“The Summer Wives” is an engrossing novel, set in a time and place where wealthy families summered in island mansions off the coast of New England, over-drank regularly at their exclusive clubs and played a lot of bridge (actually, they probably still do most of that). It explores themes of love, family and social class in a way that is sometimes melancholy, sometimes hopeful and always engaging. Continue reading
Category Archives: Historical Fiction
“The Forgotten Garden”, by Kate Morton
On her 21st birthday, Nell learns that she isn’t who she thinks she is. Her well-intentioned father reveals that he found her abandoned on the dock when she was 4, apparently dropped off there by one of the ships that had made the journey from England to Australia. Thus begins the unraveling of the mystery of Nell’s origins, a process that spans over 100 years. Continue reading
“Beneath a Scarlet Sky”, by Mark Sullivan
World War II Italy is the setting for “Beneath a Scarlet Sky,” an engrossing novel based on the wartime experiences of teenager Pino Lella. Although it’s based on actual events, it reads like a thriller that has a lot of suspense and a lot of heart. Continue reading
“The Chilbury Ladies’ Choir”, by Jennifer Ryan
Set in England during WWII, “The Chilbury Ladies’ Choir” focuses on the war’s impact on a small group of women as told through fictitious journal entries and letters to family and friends. Continue reading
“Kindred”, by Octavia Butler
First published in 1979, “Kindred” is a novel that has aged well, still feeling fresh and current. It’s both a time travelling novel and a slave narrative, as well as being a bonafide page turner. I honestly woke up every morning looking forward to reading more. Continue reading
“Enemy Women”, by Paulette Jiles
In “Enemy Women”, Paulette Jiles reminds us of the great suffering that occurred during the American Civil War, particularly among the civilian population. But the message is also that even in the midst of such suffering, examples of great strength and love can be found. Continue reading
“The Alice Network”, by Kate Quinn
It’s 1947 and 19-year-old American Charlie St. Clair is in England, searching for her missing French cousin, Rose. Rose disappeared in Nazi-occupied France a few years earlier, so it’s possible she was a war casualty, but there aren’t any definitive records. Charlie wants to find her. She NEEDS to find her. Continue reading
