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Editors’ Picks: Historical Fiction
See history from a new perspective with our editors’ favorites.
Pubblicato il 03 Novembre 2022
All the Light We Cannot See: A Novel
Anthony DoerrDoerr’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel is sensational — the rare book that takes a well-worn subject and adds an unforgettable spin. It follows the twin narratives of Marie-Laure, a blind French girl, and Werner, a German orphan recruited to the military, at the height of WWII. The story is haunting, the imagery of war-torn France beautiful, and the characters so rich in depth that devouring every page feels inevitable. — Alex K.
The Rose Code: A Novel
Kate QuinnQuinn (“The Alice Network,” “The Huntress”), master of World War II historical fiction, brings to life the true story of the Enigma code breakers in the forms of Osla, Mab, and Beth — three very different women who must unite to uncover a spy in post-war Britain. Quinn’s account of the activities of Bletchley Park is well-researched, riveting, and combines drama, mystery, and history. — Emma C.
Wolf Hall: A Novel
Hilary MantelMantel’s biggest hit (among a series of historical fiction greats) reexamines the creation of the Church of England by focusing the story on Henry VIII’s right-hand man, Thomas Cromwell. Very little has actually been historically documented about Cromwell’s upbringing, leaving room for Mantel to create yet another captivating and compelling character in the ever-engaging saga of Henry VIII’s life. — Alex P.
The Sisters Brothers
Patrick deWittThis book is as wonderfully weird, subtly funny, and smartly written as its title. A quirky, stylized genre-bending Western filled with dark humor and a bit of gore, it channels old-timey pulp and Cormac McCarthy alike. In the gold-crazed Wild West of 1851, two infamous hitmen brothers, Charlie and Eli Sisters, travel from Oregon City to San Francisco and California’s famed gold fields on a murder-for-hire gig. The more thoughtful brother, Eli, wants to be a better person, and his deadpan narration is both strangely funny and moving. It’ll have you rooting for the hitman. — Katie W.
Train Dreams: A Novella
Denis Johnson“Train Dreams” doesn’t shy away from the ugliness in America’s history in the West, and the story will break your heart, but it’s also gorgeous and dreamy and haunting in all the best possible ways. Denis Johnson is a legend for a reason, and his lean novella packs a punch. One that will leave you tingling long after you finish it. — Katie W.
The Red Tent - 20th Anniversary Edition: A Novel
Anita DiamantDinah, who makes a brief and brutal appearance in the book of Genesis, has her story fascinatingly fleshed out in this reimagining. Diamant’s take on Dinah has endured and given more visibility to the lives of women during biblical times. — Ashley M.
The Island of Sea Women: A Novel
Lisa SeeWhat stood out about this book was that it traces a matriarchal society in Korea where women are in charge. On the Korean island of Jeju, the haenyeo were the village’s all-female diving group, taking on the dangerous work of providing for the village and passing their tradition to their daughters. The book takes place during the Japanese occupation, through World War II and the Korean War, and it follows the friendship of two girls from different backgrounds. It’s a story of strong tradition, resilience, friendship, and a vision of a feminist utopia. — Sarah S.
Cloud Cuckoo Land: A Novel
Anthony DoerrIt’s always impressive when the various plot lines of a story begin to converge and everything that once seemed disconnected becomes connected. That’s the journey in “Cloud Cuckoo Land,” which is essentially about the difficult but ultimate beauty in owning one’s non-conformity. Each character shares a sense of hope for something better, or at least something different, that drives them to persevere even though none of them have it easy. There’s a resilience that seems so relatable these days. — Sarah S.