Tag Archive for: Historical Fiction

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The Spectacular

The SpectacularTitle: The Spectacular
Author: Fiona Davis
Genre: Historical Fiction, Thriller
Format: Audio
Pages: 368
Length: 12h 20m
Narrator: Kimberly Farr, Rachel L. Jacobs
Source: Owned
Reason: Book Club
Rating:
Spice: 0.5 Flames

My Thoughts

I really love the historical aspects of Fiona Davis’ novels. In THE SPECTACULAR, I loved the setting of the mid 1950s and early 1990s, and I loved learning the history of the Rockettes and Radio City Music Hall. I had no idea about the Mad Bomber (or Big Apple Bomber in the novel) and I had no idea it was the case that put criminal profiling on the map. That was all fascinating. I thought the mystery aspect of the book was a bit far-fetched, but it kept me interested and reading. The romance disappointed me as it was a little lacking.

The Circus Train

The Circus TrainTitle: The Circus Train
Author: Amita Parikh
Genre: Historical Fiction
Format: Audio
Pages: 352
Length: 14h 39m
Narrator: Imogen Church
Source: Owned
Reason: BotM Backlist
Rating:
Spice: 1 Flames

My Thoughts

I absolutely loved THE CIRCUS TRAIN. While I don’t feel like it’s reminiscent of THE NIGHT CIRCUS like the blurb says it is, I thought the story and characters were interesting, rich, and fraught with heartache, challenges, and perseverance.

I loved the concept of a traveling circus by train in Europe before and during World War II. The history helped shape the story and give it more depth. It was very interesting to see World War II from so many different perspectives and locations. I really enjoyed the author’s note at the end explaining the creative license vs. the reality.

The circus itself helped turn an otherwise troubling and deadly time into a life worth living despite the pain. I loved Lena, Theo (father), Alexandre (love interest), and Clara (governess). They all shined and made the story a pleasure to read. I won’t be forgetting this story any time soon.

The God of the Woods

The God of the WoodsTitle: The God of the Woods
Author: Liz Moore
Genre: Historical Fiction
Format: Audio
Pages: 478
Length: 14h 36m
Narrator: Saskia Maarleveld
Source: Owned
Reason: Book Club
Rating:
Spice: 1.5 Flames

My Thoughts

I thought THE GOD OF THE WOODS was a very interesting read with a lot to discuss (i.e., it’s a great book for a book club). I wanted to love it, but I didn’t. I loved the concept, but the story seemed really disjointed, way too long, and so depressing. I also despised most of the characters, making it hard for me to love the story since I’m a character-driven, rather than plot-driven, reader.

I don’t think I was in the right frame of mind when I started this one. However, it’s my book club’s pick for November so I kept going. I would’ve rather read this when I was more in the mood for this type of story. I might’ve liked it more, but maybe I wouldn’t have. The beginning held so much promise and then it just kept letting me down.

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The Lost Apothecary

The Lost ApothecaryTitle: The Lost Apothecary
Author: Sarah Penner
Genre: Historical Fiction
Format: Audio
Pages: 310
Length: 10h 29m
Narrator: Lorna Bennett, Lauren Anthony, Lauren Irwin
Source: Owned
Reason: BotM Backlist
Rating:
Spice: 1 Flames

My Thoughts

I really enjoyed THE LOST APOTHECARY. I loved that the story was written in three POVs, two from the past and one from present day. I thought it was an interesting look at how we interpret past events vs what really happened.

I liked both the past story and the present day one, but I thought the past one was a bit more interesting. I thought the idea of an apothecary dispensing poisons to women that wanted to exact revenge on the men who betrayed them was a really fun concept. It made for an interesting mystery.

Hello Beautiful

Hello BeautifulTitle: Hello Beautiful
Author: Ann Napolitano
Genre: Historical Fiction
Format: Audio
Pages: 383
Length: 15h 6m
Narrator: Maura Tierney
Source: Library
Reason: Book Club
Rating:
Spice: 1.5 Flames

My Thoughts

HELLO BEAUTIFUL is a touching story about love, loss, depression, betrayal, forgiveness, and second chances. Even though I’m not a huge fan of Little Women, I liked how Napolitano used it to shape the Padavano sisters. (And, in this case, Laurie ended up with the right sister.)

This book will definitely give my book club a lot to discuss. Also, while I didn’t mind the audio for the most part, there were times that I thought the narrator sounded robotic and with no emotion in her voice.