Tales of Long Ago
Book
Although he is best-known to the public as the author of the Sherlock Holmes stories and other...
Kindred
Book
The first science fiction written by a black woman, Kindred has become a cornerstone of black...
Slavery Time Travel Race
The Country of Others
Book
1944. After the Liberation, Mathilde leaves France to join her husband in Morocco. But life here...
Historical Fiction France Morocco Literary Fiction French in translation
The Dictator’s Wife
Book
WOMAN I learned early in life how to survive. A skill that became vital in my position. WIFE I...
Historical fiction Literary fiction Eastern Europe
ClareR (5674 KP) rated Shield of the Rising Sun (Path of Nemesis #3) in Books
Sep 8, 2020
The story is told by three characters: Albinus, his son Faustus, and Faustus’ uncle, Calvus. The battle scenes, mainly from Albinus’ point of view, were gory (I like this - I know, probably a bit odd!) and the politics with all the infighting and back-stabbing was fascinating. How did anyone ever feel safe at this time? I’ll answer that: if they were clever, they NEVER felt safe!
This story shows the true reach of the Roman Empire - there are scenes in Britain, Germany and Egypt, as well as in Rome. It frankly amazed me how quickly Roman soldiers seemed to be able to travel - and mostly (if not solely) on foot!
The main characters were all three very likeable men, who had me rooting for them throughout - even though it was pretty obvious what would happen to one of them from the start )I’m giving nothing away here!).
I enjoy reading a lot of historical fiction, and it’s not often that I read books set in the Roman period. I don’t know why, there’s no reason I can think of, and this makes me realise that I really should read more! If, like me, you’re a fan of historical fiction, then you’ll enjoy the rich descriptions and history packed story within the pages of this book.
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole for serialising this book, and to Adam Lofthouse for joining in and commenting in the margins!
ClareR (5674 KP) rated The Darkest Sin in Books
Dec 4, 2023
This story picks up not long after book 1, and Aldo is called to a convent that has had reports of an intruder. This isn’t a harmonious convent, though. There are opposing ideas on what sort of convent it should be (with some very unchristian nuns!), and it has it’s share of secrets.
Meanwhile, Constable Carlo Strocchi has taken his new wife home to introduce her to his mother, and he happens to stumble across the remains of a rather unpopular former officer of the city’s criminal court. And it looks as though he has been murdered.
I love this blend of historical fact and fiction: the Medici’s and the roles of nuns (to be enclosed or not?), the inequalities in Italian society at the time, women’s roles and lack of power, the structure of authority and how the catholic church ruled supreme (and not particularly morally). Aldo is the bastard son of a wealthy man, and when he is ‘reunited’ with his family, he’s not exactly welcomed back with open arms. He does however meet his niece, and she is far more accepting of him, even if it is, I think, a way of getting her own way!!
This is such an atmospheric read, and is thoroughly addictive. There are enough twists, turns and threats to Aldo’s life to make it very difficult to put the book down!
So is Aldo a threat to my love of Giordano Bruno or Matthew Shardlake? Err, nope, but he’s joining them - and if you like either of these, you’ll love Aldo Cesare!
A Rising Man
Book
The winner of the Harvill Secker/Daily Telegraph crime writing competition. Captain Sam Wyndham,...
Crime historical fiction fiction
Now We Shall Be Entirely Free
Book
By the Costa Award-winning author of PURE, a stunning historical novel with the grip of a thriller,...
Literary Fiction Historical Fiction
Where the Gulls Fall Silent
Book
A small fishing village, a shunned healer, her daughter, tradition, superstition and a world set to...
Trigger Warnings: Adult themes mentioned sexual assault Historical Fiction