Difference between revisions of "Top Ten Historical Fiction Books of 2016"

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A few years ago historical fiction was a niche genre, but now it's mainstream and we've seen some cracking books this year.  These are our favourites in alphabetical order by author.
 
A few years ago historical fiction was a niche genre, but now it's mainstream and we've seen some cracking books this year.  These are our favourites in alphabetical order by author.
{{topten
+
{{Frontpage
 
|title=The New Mrs Clifton
 
|title=The New Mrs Clifton
 
|author=Elizabeth Buchan
 
|author=Elizabeth Buchan
Line 7: Line 7:
 
|genre=Historical Fiction
 
|genre=Historical Fiction
 
|summary=As the Second World War draws to a close, Intelligence Officer Gus Clifton surprises his sisters at their London home. But an even greater shock is the woman he brings with him, Krista - the German wife whom he married secretly in Berlin. Devastated by her experiences in Berlin, Krista is broken by the horrors she cannot share, and struggles to adjust to London life. But Gus's sisters can only see the enemy that their brother has brought under their roof, and they feel for their friend Nella, Gus's beautiful former fiancee. What hold does Krista have over Gus? What made him change his mind about Nella? As the women struggle to find their place in the world left scarred by the war, the secrets and lies they hide and share may come to tear them all apart...
 
|summary=As the Second World War draws to a close, Intelligence Officer Gus Clifton surprises his sisters at their London home. But an even greater shock is the woman he brings with him, Krista - the German wife whom he married secretly in Berlin. Devastated by her experiences in Berlin, Krista is broken by the horrors she cannot share, and struggles to adjust to London life. But Gus's sisters can only see the enemy that their brother has brought under their roof, and they feel for their friend Nella, Gus's beautiful former fiancee. What hold does Krista have over Gus? What made him change his mind about Nella? As the women struggle to find their place in the world left scarred by the war, the secrets and lies they hide and share may come to tear them all apart...
|amazonuk=<amazonuk>0718184068</amazonuk>
+
|isbn=0718184068
 
}}
 
}}
{{topten
+
{{Frontpage
 
|title=The Midnight Watch
 
|title=The Midnight Watch
 
|author=David Dyer
 
|author=David Dyer
Line 15: Line 15:
 
|genre=Historical Fiction
 
|genre=Historical Fiction
 
|summary=In the early hours of April 15th 1912, the RMS Titanic sank causing the death of over 1,500 people.  The Californian, commanded by Captain Stanley Lord was the nearest ship to it, near enough for anyone on deck that night to see the Titanic's distress rockets.  This means it was near enough to go to its aid but it remained inactive while witnessing the unfolding events.  Why? Within a day or two of the disaster American journalist John Steadman is sent to cover the Titanic's sinking but the story of the Californian's inaction intrigues him even more.
 
|summary=In the early hours of April 15th 1912, the RMS Titanic sank causing the death of over 1,500 people.  The Californian, commanded by Captain Stanley Lord was the nearest ship to it, near enough for anyone on deck that night to see the Titanic's distress rockets.  This means it was near enough to go to its aid but it remained inactive while witnessing the unfolding events.  Why? Within a day or two of the disaster American journalist John Steadman is sent to cover the Titanic's sinking but the story of the Californian's inaction intrigues him even more.
|amazonuk=<amazonuk>1782397795</amazonuk>
+
|isbn=1782397795
 
}}
 
}}
{{topten
+
{{Frontpage
 
|title=The Last Horseman
 
|title=The Last Horseman
 
|author=David Gilman
 
|author=David Gilman
Line 23: Line 23:
 
|genre=Historical Fiction
 
|genre=Historical Fiction
 
|summary=Joseph Radcliff and Benjamin Pearce have both had their fill of war and conflict during the American Indian and Civil wars.  They now spend their time trying to preserve life as Joseph defends Irish republicans in 19th century Dublin.  However war hasn't finished with them.  As the new century clicks over, the fight between a large chunk of Europe and the South African Boers intensifies and the Irish regiment they're attached to is mobilised.  Joseph's young son Edward runs away to join the army he's grown up with, leaving the two veterans facing peril and horror they thought they'd never revisit but this time they do it to find Edward and bring him home.
 
