Kindred
6.5
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The first science fiction written by a black woman, Kindred has become a cornerstone of black...
Slavery Time Travel Race
The Country of Others
9.0
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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
8.0
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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
Kyera (8 KP) rated Alex & Eliza in Books
Jan 31, 2018
As this is a work of fiction, the author takes liberties with the plot and adds a fair amount of drama. Historically, there is not a lot known about the courtship between Alexander Hamilton and Elizabeth Schuyler. As you may be aware from history lessons, or your obsession with Hamilton the musical, the two fell in love quite hard and fast. It was nice to see the author’s take on their first meeting, interactions, and ultimate wedding.
This love story reads true and will warm your heart, even if you are aware of the future turmoil in their lives. I enjoyed getting to know Alexander and Eliza so much over the course of this book. The author also does a fantastic job of introducing and developing the supporting characters in this love story. They don’t feel like flat portrayals, but dimensional people that you love (or hate, as the case may be).
For those readers familiar with Hamilton, you will not find that this is the young adult novelization version of the musical. I’ve heard many readers dismaying that fact and it is unfair to the author to make those comparisons. They are two different mediums that each share their love and admiration for the powerhouse that was Alexander Hamilton. The musical follows and chronicles much of Hamilton’s life, whereas this book is a love story. It tells the tale of two souls who found their match, despite all the odds and fell in love.
While the dialogue at times can be cumbersome and strange, it is likely because the reader is used to the modern way of speaking. If you were to read letters that were composed during that era, you likely would notice they have a much more formal, or flowery, way of speaking. Although I found some of the lines to be a bit over the top, overall I felt that they were authentic to the time period in which the book takes place. It would have been unfortunate if the story had been written as if these historical characters were speaking in modern times.
I highly enjoyed this read and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys history. I believe that it is a very accessible book and would lend itself well to those who are hesitant to delve into historical fiction. It does a wonderful job of blending the love story with purposeful doses of actual historical events. Whether you are a fan of the musical, historical fiction, American history or something else – I urge you to give this book a chance.
Eleanor Luhar (47 KP) rated Finding Grace in Books
Jun 24, 2019
Grace is moved to the girls' boarding school dorm. She soon becomes close with Fran, but also has a few run-ins with the stuck up Deirdra. While helping Fran with a history project Grace discovers an old journal kept by one of the nuns at the convent during the war. It tells her horrific story of abandonment, rape and loss.
All the while, the girls are trying to find out more about Grace's past, and avoid the wrath of the horrible Sister Francis. Eventually Grace does get some anwswers, but they were certainly not the ones she was looking for.
I'm not usually very interested in historical fiction but I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Even though it was short, the characters were well developed and the plot was exciting and intriguing. I felt immersed in the setting, and felt empathetic for Grace. I actually felt quite invested in her and her search for knowledge.
There were a few typos and such, but as this is only a review copy I can't be sure whether the final publication will include them. It was a quick, interesting read, a good introduction to historical fiction. 4 stars!
J Elizabeth Klug (21 KP) rated Harry Potter: A Journey Through Charms and Defence Against the Dark Arts in Books
Dec 14, 2019
I found this to be a fascinating read and would recommend it to any fans of Harry Potter who are interested in Mythology and Folklore.
The Greatest Knight: The Story of William Marshal
8.0
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Historical fact and fiction are entwined in this engrossing story about the infamous William...
Daughters of Time: An Anthology from The History Girls
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Look through fresh eyes at the stories of some of history's most remarkable women, in this inspiring...
The Chocolate Lady (94 KP) rated A Fist Around the Heart in Books
Oct 5, 2020
https://tcl-bookreviews.com/2018/06/23/between-two-sisters/
The Chocolate Lady (94 KP) rated Dreamland in Books
Oct 7, 2020
https://tcl-bookreviews.com/2020/01/24/carnival-of-camouflage/