Your reading taste in historical fiction is very close to mine and I just wanted to say thank you for putting out this content and helping me feel connected with another reader. Happy reading!
Great video. Full of enthusiasm, as usual. My favourite: Ivo Andric's "The Bridge over the Drina". It simply strikes some intimate cord in my Balkan soul. And it's just a great novel, the guy did win a Nobel prize after all.
I love historical fiction and it was so nice to find your video today.My favorite time period is although the middle ages and an old book "The name of the rose", Umberto Eco has the first place on my list.Have a nice day and thank you!
My other two favourite Dutch Golden Age era books (Beside Girl with a Pearl Earring and the Miniaturist) are The Golden Tulip by Rosalind Laker which is also set in Amsterdam/Delft and deals with a female apprentice to Vermeer but covers so much Dutch history and intrigue and The Anatomy Lesson by Nina Siegal which is based on Rembrandt's famous painting and focuses on multiple perspectives of the day of the dissection theatre that the painting depicts. Both books are absolutely wonderful!
So many books that you have listed here are my favourites (in particular Life After Life, The Wonder, The Luminaries, Girl With a Pearl Earring), so I'm going to trust your judgement and make sure I read the rest of the books on your list! I recently read The Rapture by Claire McGlasson, which I thoroughly enjoyed, and would easily add to my list of favourite historical fiction novels.
An interesting list; I must try to read some of them. My own favourite book is also a historical novel - Kristin Lavransdatter by Sigrid Undset. Why this book is never mentioned in lists of favourite books or classic literature is a mystery; it is so beautiful, and Undset won the Nobel Prize for Literature largely on the strength of it. One thing I like about it is that it gives us an insight into the 14th Century Norwegian mindset and, unlike so many of today's historical novels, makes no concessions to 21st Century sensibilities.
I love reading Historical Fiction....this is one of my favorite Genre's to read. The Book that I am Currently Reading is really good and it is called "The Water Dancer" by Ta-Nehisi Coates. I dearly love this book. You may like this one as well. I have all of the books you mention in the Video written down. They all sound so good. Happy Reading :)
The Watchmaker of Filigree Street was my favourite book of the year! I finished it at 2 o’clock in the morning because I couldn’t put it down. An amzing read😍
I think I might be more of a historical fiction fan than I realised, I didn’t realise how many of my favourites fall into this genre, thanks for these recommendations 😊
I just found your channel from Tom reads Things. I have the audio of The Watchmaker of Filigree Street on my phone and i have now downloaded it. Sounds like it is exactly what i need in the run up to Christmas. Thanks for your enthusiasm
I haven't read any of these but want to read more historical fiction, this video is very informative!! It's great to see you so passionate about your favourite books as usual :)
My favorite is HF Prescott's Man on a Donkey. Still resding it 57 years later! Why is it so little known or read over the years? Medieval, wonderful Dame Christabel Cowper, Abbess.
Some of my favourites - the Aubrey Maturin series by Patrick O'Brien, Masters of Rome series by Colleen McCullough abd the Cadfael stories by Ellis Peters.
The Luminaries would be my favourite of your one's. A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles is one of my top favourites this year. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak is excellent. Some Australian ones- The Secret River by Kate Grenville, Sorry by Gail Jones, Foals Bread by Gillian Mears, Wanting by Richard Flanagan (and Gould's Book of Fish) and there's a bunch of ones set in Asia and Africa.
The Luminaries has been on my shelf unread for years. I don't know why, but it intimidates me and yet I hear so many people raving about it....I must get to it. Did you find it difficult at all to get into or to follow? Also, I adored A Gentleman in Moscow. It's just amazing. It's in my fav 10 books of all time.
I'm really surprised that you did not include "The Crimson Petal and the White" here. If you haven't had the chance to read it, oh, you so must! I think it's right up your alley.