|summary=Joseph Radcliff and Benjamin Pearce have both had their fill of war and conflict during the American Indian and Civil wars.  They now spend their time trying to preserve life as Joseph defends Irish republicans in 19th century Dublin.  However war hasn't finished with them.  As the new century clicks over, the fight between a large chunk of Europe and the South African Boers intensifies and the Irish regiment they're attached to is mobilised.  Joseph's young son Edward runs away to join the army he's grown up with, leaving the two veterans facing peril and horror they thought they'd never revisit but this time they do it to find Edward and bring him home.
|amazonuk=<amazonuk>1784974544</amazonuk>
+
|isbn=1784974560
 
}}
 
}}
{{topten
+
{{Frontpage
 
|title=The Words In My Hand
 
|title=The Words In My Hand
 
|author=Guinevere Glasfurd
 
|author=Guinevere Glasfurd
Line 31: Line 31:
 
|genre=Historical Fiction
 
|genre=Historical Fiction
 
|summary=17th century life circumstances dictate that Helena Jans has to go into service and is employed by Mr Sergeant, an English bookseller living in Amsterdam.  There's much excitement when Mr Sergeant welcomes his new lodger, philosopher and scientist, Rene Descartes.  However the thrill becomes somewhat muted when Helena's employer realises what the stay entails.  Helena on the other hand, is totally enthralled by their guest: an enthrallment that will totally change her life.
 
|summary=17th century life circumstances dictate that Helena Jans has to go into service and is employed by Mr Sergeant, an English bookseller living in Amsterdam.  There's much excitement when Mr Sergeant welcomes his new lodger, philosopher and scientist, Rene Descartes.  However the thrill becomes somewhat muted when Helena's employer realises what the stay entails.  Helena on the other hand, is totally enthralled by their guest: an enthrallment that will totally change her life.
|amazonuk=<amazonuk>1473617855</amazonuk>
+
|isbn=1473617855
 
}}
 
}}
{{topten
+
{{Frontpage
 
|title=The Dark Circle
 
|title=The Dark Circle
 
|author=Linda Grant
 
|author=Linda Grant
 
|rating=5
 
|rating=5
 
|genre=Historical Fiction
 
|genre=Historical Fiction
|summary=It's 1949, and with the Second World War over, a new decade of recovery is beginning. For East End teenagers Lenny and Miriam, life has been suspended. Diagnosed with tuberculosis, they are sent away to a sanatorium in Kent, to take the cure, submit to the way of the Doctors, and learn the deferential way of the patient. Through doors newly opened by the one year old NHS, come Lenny in his striped London drape suit, and Miriam in cherry felt red coat, and beret pinned gingerly onto her blue-black curls. Trapped in a sterile closed environment, the twins find themselves meeting air force officers, a car salesman, a university graduate, a mysterious German woman, a member of the Aristocracy, and, arriving to blast away their lethargic submission to authority - an American merchant seaman. Together they discover that a cure is tantalisingly just out of reach, and may only be gained through full scale rebellion...
+
|summary=It's 1949, and with the Second World War over, a new decade of recovery is beginning. For East End teenagers Lenny and Miriam, life has been suspended. Diagnosed with tuberculosis, they are sent away to a sanatorium in Kent, to take the cure, submit to the way of the Doctors, and learn the deferential way of the patient. Through doors newly opened by the one-year-old NHS, come Lenny in his striped London drape suit, and Miriam in cherry felt red coat, and beret pinned gingerly onto her blue-black curls. Trapped in a sterile closed environment, the twins find themselves meeting air force officers, a car salesman, a university graduate, a mysterious German woman, a member of the Aristocracy, and, arriving to blast away their lethargic submission to authority - an American merchant seaman. Together they discover that a cure is tantalisingly just out of reach, and may only be gained through full-scale rebellion...
|amazonuk=<amazonuk>034900675X</amazonuk>
+
|isbn=Grant_Dark
 
