Historical Fiction Books

Adventures of the Monkey God is a beloved classic in Chinese literature, filled with adventure and mythical creatures. It is perfect for readers who enjoy epic journeys and tales that explore complex themes such as good vs evil, and the evolution of civilizations. The story's main character, Monkey, is both mischievous and valiant, and readers will love following his journey as he tries to outsmart his enemies and prove his worth. Overall, Adventures of the Monkey God is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the rich literary and cultural history of China.

Recommended for historical fiction lovers. Follows the lives of individuals who fight against Nazi terrorism in central Europe in the lead up to WWII. The book captures the bravery and resilience of individuals standing up to tyranny.

Recommendation: The Tenderloin is a poignant and relatable story of a young man's search for identity in a new and unfamiliar place. Through Evan's struggles, readers will be moved by the raw honesty and unique insights into life in San Francisco during the mid-1990s. This book is perfect for anyone who enjoys stories about personal growth and self-discovery, particularly in a coming-of-age context.

Zoë Wicomb's complex and deeply evocative fiction is among the most distinguished recent works of South African women's literature. It is also among the only works of fiction to explore the experience of "Coloured" citizens in apartheid-era South Africa, whose mixed heritage traps them, as Bharati Mukherjee wrote in the New York Times, "in the racial crucible of their country. "Wicomb deserves a wide American audience, on a part with Nadine Gordimer and J.M.Coetzee." - Wall St. Journal Wicomb is a gifted writer, and her compressed narratives work like brilliant splinters in the mind, suggesting a rich rhythm and shape."- Seattle Times "[Wicomb's] prose is vigorous, textured, lyrical. . . . [She] is a sophisticated storyteller who combines the open-endedness of contemporary fiction with the force of autobiography and the simplicity of family stories."-Bharati Mukherjee, New York Times Book Review For course use African literature, African studies, growing up female, world literature, women's studies Zoe Wicomb was born in 1948 and raised in Namaquland, South Africa. After 20 years voluntary exile, she returned to South Africa in 1991 to teach at the University of the Western Cape. She currently lives in Glasgow and teaches at the University of Strathclyde, Scotland. Marcia Wright is professor of history at Columbia University and a member of the executive committee for the Women Writing Africa series. Carol Sicherman is professor emerita of English at Lehman College, CUNY.

This book is a good read for those who love historical fiction and exploring different cultures. Set in 1842, The Shallow Seas - A Tale of Two Cities, Singapore and Batavia tells a story of Charlotte Macleod - a young pregnant woman who must navigate through life's difficulties. The book masterfully paints vivid pictures of the customs, beliefs, and history of the Southeast Asian region in a captivating manner that will keep readers wanting more.

Stormwrack is a must-read for history buffs, as it provides a vivid and immersive account of the Anglo-Boer War. Leipoldt's writing style is engaging and his attention to detail is impressive. The book captures the brutality and tragedy of war, and offers a fascinating glimpse into the politics and social dynamics of the time. Overall, Stormwrack is a timeless classic that will leave a lasting impression on readers.

Saudi Arabia, the world's leading producer of oil, is on the brink of revolution.Inside the opulent palaces and lavish mansions, the royal family is ransacking the country's dwindling coffers while the desert kingdom seethes with unrest. Appalled at his family's extravagant lifestyle, Crown Prince Nasir vows to end the careless and destructive rule, and sets in motion a top-secret operation to destroy the Saudi oil industry and bankrupt the monarch. To do so, he must enlist the help of an ally, a naval power willing to help in return for a share of the wealth.Nasir turns to France, with its fleet of lethal Hunter Killer submarines, capable of inflicting devastating damage on the massive oil installations along the shores of the Red Sea and in the Persian Gulf. Objective: To shift the power structure of the world's oil giant.Under the command of the mysterious and lethally effective Colonel Jacques Gamoudi -- nicknamed ""Le Chasseur,"" or ""The Hunter"" -- the ferocious battle for the desert kingdom begins. As the world's oil markets plunge into chaos, Admiral Arnold Morgan, former Security Adviser to the President, and Lieutenant Commander Jimmy Ramshawe are summoned to the White House, where they learn that Gamoudi has been joined by none other than Morgan's archenemy, Hamas General Ravi Rashood, in the battle for the capital city of Riyadh.Now Le Chasseur becomes the hunted, by both French and American Special Forces -- one trying to assassinate and silence him forever, the other desperate to take him alive and to force a public confession of France's subversive actions.

A Different Sky is a captivating novel that vividly depicts the complex and diverse society of Singapore in the early 20th century. The book delves deep into the struggles of three individuals from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds, who are united by their quest for identity and belonging. Meira Chand's meticulous attention to historical details, combined with her powerful storytelling, creates a spellbinding narrative that will transport readers to a different time and place. A must-read for anyone interested in Asian history and culture.