Rules of Civility by Amor Towles, The Son by Phillip Meyer, The Siege by Helen Dunsmore, The Glass Palace by Amitav Ghosh, The Invisible Bridge by Julie Orringer. I could go on and on. Historical Fiction is my favorite
I've had a one or two of these books on my tbr, but added a few more. Thank you. I like Margaret George's books. I haven't read all of them, but she gives a different perspective of the historical people she writes aobut.
And really historical in medieval Sweden, Kristin Lavransdatter, by Sigrid Undset. Just withdrew again from Library again today. Reading it forever too, heroine, fecund wife, landskeeper.
Please read STAR OF THE SEA by JOSEPH O CONNOR.. he is SINHEAD O CONNOR'S BROTHER.. a fictional account of Irish in time is potato famine and how the main character moves to England, then goes on ship called STAR OF THE SEA... it has drama, mystery, love, murder and historical facts.. Gets you thinking.. Brilliant writing!
The way Mark Twain described Historical Fiction in the preface to The Prince and the Pauper:"It may have happened, it may not have happened-but it could have happened."
Some of my favorite Historical Fiction authors are Irving Stone, ("The Agony And The Ecstasy" about Michelangelo), also Bernard Cornwell.....Micheal/Jeff Shaara.....top three probably.
I am ashamed to admit I've never read ANY of these, and most of them I've never heard of. Ben Hur, The Source, and Master and Commander are more my speed, but they didn't make the list. Nor did Angle of Repose nor Cold Mountain. I think my preferences (along with me) have been cancelled, but times do change. For all that, your list sounds promising for discovery.
I write Modern Historical Fiction, and I strongly believe that this should be an official category. On Twitter, I have been able to connect with others who write Modern Historical. I mean, a book set in the 1980s isn't Contemporary, but wouldn't qualify for this. The 1980s and 1990s are long enough ago to be written about in fiction, without the novels merely seeming outdated, in my opinion. Not directly relevant here, but the 60 year aspect made me think of it. Will watch the rest of the video now, which I paused.
I never know where to draw the line for historical fiction - I often use prize's definitions, but I also feel like a book from the 1980s probably has a right to be considered historical fiction!
Hi. Congratulations for the video. In"Life After Life" by Kate Atkinson. The ghost of the child who never left the scene and as a projection of people who incarnate in others, and in others over the years. Book: beautiful, sentimental, unsettling, prophetic.
Have you read any of Gore Vidal's historical novels? All worth checking out. But I especially recommend BURR. It offers an irreverent look at the early history of America. And features the kind of details that truly bring the period to life.
Have you read Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell? It's a chunky book (my edition is about 1100 pages I think?) but it's about two prissy men trying to bring back magic to england during the napoleonic war but they bite off more than they can chew in making a pact with a fairy. One of the best things I read last year by far!!
My favourite historical novels are The Colour Purple by Alice Walker and The Tiger Queens by Stephanie Thornton which is about Gengis Khan but told through the women around him and how they are the reason that he succeeded and is remembered. It's such an underrated novel!
Loved this video. I have read "Girl with the Pearl Earring", "Affinity" and "The Minaturist" and own "The Luminaries". That means you have given me 11 books to start my reading list with in 2020. Thanks. Have you read Chevalier's "The Virgin Blue"? Incredibly sad but so worthwhile to read.