}}
 
}}
{{topten
+
{{Frontpage
 
|title=The Last Days of Night
 
|title=The Last Days of Night
 
|author=Graham Moore
 
|author=Graham Moore
Line 49: Line 49:
  
 
Graham Moore's latest novel is set in 19th Century New York City following the War of the Currents immediately after the discovery of electricity. Paul Cravath is a young lawyer, recently graduated from Columbia Law School, who finds himself at the centre of the biggest lawsuit in American history to date: who invented the light bulb.  Enlisted to defend George Westinghouse against 312 lawsuits and a sum of one billion dollars, Paul embarks on a seemingly impossible case to win. Going up against the incredibly intelligent and extremely resourceful Thomas Edison, who has newspapers at his disposal and the support of J.P. Morgan himself, Paul is nonetheless determined to win by any means necessary. In his unwavering quest for victory, Paul encounters Nikola Tesla, the eccentric genius who could have the power to stop Edison; Alexander Bell, the inventor of the telephone and only one to beat Edison before; as well as Agnes Huntington, the astonishingly beautiful opera singer. With the stakes so high, Paul will discover that everyone is desperate to win, setting in motion their own plans with disastrous consequences.
 
Graham Moore's latest novel is set in 19th Century New York City following the War of the Currents immediately after the discovery of electricity. Paul Cravath is a young lawyer, recently graduated from Columbia Law School, who finds himself at the centre of the biggest lawsuit in American history to date: who invented the light bulb.  Enlisted to defend George Westinghouse against 312 lawsuits and a sum of one billion dollars, Paul embarks on a seemingly impossible case to win. Going up against the incredibly intelligent and extremely resourceful Thomas Edison, who has newspapers at his disposal and the support of J.P. Morgan himself, Paul is nonetheless determined to win by any means necessary. In his unwavering quest for victory, Paul encounters Nikola Tesla, the eccentric genius who could have the power to stop Edison; Alexander Bell, the inventor of the telephone and only one to beat Edison before; as well as Agnes Huntington, the astonishingly beautiful opera singer. With the stakes so high, Paul will discover that everyone is desperate to win, setting in motion their own plans with disastrous consequences.
|amazonuk=<amazonuk>1471156664</amazonuk>
+
|isbn=1471156664
 
}}
 
}}
{{topten
+
{{Frontpage
 
|title=All Their Minds In Tandem
 
|title=All Their Minds In Tandem
 
|author=David Sanger
 
|author=David Sanger
Line 57: Line 57:
 
|genre=Historical Fiction
 
|genre=Historical Fiction
 
|summary=October 1879: A stranger walks into New Georgetown, West Virginia to keep an appointment.  He calls himself 'The Maker' and has a gift that gives him access to people's minds.  Gradually he'll become deeply acquainted with the townsfolk but it mustn't sway him from what he's here to accomplish.  One man, one mission and no guarantee how it will end.
 
|summary=October 1879: A stranger walks into New Georgetown, West Virginia to keep an appointment.  He calls himself 'The Maker' and has a gift that gives him access to people's minds.  Gradually he'll become deeply acquainted with the townsfolk but it mustn't sway him from what he's here to accomplish.  One man, one mission and no guarantee how it will end.
|amazonuk=<amazonuk>1784293954</amazonuk>
+
|isbn=Sanger_All
 
}}
 
}}
{{topten
+
{{Frontpage
 
|title=The Summer Before the War
 
|title=The Summer Before the War
 
|author=Helen Simonson
 
|author=Helen Simonson
Line 65: Line 65:
 
|genre=Historical Fiction
 
|genre=Historical Fiction
 
|summary=Summer 1914: Beatrice Nash arrives in Rye following the death of her father, hoping to earn a living as a Latin tutor.  Despite being the sort of woman with ideas of her own, she has allies in the family of local pillar of the community Lady Agatha.  Agatha may not have realised just how modern Beatrice is but she'll stand by her after having been her sponsor for the post initially.  Meanwhile Agatha's nephew, medical student Hugh soon warms to Beatrice but his heart belongs to Lucy, his surgeon professor's daughter.  Soon, though, the events of a small town summer will fade in importance; the Balkans will explode and Europe is thrown into a war that's far from the swift, romantic, consequence-free conflict of which summer daydreams are made.
 
