Historical Fiction Books

Winter's Tale is a captivating and imaginative story that blurs the line between reality and fantasy in a magical way. It will appeal to readers who enjoy a mix of romance, adventure, and a touch of whimsy. Helprin's vivid descriptions and lyrical writing make this a book you won't want to put down.

Rice Without Rain is an inspiring story about Jinda's fight for justice against the exorbitant land rent. The book highlights the struggle of poverty-stricken farmers in rural Thailand and their eventual rally in Bangkok which ends up in a massacre. The book is a compassionate and deeply sensitive portrayal of human endeavor and is an unforgettable novel for anyone who believes in standing up for what is right.

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.

No one is safe...In 1936, the shadow of Nazism begins its slow descent upon Europe. Every person is only one step away from being swept into the nightmarish tide of evil. Blond Elisa Lindheim, a violinist with the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, adopts an Aryan stage name for protection. But her closest friend, Leah, a talented Jewish cellist, is in perilous position.There are those who choose to fight Hitler's madness. Elisa's father Theo; a courageous American reporter, John Murphy; and Winston Churchill, a once powerful and influential British politician now relegated to being a backbencher in Parliament. There is also a farm family in the Tyrolean Alps and a nascent Jewish Underground poised to resist Hitler --- should the necessity arise. But will all their efforts be enough to stop the coming Holocaust?And now Elisa must decide. If she becomes part of the Underground, she will risk everything... and puts everyone she loves in danger.

Author: Bodie Thoene
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Publication Date: 1989

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.

THE MATHEMATICS OF LOVE is a beautifully written novel that explores how love can transform even the most broken of people. The unique aspect of this book is the use of mathematics to understand relationships. This book is recommended for anyone who loves a passionate love story that is both heartwarming and heartbreaking.

The Beggars' Opera is a must-read for those interested in satirical plays and classic literature. With hilarious parodies on societal norms, ranging from marriage to trade, the play is a witty critique on the corruption that plagued early 18th century England. Its relevance is further proved by its influence on the iconic Threepenny Opera. This book is perfect for theater enthusiasts and literature and history students alike who want to explore classic literature.

If historical intrigue wrapped in moral complexity draws you in, "The Unspeakable Acts of Zina Pavlou" could be your next captivating read. This novel not only transports you to 1950s London with its carefully constructed atmosphere but also challenges you with a plot that is as morally complex as it is riveting. As you navigate the intense personal bonds that form in the shadow of a murder investigation, you'll find yourself gripped by the emotional depth and the haunting questions of innocence and guilt.