You can also try reading grave the hidden truth by priyanka khetawat, if you want to go for fictional book with thriller, suspense and mystery Firstly, I was amazed by the attention to details in every chapter and I am sure you would notice it as well. One thing I enjoyed throughout the story is that each scene is happening in multiple locations and I loved the way the author painted the picture in front of me. It was almost like I was there, and I could vividly see what is going on. My favourite part is when all of them get stuck in a cave with another civilisation, who don't even speak the language. I can keep on going, but I am going to stop here as I don't want to spoil too much for the future the readers. Secondly, I was shocked when the author came up with a new script altogether for the ancient civilisation, and I completely enjoyed the riddles Firstly, I was amazed by the attention to details in every chapter and I am sure you would notice it as well. One thing I enjoyed throughout the story is that each scene is happening in multiple locations and I loved the way the author painted the picture in front of me. It was almost like I was there, and I could vividly see what is going on. My favourite part is when all of them get stuck in a cave with another civilisation, who don't even speak the language. I can keep on going, but I am going to stop here as I don't want to spoil too much for the future the readers. Secondly, I was shocked when the author came up with a new script altogether for the ancient civilisation, and I completely enjoyed the riddles sprinkled in the second half of the books led in the second half of the book
I fear, I can be a bit of a pedant at times, you say "Girl with a Pearl Earring" is set in 17th-century Amsterdam (3:06), it is not, it is set in 17th-century Delft, a different Dutch city. It is a very good book. Having watched your video I now want to check out "Affinity" by Sarah Waters.
I have another question that is not related to best historical books. I enjoy your channel very much but would love to find some reviewers who are more middle-aged (in other words, closer to my own age.) Almost all the book reviewers are very young, and their tastes generally diverge from mine. Do any older reviewers have channels?
Oh yes, plenty! A few off of the top of my head: th-cam.com/channels/E-lxdtxTUTWEs0xJn-dH0g.html, th-cam.com/channels/6bvul0RSagcvy7MK7jByIw.html, th-cam.com/channels/rrFo3tDRDVbX7PZjWx1qYA.html, th-cam.com/channels/pQsLKy0bh9hRZ3AWQzG-7g.html, th-cam.com/channels/pyooWkAk5PyjfY-ksJtv5g.html (though I don't know any of their ages, so I'm guessing!)
So, the Cicero series by Robert Harris would be a close contender, but the middles ages and the medieval world just don't interest me as much as the 18th century and 19th centuries.
@@katiejlumsden I love more modern history as well, im currently reading the 'century trilogy' by ken follett which is ww1, ww2 and cold war but I prefer his kingsbridge trilogy starting in 1120 and ending about 1610. Even as an atheist theres something about a medieval monastery that captures the imagination.
Love your enthusiasm for all of these. You’ve certainly made me want to pick all of them up.
Thanks Tia!
Your reading taste in historical fiction is very close to mine and I just wanted to say thank you for putting out this content and helping me feel connected with another reader. Happy reading!
Thanks :)
Great video. Full of enthusiasm, as usual.
My favourite: Ivo Andric's "The Bridge over the Drina".
It simply strikes some intimate cord in my Balkan soul. And it's just a great novel, the guy did win a Nobel prize after all.
I must look into it - it sounds great!
I love historical fiction and it was so nice to find your video today.My favorite time period is although the middle ages and an old book "The name of the rose", Umberto Eco has the first place on my list.Have a nice day and thank you!
One day I must read Umberto Eco.
Once again , Thankyou so much, you are the best for giving us all you passion for the books you love! So good , I love historical fiction.
Thanks so much!
My other two favourite Dutch Golden Age era books (Beside Girl with a Pearl Earring and the Miniaturist) are The Golden Tulip by Rosalind Laker which is also set in Amsterdam/Delft and deals with a female apprentice to Vermeer but covers so much Dutch history and intrigue and The Anatomy Lesson by Nina Siegal which is based on Rembrandt's famous painting and focuses on multiple perspectives of the day of the dissection theatre that the painting depicts. Both books are absolutely wonderful!
Both sound very up my street!
historical fiction is such a great genre! thank you for the recommendations ^^
Agreed!
Thanks for all your recs I love historical fiction and I have been looking for more channels with it.
Thanks very much!
So many books that you have listed here are my favourites (in particular Life After Life, The Wonder, The Luminaries, Girl With a Pearl Earring), so I'm going to trust your judgement and make sure I read the rest of the books on your list! I recently read The Rapture by Claire McGlasson, which I thoroughly enjoyed, and would easily add to my list of favourite historical fiction novels.