|summary=Summer 1914: Beatrice Nash arrives in Rye following the death of her father, hoping to earn a living as a Latin tutor.  Despite being the sort of woman with ideas of her own, she has allies in the family of local pillar of the community Lady Agatha.  Agatha may not have realised just how modern Beatrice is but she'll stand by her after having been her sponsor for the post initially.  Meanwhile Agatha's nephew, medical student Hugh soon warms to Beatrice but his heart belongs to Lucy, his surgeon professor's daughter.  Soon, though, the events of a small town summer will fade in importance; the Balkans will explode and Europe is thrown into a war that's far from the swift, romantic, consequence-free conflict of which summer daydreams are made.
|amazonuk=<amazonuk>1408837641</amazonuk>
+
|isbn=1408837641
 
}}
 
}}
{{topten
+
{{Frontpage
 
|title=The Voyage of the Dolphin
 
|title=The Voyage of the Dolphin
 
|author=Kevin Smith
 
|author=Kevin Smith
Line 73: Line 73:
 
|genre=Historical Fiction
 
|genre=Historical Fiction
 
|summary=Dublin 1916: Among the unrest and anti-British feeling worsened by the threat of conscription into a war seen as nothing to do with the Irish, Trinity College faculty has other distractions.  They'd like a trophy; the skeleton of an Irish 'giant' to be precise.  The only glitch is that the main trophy contender, Bernard MacNeill's skeleton, is somewhere difficult to access and all seasoned explorers are otherwise engaged.  There may be hope though.  They turn to Fitzmaurice, a student not good enough for anything else.  Fitzmaurice agrees, picking his friends Crozier and Rafferty to go with him.  So… ''Gentlemen, lace up your strongest boots and pack your warmest underwear – we're all off to the bloody Arctic!''  Whether battle cry or epitaph, three men and a dog… and an iguana… are going anyway.
 
|summary=Dublin 1916: Among the unrest and anti-British feeling worsened by the threat of conscription into a war seen as nothing to do with the Irish, Trinity College faculty has other distractions.  They'd like a trophy; the skeleton of an Irish 'giant' to be precise.  The only glitch is that the main trophy contender, Bernard MacNeill's skeleton, is somewhere difficult to access and all seasoned explorers are otherwise engaged.  There may be hope though.  They turn to Fitzmaurice, a student not good enough for anything else.  Fitzmaurice agrees, picking his friends Crozier and Rafferty to go with him.  So… ''Gentlemen, lace up your strongest boots and pack your warmest underwear – we're all off to the bloody Arctic!''  Whether battle cry or epitaph, three men and a dog… and an iguana… are going anyway.
|amazonuk=<amazonuk>1910124826</amazonuk>
+
|isbn=1910124826
 
}}
 
}}
{{topten
+
{{Frontpage
 
|title=Sons of the Blood
 
|title=Sons of the Blood
 
|author=Robyn Young
 
|author=Robyn Young
Line 81: Line 81:
 
|genre=Historical Fiction
 
|genre=Historical Fiction
 
|summary=Bastard son, mercenary soldier, protector of the rightful king and seeker of a treacherous secret, Jack Wynter lives in dangerous times. In England, the Wars of the Roses ended a decade agao, with the victory of King Edward of York. But an uneasy peace is fast broken when the King dies, and feuds old and new are awoken. When Jack is sent from his life in Seville to gloomy and dangerous England, he must uncover the truth behind the secret that he has been guarding, and the reason for his Father's fall. As the new Prince Edward readies himself to be king, his uncle Richard makes a move for the throne - leading him and Jack on paths of intrigue, corruption, mystery and war. The old world is turning. A new world is rising.
 
