I haven’t had a chance to participate in Weekly Geeks in a while but I loved this week’s topic so here it goes:
Let’s take a magical history tour this week, with a focus on Historical Fiction. That is, contemporary novels with a historical setting. I like to give choices, so here they are, pick the question(s) that appeal to you:
Is there a particular era that you love reading about? Tell us about it–give us a book list, if you’d like. Include pictures or some fun facts from that time period, maybe link to a website that focuses on that time. Educate us.
I think you guys know that I’m a big fan of historical novels, especially those set in the Victorian Era. Something about the customs, the dresses, the gaslights, it all appeals to me. Here’s a short list of some of my favorite books set in this time frame.
- Lady’s Maid by Margaret Forester. I believe this was the book that start it all for me.
- Affinity by Sarah Waters
- Tipping the Velvet by Sarah Waters
- Sleep, Pale Sister by Joanne Harris
And, there are a bunch of mystery series I follow which are set in Victorian times too. I know I recently listed some of these but here are even more:
- Lizzie Martin series by Ann Granger
- Sarah Brandt series by Victoria Thompson
- Barker & Llewelyn series by Will Thomas
- Julia Grey series by Deanna Raybourn
- Sir Charles & Kate Sheridan series by Robin Paige
- William Murdoch series by Maureen Jennings
You should see just how many more books I have that are also set in this period which are waiting for me. Of course, if you have any recommendations let me know. I’m always adding to the list.
For those of you who enjoy historical fiction check out this web site. Your wish list will go overboard.
I don’t read enough historical fiction but am always looking for recommendations. Sarah Waters is an author I have been wanting to try as is Joanne Harris. I will also have to check out the other authors you mention. I really enjoy mysteries with historical settings.
I am terribly under-read in the historical fiction genre, but I love it nevertheless! It is something that I definitely need to pursue – maybe I will through a challenge or two (next year!). I was cheated in high school and college with a lack of classics, so that is my self-help project this year!
Oooh, Victorian mysteries *takes notes*
The Victorian period is one of my favourites to read about too. I also love Edwardian/WWI/the years just after that.
What a cool site! Like Nymeth, I also am interested in the Edwardian period in England, or what I call the “Upstairs/Downstairs” period up to WWI. I see that Laurie King is on there, and I have The Beekeeper’s Apprentice on my TBR list already. Have you read Kate Kingsbury or Andrew Martin?
I have a friend who is friends with Sarah Waters. Years ago she used to talk about her all the time, but I had no idea who she was…now her name is everywhere!
I really need to read more Sarah Waters! I have only read Night Watch by her, and I liked it, but a lot of people did not so it makes me think her other books must be even better!
I could visit that time period. Toilets existed and so did bathtubs.
I love the Victorian period, too. Love your lists! I have another Sarah Waters book on my shelf that I must read–Fingersmith. Have you read it? I also like anything by any of the three Bronte sisters, Middlemarch by George Eliot, The French Lieutenant’s Woman by John Fowles…the list goes on an on!
I love this period too – I finished Affinty earlier this year and am now starting Fingersmith – such a fantastic author. I know she has a new book coming out soon – is it set in the same time period??
I love William Palmer’s Wilkie Collins and Charles Dickens series. It’s written as if they are the lost journals/notebooks of Collins and it’s a very Holmes and Watson relationship.
Also, Waters’s Fingersmith was an incredible novel.
Literary Feline – I highly recommend both Waters & Harris so hope you’ll check ’em out. Of course my favorite Joanne Harris book is not a historical but it’s Chocolat. Love that book & film too.
Sandy – Oh when it comes to H.S. & University I definitely feel I was cheated regarding classics too. I think most of the classics I’ve read have been on my own. I guess the upshot is that I think I’ve appreciated them more 🙂
Nymeth – The Edwardian and War periods are fascinating too aren’t they? Especially when it came to women’s roles in society. I have a whole other list of books from that time frame that I want to get to one day!
Priscilla – Haven’t read those authors you mentioned so I’m definitely taking note! Lately I keep seeing Laurie King’s name all over the blogosphere and I think I need to read her series! What a cool connection for your friend!
Kailana – I tried to read Night Watch when it came out but I think I grabbed the book at the wrong time because I couldn’t get into it. I definitely plan on going back to it though. I think she’s a great writer.
Isabel – Haha… My mom loves the medieval ages but I keep telling her there’s no way I’d ever want to visit that time. Not even for a day! I guess I am a higher maintenance than I though 😉
Gentle Reader – I haven’t read Fingersmith – yet! I do have it on the shelf though and one of these days I’ll get to it. Oh and John Fowles – I must read something else by him. I’ve read the Magus which I was blown away by so I really have to read more!
Karen – Isn’t Affinity wonderful? I also love the whole ghost/seance thing so that one is my fave. And, yes, I’ve heard she’s got a new book coming out later this year but I’ve not heard anything else. I will definitely be on the look out for that one!
Mike B. – Oh my, that sounds like such a fun series. I’d never heard of it. I’m taking note! 🙂
What a coincidence! I just posted a Thursday Thirteen list of favorite works of historical fiction! Thanks for the reminder to read more Sara Waters. I read Night Watch and have several others in my stacks. I think she has a new one coming out soon, too.
I don’t have a favorite period for historical fiction, I’m a dabbler!
I do find that a well-written historical fiction lets me learn a lot of (true) history about a given era.
I love historical fiction, too. I think anything Victorian through the war years is interesting–I go in phases. I really need to read Lady’s Maid–I have it on my pile. I love anything by Sarah Waters, too. Great choices!
Les in NE – I can’t wait to see your list! I just don’t know how I got so behind on my blog reading this week 🙂 And, yes, I just got an email newsletter from Virago Press and it looks like she has a new website and all for her new book. I must check it out!
Dawn – You are right, if it’s well written then you can’t help but be transported to another time. I do like almost all historical novels just tend to go more for the Victorian era.
Danielle – It’s been forever since I first read Lady’s Maid so I’m curious how I’d react to it now that I’ve read much more historical fiction. I do remember loving it though so I hope we you get to it you’ll enjoy it!
I’ve read both those by Sarah Waters, and the one by Joanne Harris, so I guess I’d better add Lady’s Maid to my list. 🙂
And you really should read Fingersmith! I still haven’t read Night Watch, for shame, but am glad to hear she has another one coming out soon. And I’ve got the first book in Deanna Raybourn’s series waiting here impatiently.
Tanabata – Oh see, you must then 🙂 I do need to read Fingersmith – what’s wrong me with me! I hope you’ll enjoy the Deanna Raybourn – the first line in that book is just perfect!
Wonderful list, Bookgirl. More for my list. One of my favorite Victorian mystery series is the William Monk books by Anne Perry. Have you read any of those?
booklogged – I tried one of her series and didn’t like it too much but I have heard that her William Monk series is great. I’m definitely going to look for it then!