I'll add The Rapture to my list :)
An interesting list; I must try to read some of them. My own favourite book is also a historical novel - Kristin Lavransdatter by Sigrid Undset. Why this book is never mentioned in lists of favourite books or classic literature is a mystery; it is so beautiful, and Undset won the Nobel Prize for Literature largely on the strength of it. One thing I like about it is that it gives us an insight into the 14th Century Norwegian mindset and, unlike so many of today's historical novels, makes no concessions to 21st Century sensibilities.
This sounds interesting. Thank you!
Washington Black sounds so appealing! I put it on hold at the library. Thanks for this list! :)
I highly recommend it!
I love reading Historical Fiction....this is one of my favorite Genre's to read. The Book that I am Currently Reading is really good and it is called "The Water Dancer" by Ta-Nehisi Coates. I dearly love this book. You may like this one as well. I have all of the books you mention in the Video written down. They all sound so good. Happy Reading :)
I'll have to try The Water Dancer some time.
I've read 9 of these so must read the rest. I loved Life After Life so much and those descriptions of The Blitz still haunt me.
Life After Life was just so amazing.
I like the Thomas De Quincey series written by David Morrell. The books are historical thrillers that take place in Victorian London.
They sound great!
I need several lives to read all the books your reviews talk me into 🥰
Ha sorry!
The Watchmaker of Filigree Street was my favourite book of the year! I finished it at 2 o’clock in the morning because I couldn’t put it down. An amzing read😍
Yay, so glad you loved it! :)
I think I might be more of a historical fiction fan than I realised, I didn’t realise how many of my favourites fall into this genre, thanks for these recommendations 😊
Thanks :)
I just found your channel from Tom reads Things. I have the audio of The Watchmaker of Filigree Street on my phone and i have now downloaded it. Sounds like it is exactly what i need in the run up to Christmas. Thanks for your enthusiasm
I hope you like it :)
The Aubrey Maturin series by Patrick O’Brian.
I haven't read any of these but want to read more historical fiction, this video is very informative!! It's great to see you so passionate about your favourite books as usual :)
Thanks! :)
My favorite is HF Prescott's Man on a Donkey. Still resding it 57 years later! Why is it so little known or read over the years? Medieval, wonderful Dame Christabel Cowper, Abbess.
Some of my favourites - the Aubrey Maturin series by Patrick O'Brien, Masters of Rome series by Colleen McCullough abd the Cadfael stories by Ellis Peters.
Thanks for the recommendations :)
I’m excited to try the miniaturist 😊 My favourite historical fiction is the binding 😀😀 Great video
I really really need to read The Binding!
Gore Vidal's books. Plus Marge Piercy - City of Darkness, City of Light
The Luminaries would be my favourite of your one's.
A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles is one of my top favourites this year. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak is excellent.
Some Australian ones- The Secret River by Kate Grenville, Sorry by Gail Jones, Foals Bread by Gillian Mears, Wanting by Richard Flanagan (and Gould's Book of Fish) and there's a bunch of ones set in Asia and Africa.
The Luminaries has been on my shelf unread for years. I don't know why, but it intimidates me and yet I hear so many people raving about it....I must get to it. Did you find it difficult at all to get into or to follow? Also, I adored A Gentleman in Moscow. It's just amazing. It's in my fav 10 books of all time.
@@nikkivenable3700 The Luminaries does take a while to get into. It took me a few goes. Need a quiet block of time to immerse yourself into it.
I must read A Gentleman in Moscow some time. And I highly recommend The Luminaries - it takes a little while to get into, but it's very much worth it.
I'm really surprised that you did not include "The Crimson Petal and the White" here. If you haven't had the chance to read it, oh, you so must! I think it's right up your alley.
Oh, I've read it . . . And I must confess I hated it! It's a long story, but I thought it would be up my alley too and it really, really wasn't!