|summary=Bastard son, mercenary soldier, protector of the rightful king and seeker of a treacherous secret, Jack Wynter lives in dangerous times. In England, the Wars of the Roses ended a decade agao, with the victory of King Edward of York. But an uneasy peace is fast broken when the King dies, and feuds old and new are awoken. When Jack is sent from his life in Seville to gloomy and dangerous England, he must uncover the truth behind the secret that he has been guarding, and the reason for his Father's fall. As the new Prince Edward readies himself to be king, his uncle Richard makes a move for the throne - leading him and Jack on paths of intrigue, corruption, mystery and war. The old world is turning. A new world is rising.
|amazonuk=<amazonuk>1444777718</amazonuk>
+
|isbn=1444777734
 
}}
 
}}
  

Latest revision as of 09:39, 3 February 2024

A few years ago historical fiction was a niche genre, but now it's mainstream and we've seen some cracking books this year. These are our favourites in alphabetical order by author.

0718184068.jpg

Review of

The New Mrs Clifton by Elizabeth Buchan

5star.jpg Historical Fiction

As the Second World War draws to a close, Intelligence Officer Gus Clifton surprises his sisters at their London home. But an even greater shock is the woman he brings with him, Krista - the German wife whom he married secretly in Berlin. Devastated by her experiences in Berlin, Krista is broken by the horrors she cannot share, and struggles to adjust to London life. But Gus's sisters can only see the enemy that their brother has brought under their roof, and they feel for their friend Nella, Gus's beautiful former fiancee. What hold does Krista have over Gus? What made him change his mind about Nella? As the women struggle to find their place in the world left scarred by the war, the secrets and lies they hide and share may come to tear them all apart... Full Review

1782397795.jpg

Review of

The Midnight Watch by David Dyer

5star.jpg Historical Fiction

In the early hours of April 15th 1912, the RMS Titanic sank causing the death of over 1,500 people. The Californian, commanded by Captain Stanley Lord was the nearest ship to it, near enough for anyone on deck that night to see the Titanic's distress rockets. This means it was near enough to go to its aid but it remained inactive while witnessing the unfolding events. Why? Within a day or two of the disaster American journalist John Steadman is sent to cover the Titanic's sinking but the story of the Californian's inaction intrigues him even more. Full Review

1784974560.jpg

Review of

The Last Horseman by David Gilman

5star.jpg Historical Fiction

Joseph Radcliff and Benjamin Pearce have both had their fill of war and conflict during the American Indian and Civil wars. They now spend their time trying to preserve life as Joseph defends Irish republicans in 19th century Dublin. However war hasn't finished with them. As the new century clicks over, the fight between a large chunk of Europe and the South African Boers intensifies and the Irish regiment they're attached to is mobilised. Joseph's young son Edward runs away to join the army he's grown up with, leaving the two veterans facing peril and horror they thought they'd never revisit but this time they do it to find Edward and bring him home. Full Review

1473617855.jpg

Review of

The Words In My Hand by Guinevere Glasfurd

5star.jpg Historical Fiction

17th century life circumstances dictate that Helena Jans has to go into service and is employed by Mr Sergeant, an English bookseller living in Amsterdam. There's much excitement when Mr Sergeant welcomes his new lodger, philosopher and scientist, Rene Descartes. However the thrill becomes somewhat muted when Helena's employer realises what the stay entails. Helena on the other hand, is totally enthralled by their guest: an enthrallment that will totally change her life. Full Review

Grant Dark.jpg

Review of

The Dark Circle by Linda Grant

5star.jpg Historical Fiction

It's 1949, and with the Second World War over, a new decade of recovery is beginning. For East End teenagers Lenny and Miriam, life has been suspended. Diagnosed with tuberculosis, they are sent away to a sanatorium in Kent, to take the cure, submit to the way of the Doctors, and learn the deferential way of the patient. Through doors newly opened by the one-year-old NHS, come Lenny in his striped London drape suit, and Miriam in cherry felt red coat, and beret pinned gingerly onto her blue-black curls. Trapped in a sterile closed environment, the twins find themselves meeting air force officers, a car salesman, a university graduate, a mysterious German woman, a member of the Aristocracy, and, arriving to blast away their lethargic submission to authority - an American merchant seaman. Together they discover that a cure is tantalisingly just out of reach, and may only be gained through full-scale rebellion... Full Review

1471156664.jpg

Review of

The Last Days of Night by Graham Moore

5star.jpg Historical Fiction

The night-time of our ancestors is ending. Electric light is our future. The man who controls it will not simply make an unimaginable fortune. He will not simply dictate politics… The man who controls electricity will control the very sun in the sky.

