Tag Archives: historical fiction
My review of ‘The Proxy Bride’ by Zoe Boccabella
The Proxy Bride by Zoe Boccabella My rating: 5 of 5 stars This is the third of Zoe Boccabella’s books that I have read, and the one that I enjoyed the most. Her other two are non-fiction/memoir, whereas ‘The Proxy … Continue reading
A compelling tale of war and love in the Russian winter of 1941
The Tolstoy Estate by Steven Conte My rating: 5 of 5 stars This is one WWII historical novel that deserves attention. Thoroughly researched, beautifully written, and with a cast of interesting but flawed characters, Conte masters the ‘feel’ of a … Continue reading
Beautiful prose about an arduous journey
Devotion by Hannah Kent. My rating: 4 of 5 stars. More than anything, I love the way Hannah Kent writes. Her use of language is inventive, perceptive, lush, evocative. Somehow she worms her way inside you, the reader, so that … Continue reading
An intriguing novel about WWII intrigue
The Imitator by Rebecca Starford My rating: 4 of 5 stars An enjoyable novel about the role of women in WWII espionage. By the author’s own admission, the characters are in the main invented and the story is loosely true, … Continue reading
Review of ‘Still Life’ by Sarah Winman
Still Life by Sarah Winman My rating: 4 of 5 stars I fell in love, and then out of love, with this novel. The writing – which utilizes an expansive vocabulary that had me reaching for the dictionary – is … Continue reading
A gripping 1880s migrant adventure
Paradiso A Novel by Steve Capelin My rating: 4 of 5 stars A gripping tale of hope and despair on the high seas. Set in 1879-80, a group of migrants from the struggling north of Italy chases the promise of … Continue reading
Recommended for fans of convict-era historical fiction
Fled by Meg Keneally My rating: 4 of 5 stars Convict-era historical fiction based on the true story of the daring escape of Mary Bryant (and others) in an open boat from Sydney Cove to Kupang, Timor. The known aspects … Continue reading
An unusual take on WWII espionage
Warlight by Michael Ondaatje My rating: 5 of 5 stars A beautifully-written historical novel, from start to finish. For someone who likes to write, such as me, the use of language is inspirational. Delightful and succinct descriptions abound, e.g. ‘we … Continue reading
Literary fiction at its best
A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles My rating: 5 of 5 stars This is, without a doubt, the most uplifting novel I have read in years. Beautifully written and engrossing from start to finish, it is the story of … Continue reading
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