Rules of Civility by Amor Towles, The Son by Phillip Meyer, The Siege by Helen Dunsmore, The Glass Palace by Amitav Ghosh, The Invisible Bridge by Julie Orringer. I could go on and on. Historical Fiction is my favorite
I need to read some of these!
I've had a one or two of these books on my tbr, but added a few more. Thank you. I like Margaret George's books. I haven't read all of them, but she gives a different perspective of the historical people she writes aobut.
I must look into her. Thanks for the recommendation.
And really historical in medieval Sweden, Kristin Lavransdatter, by Sigrid Undset. Just withdrew again from Library again today. Reading it forever too, heroine, fecund wife, landskeeper.
Please read STAR OF THE SEA by JOSEPH O CONNOR.. he is SINHEAD O CONNOR'S BROTHER.. a fictional account of Irish in time is potato famine and how the main character moves to England, then goes on ship called STAR OF THE SEA... it has drama, mystery, love, murder and historical facts.. Gets you thinking.. Brilliant writing!
The way Mark Twain described Historical Fiction in the preface to The Prince and the Pauper:"It may have happened, it may not have happened-but it could have happened."
I read 'Days Without End' and 'Life after Life' off the back of this video and loved both. Hoping to get to more of the list soon. thanks
'Girl with the Pearl Earring' was awesome! 'A Place Called WInter' next i think
So glad you love those books too. I hope you like A Place Called Winter!
Child of the Sea, Elizabeth Goudge
I'll look up for it!
Some of my favorite Historical Fiction authors are Irving Stone, ("The Agony And The Ecstasy" about Michelangelo), also Bernard Cornwell.....Micheal/Jeff Shaara.....top three probably.
I am ashamed to admit I've never read ANY of these, and most of them I've never heard of. Ben Hur, The Source, and Master and Commander are more my speed, but they didn't make the list. Nor did Angle of Repose nor Cold Mountain. I think my preferences (along with me) have been cancelled, but times do change.
For all that, your list sounds promising for discovery.
nice
I also loved the masters of Rome series- why isn’t Aren’t the Wolf Hall books on this list?! Hillary Mantel.
Because I haven't read them yet!
I write Modern Historical Fiction, and I strongly believe that this should be an official category. On Twitter, I have been able to connect with others who write Modern Historical. I mean, a book set in the 1980s isn't Contemporary, but wouldn't qualify for this. The 1980s and 1990s are long enough ago to be written about in fiction, without the novels merely seeming outdated, in my opinion. Not directly relevant here, but the 60 year aspect made me think of it. Will watch the rest of the video now, which I paused.
I never know where to draw the line for historical fiction - I often use prize's definitions, but I also feel like a book from the 1980s probably has a right to be considered historical fiction!
Hi. Congratulations for the video. In"Life After Life" by Kate Atkinson. The ghost of the child who never left the scene and as a projection of people who incarnate in others, and in others over the years. Book: beautiful, sentimental, unsettling, prophetic.
It is such a great book.
I am eager to read Washington Black. (I’ve been especially intrigued by the massively conflicting reviews I’ve been hearing from friends!)
I highly recommend it :)
Have you read any of Gore Vidal's historical novels? All worth checking out. But I especially recommend BURR. It offers an irreverent look at the early history of America. And features the kind of details that truly bring the period to life.
I have not, but perhaps I should!
Have you read Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell? It's a chunky book (my edition is about 1100 pages I think?) but it's about two prissy men trying to bring back magic to england during the napoleonic war but they bite off more than they can chew in making a pact with a fairy. One of the best things I read last year by far!!
I haven't yet! I do have a copy so I definitely want to read it soon.
My favourite historical novels are The Colour Purple by Alice Walker and The Tiger Queens by Stephanie Thornton which is about Gengis Khan but told through the women around him and how they are the reason that he succeeded and is remembered. It's such an underrated novel!
I really need to read The Colour Purple some time! The Tiger Queen sounds great too.
