We love historical fiction! This month library and museum staff are sharing some of our favourites.
The Birth of Venus by Sarah Dunant
A fantastic first-person view of Florence’s Renaissance. It tackles themes of struggling to balance personal dreams and relationships, and political corruption. I am also just a big fan of Botticelli. - Josh
Byzantium by Stephen Lawhead
"Byzantium" is a historical fiction novel by Stephen Lawhead. The story revolves around Aidan, a scribe who lives a simple life in an Irish Monastery, despite being born into a privileged family. However, his life takes an unexpected turn when he is chosen for a special mission to Byzantium. His task is to deliver the valuable Book of Kells to the Emperor. During his journey, Aidan transforms into a warrior, and a sailor, and experiences various cultures. The novel is a thrilling read that takes readers on an adventurous ride while exploring themes of identity and self-discovery. - Jen D.
Caesar’s Women by Colleen McCullough
The book reflects on the women who influenced the man who would change the face of the ancient world, the man who ended a republic and kick started an Empire. Julius Caesar was history, his victories were legend, he wielded love as a political weapon. McCullough’s "Caesar’s Women" is beautifully researched and marvellously detailed. She focuses on the traditional male pursuits - political intrigue, war, and conquest - while highlighting the women behind the man, women who lived their lives in a repressively patriarchal society. "Caesar’s Women" captures the drive and passion of Ancient Rome. A great read! - Alessia
Remarkable Creatures by Tracy Chevalier
I recommend all of Tracy Chevalier's historical novels, but "Remarkable Creatures" is my favourite. It is the story of Mary Anning, a gifted paleontologist who began her career fossil hunting on the cliffs of Lyme Regis in the early 1800s. Although she discovered fossils of sea creatures no one had ever seen before, she was never fully accepted by the scientific community and faced class and social prejudice. Amazing! - Elisa
A Sailor of Austria by John Biggins
"A Sailor of Austria" is the first book in a series that follows the career of Lieutenant Otto Prohaska of the Imperial and Royal Austro-Hungarian Navy through the course of W.W.I. Prohashka, a Czech, is sent to captain a deathtrap of a submarine in the tiny and antiquated Austrian navy. He must cope with a recalcitrant crew (who speak eleven languages), petrol poisoning and exploding toilets. The height of absurdity is reached when he is ordered to deliver a camel, in a submarine, from North Africa to Crete. There is adventure, yes, but also humour, written with literary flair. Biggins paints a fascinating picture of life in the last years of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The series will appeal to readers who liked Patrick O'Brian and other tales of naval derring-do. - Ken
This House Is Not a Home by Katłıerine Lafferty
Powerful imagery and message on the importance of respectful connections between people, and between people and nature. Brought me to tears a few times. Offered a perspective and story that broadened my understanding and compassion towards the injustices faced by Indigenous people in Canada. - Monica
What the River Knows by Isabel Ibañez
Set in 19th century Egypt, this historical fiction follows Inez Olivero as she travels from her home in Buenos Aires to Cairo to find out the truth behind her parents’ mysterious deaths during their archeological expedition. This book is full of Egyptian history, interesting twists, romance, and adventure. The descriptive writing will make you feel like you’re in the markets of Cairo, excavating an archeological site, and sailing down the Nile with the characters. - Natashia