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ClareR (5726 KP) rated The Heroines in Books
Oct 29, 2023
Greek mythology is pretty much an insta-buy and read for me. I’m drawn to historical fiction anyway, and the Greek myths have always felt like an extension of that for me. That’s probably also why I’m especially attracted to the type of Greek myths that are so popular at the moment. I suppose it could be referred to more as Greek historical fiction rather than myth. The Gods and Goddesses have been taken out of the equation (inasmuch as Christian figures are in other historical fiction novels - they’re spoken of, but they don’t have a leading role), and the mortals are left to make their own life choices - even if they still like to blame it on the Gods.
Laura Shepperson gives voice to the women in the myths, and we see the story of Theseus and Phaedra from Phaedra’s point of view. There’s also a chorus of women who are suffering under the mistreatment of the men in Theseus’ palace. Servants and slave women had to do as they were told. The struggle for the women against this patriarchal system is at times violent, and the women rarely come out of it well.
There were a lot of characters in this, and I wonder if all of them were necessary. I’ll be honest, and it could be down to the good ole peri-meno brain, I did get a little confused at all the characters, but it didn’t spoil the story!
I enjoyed this quick read (ok, I didn’t put it down!). It gave me enjoyment for a couple of days - and that’s what reading is all about really, isn’t it!
Laura Shepperson gives voice to the women in the myths, and we see the story of Theseus and Phaedra from Phaedra’s point of view. There’s also a chorus of women who are suffering under the mistreatment of the men in Theseus’ palace. Servants and slave women had to do as they were told. The struggle for the women against this patriarchal system is at times violent, and the women rarely come out of it well.
There were a lot of characters in this, and I wonder if all of them were necessary. I’ll be honest, and it could be down to the good ole peri-meno brain, I did get a little confused at all the characters, but it didn’t spoil the story!
I enjoyed this quick read (ok, I didn’t put it down!). It gave me enjoyment for a couple of days - and that’s what reading is all about really, isn’t it!
My Heart Belongs in the Superstition Mountains: Carmela’s Quandary
9.0
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Journey now to Tuscon, Arizona, and into the Superstition Mountains of 1866, where... A Chance...
historical fiction christian fiction historical romance fiction history
The Vow
Book
In a stunning work of feminist historical fiction for readers who loved Dawn Tripp’s Georgia and...
Women in Art Historical Fiction Art History Biographical Fiction
Somewhere Between Light and Time
10.0
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Have you ever met a stranger and felt that you already knew them? The story begins in the 1800s...
historical fiction magical realism bookbuzz
Lindsay (1717 KP) rated The Red Ribbon (True Colors #8) in Books
Oct 3, 2020
If you want to find some crime stories to read. This book can help with the craze. This series also will help with your craze for crime and historical events. This book is called The Red Ribbon. It deals with historical events evolved around clans and the courthouse tragedy in one county.
This story is slow when you begin. Though, it does get better as you read. The plot is more interesting once the action starts. The main characters are a bit interesting. The clans are more telling. Hearing about the story of a father's death and how it connected in the book. It brings out the more about the historical events of the true crimes and what happens at the courthouse that triggers it all.
If you are a historical fiction fan or crime fan this book, is for you. I hope you have the heart to take all the death and crime that takes place. Ava and Jeremiah seem to be pulled into trouble that may have all started with a kiss. But who kiss starts a feud between families and clans? Ava story reporting that starts it when there a rift. What may have brought on a courthouse massacre?
This story is slow when you begin. Though, it does get better as you read. The plot is more interesting once the action starts. The main characters are a bit interesting. The clans are more telling. Hearing about the story of a father's death and how it connected in the book. It brings out the more about the historical events of the true crimes and what happens at the courthouse that triggers it all.
If you are a historical fiction fan or crime fan this book, is for you. I hope you have the heart to take all the death and crime that takes place. Ava and Jeremiah seem to be pulled into trouble that may have all started with a kiss. But who kiss starts a feud between families and clans? Ava story reporting that starts it when there a rift. What may have brought on a courthouse massacre?
Phil (3 KP) rated The Pillars of the Earth in Books
Jul 3, 2017
In Depth, long page turner
Contains spoilers, click to show
I'm not normally the sort of person who goes in for historical fiction. Especially those set in the Dark Ages, but gave it a go as had heard it was a modern 'must read'.
For something that was over 1000 pages, it never felt like a slog or a chore to read. The more you get in to it, the more you want to read in one sitting.
Admitted, the sex scenes are quite gratuitous and graphic at times. And, taken in a modern context, the continual dumping on the lead character can seem overly harsh, as if the author gets pleasure from torturing his lead. But read the book through the historical lens of it's 12th-13th Century setting, and this reduces the frustrations, and adds to the realism
For something that was over 1000 pages, it never felt like a slog or a chore to read. The more you get in to it, the more you want to read in one sitting.
Admitted, the sex scenes are quite gratuitous and graphic at times. And, taken in a modern context, the continual dumping on the lead character can seem overly harsh, as if the author gets pleasure from torturing his lead. But read the book through the historical lens of it's 12th-13th Century setting, and this reduces the frustrations, and adds to the realism
lurkykitty (3 KP) rated The Animals at Lockwood Manor in Books
Mar 26, 2020
A tense, suspenseful debut historical novel
The Animals at Lockwood Manor is a debut historical fiction novel. It takes place in England during the second world war. Hetty Cartwright is tasked with moving animal specimens from the Natural History Museum collection to a manor in the countryside to protect them from the German air raids. Shortly after moving to Lockwood Manor, Hetty realizes all is not quite right with the inhabitants of the manor. The novel is well-written, tense, and atmospheric. The author skillfully builds the suspense, culminating in the motive for hosting the zoological collection and the revelation of multiple secrets. There is also a romance intertwined with the plot and, although important, is not the main focus of the story. It was highly readable and difficult to put down.
Sophie Whitbread (4 KP) rated Dangerous Crossing in Books
Jun 7, 2019
Intoxicating (2 more)
Easy Read
Interesting Characters
This is my first historical fiction and I have to say I surprisingly enjoyed it.
Lilian Shepard has decided to get on a ship to start afresh in Australia, she has to escape from the awful reminders of something awful that has happened to her.
During the trip she makes friends with a group of people from all different backgrounds and classes. Its all so new and exciting to begin with. By the end of the voyage, two people are dead.
Lilian Shepard has decided to get on a ship to start afresh in Australia, she has to escape from the awful reminders of something awful that has happened to her.
During the trip she makes friends with a group of people from all different backgrounds and classes. Its all so new and exciting to begin with. By the end of the voyage, two people are dead.
Cara Edgar (32 KP) rated The Seven Husbands Of Evelyn in Books
Jan 18, 2018
This is my favourite book of 2017! Without a doubt! Join Evelyn telling her life story with a no holds barred account. This is an elegant story with the glamour and dark side of Hollywood. This could easily be about the actresses of old Hollywood with many people having a sneaky suspicion of just who it'll be about. If you like Hollywood, glitz and glamour, historical fiction and real life honesty about subjects then this is a must read book for you.
Erika (17788 KP) rated The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society in Books
Feb 1, 2020
I was really torn on what to rate this. I like historical fiction, but I normally stay away from anything WWII and beyond. I'm also not into sickly-sweet romance. It was an interesting juxtaposition between that and the events of Guernsey occupation during WWII. The characters were entertaining, but a little one-dimensional. I could tell you how it ended once the first letter came from Guernsey. If you want an easy, light read, and enjoy silly romance, this may be the book for you.