@@katiejlumsden Her books are great as she's a history teacher and chooses women in history that are lesser known to write about!
Loved this video. I have read "Girl with the Pearl Earring", "Affinity" and "The Minaturist" and own "The Luminaries". That means you have given me 11 books to start my reading list with in 2020. Thanks.
Have you read Chevalier's "The Virgin Blue"? Incredibly sad but so worthwhile to read.
I have not - but I must. I need to read more by her.
My favorite historical fiction was Twenty Years After, of Alexandre Dumas.
I must read it one day.
You can also try reading grave the hidden truth by priyanka khetawat, if you want to go for fictional book with thriller, suspense and mystery
Firstly, I was amazed by the attention to details in every chapter and I am sure you would notice it as well. One thing I enjoyed throughout the story is that each scene is happening in multiple locations and I loved the way the author painted the picture in front of me. It was almost like I was there, and I could vividly see what is going on. My favourite part is when all of them get stuck in a cave with another civilisation, who don't even speak the language. I can keep on going, but I am going to stop here as I don't want to spoil too much for the future the readers.
Secondly, I was shocked when the author came up with a new script altogether for the ancient civilisation, and I completely enjoyed the riddles Firstly, I was amazed by the attention to details in every chapter and I am sure you would notice it as well. One thing I enjoyed throughout the story is that each scene is happening in multiple locations and I loved the way the author painted the picture in front of me. It was almost like I was there, and I could vividly see what is going on. My favourite part is when all of them get stuck in a cave with another civilisation, who don't even speak the language. I can keep on going, but I am going to stop here as I don't want to spoil too much for the future the readers.
Secondly, I was shocked when the author came up with a new script altogether for the ancient civilisation, and I completely enjoyed the riddles sprinkled in the second half of the books led in the second half of the book
I fear, I can be a bit of a pedant at times, you say "Girl with a Pearl Earring" is set in 17th-century Amsterdam (3:06), it is not, it is set in 17th-century Delft, a different Dutch city. It is a very good book. Having watched your video I now want to check out "Affinity" by Sarah Waters.
Oh my goodness, you're quite right! I'm so sorry - it's been a few years since I read it.
I have another question that is not related to best historical books. I enjoy your channel very much but would love to find some reviewers who are more middle-aged (in other words, closer to my own age.) Almost all the book reviewers are very young, and their tastes generally diverge from mine. Do any older reviewers have channels?
Oh yes, plenty! A few off of the top of my head: th-cam.com/channels/E-lxdtxTUTWEs0xJn-dH0g.html, th-cam.com/channels/6bvul0RSagcvy7MK7jByIw.html, th-cam.com/channels/rrFo3tDRDVbX7PZjWx1qYA.html, th-cam.com/channels/pQsLKy0bh9hRZ3AWQzG-7g.html, th-cam.com/channels/pyooWkAk5PyjfY-ksJtv5g.html (though I don't know any of their ages, so I'm guessing!)
@@katiejlumsden Thank you!
No Tale of 2 Cities? I mean I know u haven't read Romola....
Is it within the Walter Scott Prize rules of sixty year between date of publication (1859) and the time it is set 1789ish
Yep, I'm not sure it would count. Also, I love it, but not as much as these ones I think.
Nothing in Roman times or even the middle ages/ medieval world??
So, the Cicero series by Robert Harris would be a close contender, but the middles ages and the medieval world just don't interest me as much as the 18th century and 19th centuries.
@@katiejlumsden I love more modern history as well, im currently reading the 'century trilogy' by ken follett which is ww1, ww2 and cold war but I prefer his kingsbridge trilogy starting in 1120 and ending about 1610. Even as an atheist theres something about a medieval monastery that captures the imagination.
You tale tools fast.
A great review on wonderful books but I was exhausted after listening to you speak, slow down girl, breath!!!!
Lupe Pedraza I felt the same way. There are plenty of TH-cam channels I’d love to speed up but man, I wish this one had a slow down button.