Foul Tide's Turning" might just be your next great adventure. Stephen Hunt delivers a tale that cleverly navigates the consequences of power and betrayal. The intertwining fates of the Carnehan brothers offer a personal touch to a grand scale conflict, ensuring you're as invested in the characters as you are in the fate of their world.
Roddy Doyle
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Vintage
Books
Usa
Oh, Play That Thing - The Last Roundup
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Goodreads rating: 3.28
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If you relish historical fiction teeming with wit, Roddy Doyle's "Oh, Play That Thing" will transport you to 1920s America alongside the clever, cheeky Henry Smart. Doyle weaves a captivating narrative blending adventure, crime, and music—jazz becomes Henry's baptism into a new world. A pilgrimage through a vividly drawn era, with a soundtrack by none other than Louis Armstrong, awaits you in these pages.
Andrea Cremer
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Speak
The Inventor's Secret
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Goodreads rating: 3.63
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If you're craving a refreshing twist on the steampunk genre mixed with a dash of alternate history, "The Inventor's Secret" by Andrea Cremer might just be your next favorite read. Diving into this imaginative, nineteenth-century America, you'll follow Charlotte and her allies through a harrowing, action-packed fight for freedom, which becomes even more intriguing with the mysterious newcomer who arrives with ominous secrets. This backdrop of industrial empire gives a gripping context to their struggle, blending adventure with a coming-of-age tale in a world teeming with inventive lore.
Dan Vyleta
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Weidenfeld
&
Nicholson
Smoke
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Goodreads rating: 3.27
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"Smoke" could be a fascinating read if you're intrigued by the idea of sin made manifest. Dan Vyleta paints a dark alternative Victorian England where personal vices are visible, altering social dynamics in profound ways. It's a blend of historical atmosphere with a speculative twist, exploring themes of morality and power. The depth with which "Smoke" examines the human condition and our inherent flaws is sure to leave you with much to ponder.
Ed Greenwood
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Tor
Books
The Iron Assassin
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Goodreads rating: 2.65
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"The Iron Assassin" is perfect for fans of steampunk and alternate history. The clockwork-enhanced corpse controlled by Jack Straker, the Dread Agent for the Crown, and his allies is a unique and thrilling feature of the book. The fast-paced plot and vivid world-building make for a fun and exciting read that will leave readers on the edge of their seats.
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Claire G. Coleman
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Hachette
Australia
Terra Nullius
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Recommendation: Terra Nullius is a highly imaginative work that offers a thought-provoking allegory for colonisation and its brutal legacy. Set in a dystopian Australia, the novel depicts an alternate reality in which Indigenous peoples have been violently subjugated by colonisers. With its haunting prose, vivid imagery and strong themes of resistance and survival, it is an urgent and powerful read that offers a deeply unsettling yet important perspective on the ongoing legacy of colonisation. Highly recommended for fans of literary and speculative fiction alike.
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Hystopia would be an intriguing read for those interested in alternate history and dark satirical fiction. David Means weaves a fictional universe that merges history and war fiction, depicting the traumatic aftermath of the Vietnam War on veterans, and the nation as a whole. Means's unparalleled writing skills deliver a unique and visionary novel that effuses with outrageous humor, sensuous registers, and shocking violence. The experience is meant to linger with you long after flipping the final pages, leaving you with vivid recollections of war, memory, and mental hygiene.
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Bandi, Deborah Smith |
Profile
Books
The Accusation
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"The Accusation" isn't just any book—it's a rare glimpse into the ostensibly opaque North Korea, penned by an author risking it all to shine light on their experiences. The narratives here aren't just stories; they're acts of bravery, signals of defiance, and whispers of hope that crossed borders to reach you. It's a read that challenges, educates, and grips you with the raw truth of human endurance under the most watchful eye imaginable.
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Philip Roth
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Random
House
The Plot Against America
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Goodreads rating: 3.8
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If alt-history fascinates you, Roth's book will be an engrossing experience. It's not just a "what if" scenario; it's an uneasy journey through an America that could have been, shadowed by anti-Semitism and extremism. Reading this, you might find yourself appreciative of the trajectory history actually took, while being unsettled by the knowledge that the seeds of a darker path were always present.
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Stephen Baxter
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Hachette
The Massacre of Mankind : Authorised Sequel to The War of the Worlds
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Goodreads rating: 3.36
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This thrilling sequel to The War of the Worlds will keep readers on the edge of their seats as they follow a journalist's journey to survive and report on the new invasion. Stephen Baxter does a great job of expanding on H.G. Wells' vision while staying true to the original story. The Martians' return is a genuinely global event, and the story takes the concept to dizzying new heights. Baxter, with his brilliant scientific mind and vivid writing style, creates a masterpiece that honors the original and will leave readers in awe.
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If you're drawn to the vivid detail of historical settings and enjoy a mystery that's as deep in character as it is in plot, "Frog Music" could be a treat for you. Emma Donoghue masterfully recreates 1876 San Francisco, with its heady mix of danger and survival, while weaving a captivating story of a woman determined to unravel a murder. It's a journey through a city's underbelly, guided by a character both complex and resilient.
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Travel Back in Time with Historical Fiction
At Thryft, we invite you to journey through eras gone by with the finest historical fiction. Our selection captures the essence of different times, portraying epoch-defining events and the lives of people who inhabit them. Whether it's ancient history or modern tragedies, our curated collection immerses you in the vast tapestry of human experience. Join us in exploring these rich, vivid histories.
Our collection includes a diverse range, from ancient civilisations to modern wartime stories. Dive into tales from the Historical Fiction section to find the perfect match for your interests.
Absolutely! While these stories integrate fictional elements, they often provide valuable insights into historical contexts. Pair your reading with factual resources from our History collection for a fuller understanding.
Yes, we celebrate diverse voices and settings, including many stories set in Asia. Explore novels that delve into Asian history and its multifaceted narratives in our Asian Historical Fiction section.
Think about the time period or event you're curious about. Our Historical Fiction page offers detailed descriptions to help you find stories that align with your interests.