Graham Moore's latest novel is set in 19th Century New York City following the War of the Currents immediately after the discovery of electricity. Paul Cravath is a young lawyer, recently graduated from Columbia Law School, who finds himself at the centre of the biggest lawsuit in American history to date: who invented the light bulb. Enlisted to defend George Westinghouse against 312 lawsuits and a sum of one billion dollars, Paul embarks on a seemingly impossible case to win. Going up against the incredibly intelligent and extremely resourceful Thomas Edison, who has newspapers at his disposal and the support of J.P. Morgan himself, Paul is nonetheless determined to win by any means necessary. In his unwavering quest for victory, Paul encounters Nikola Tesla, the eccentric genius who could have the power to stop Edison; Alexander Bell, the inventor of the telephone and only one to beat Edison before; as well as Agnes Huntington, the astonishingly beautiful opera singer. With the stakes so high, Paul will discover that everyone is desperate to win, setting in motion their own plans with disastrous consequences. Full Review

Sanger All.jpg

Review of

All Their Minds In Tandem by David Sanger

5star.jpg Historical Fiction

October 1879: A stranger walks into New Georgetown, West Virginia to keep an appointment. He calls himself 'The Maker' and has a gift that gives him access to people's minds. Gradually he'll become deeply acquainted with the townsfolk but it mustn't sway him from what he's here to accomplish. One man, one mission and no guarantee how it will end. Full Review

1408837641.jpg

Review of

The Summer Before the War by Helen Simonson

5star.jpg Historical Fiction

Summer 1914: Beatrice Nash arrives in Rye following the death of her father, hoping to earn a living as a Latin tutor. Despite being the sort of woman with ideas of her own, she has allies in the family of local pillar of the community Lady Agatha. Agatha may not have realised just how modern Beatrice is but she'll stand by her after having been her sponsor for the post initially. Meanwhile Agatha's nephew, medical student Hugh soon warms to Beatrice but his heart belongs to Lucy, his surgeon professor's daughter. Soon, though, the events of a small town summer will fade in importance; the Balkans will explode and Europe is thrown into a war that's far from the swift, romantic, consequence-free conflict of which summer daydreams are made. Full Review

1910124826.jpg

Review of

The Voyage of the Dolphin by Kevin Smith

5star.jpg Historical Fiction

Dublin 1916: Among the unrest and anti-British feeling worsened by the threat of conscription into a war seen as nothing to do with the Irish, Trinity College faculty has other distractions. They'd like a trophy; the skeleton of an Irish 'giant' to be precise. The only glitch is that the main trophy contender, Bernard MacNeill's skeleton, is somewhere difficult to access and all seasoned explorers are otherwise engaged. There may be hope though. They turn to Fitzmaurice, a student not good enough for anything else. Fitzmaurice agrees, picking his friends Crozier and Rafferty to go with him. So… Gentlemen, lace up your strongest boots and pack your warmest underwear – we're all off to the bloody Arctic! Whether battle cry or epitaph, three men and a dog… and an iguana… are going anyway. Full Review

1444777734.jpg

Review of

Sons of the Blood by Robyn Young

5star.jpg Historical Fiction

Bastard son, mercenary soldier, protector of the rightful king and seeker of a treacherous secret, Jack Wynter lives in dangerous times. In England, the Wars of the Roses ended a decade agao, with the victory of King Edward of York. But an uneasy peace is fast broken when the King dies, and feuds old and new are awoken. When Jack is sent from his life in Seville to gloomy and dangerous England, he must uncover the truth behind the secret that he has been guarding, and the reason for his Father's fall. As the new Prince Edward readies himself to be king, his uncle Richard makes a move for the throne - leading him and Jack on paths of intrigue, corruption, mystery and war. The old world is turning. A new world is rising. Full Review

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