Historical Fiction Book Recommendations | Not WWII | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

A booktuber recommends five historical fiction novels that are not set during World War II, ranging from a murder trial in 1828 Iceland to a secretive Hollywood actress in the 1950s.

Key Insights

• 💢 Historical fiction novels can offer compelling stories beyond the World War II era.
• 😫 Authors like Hannah Kent, M.L. Stedman, Colson Whitehead, Taylor Jenkins Reid, and Lisa Wingate provide diverse and engaging narratives set in different historical periods.
• ❓ Fictional characters navigating historical events can provide a unique perspective on history and highlight lesser-known aspects.
• 🪜 The blending of literary fiction with historical fiction can enhance the storytelling and add depth to the narrative.

Transcript

well hello everyone it is april and today i'm going to be sharing with you five historical fiction books that i have absolutely loved none of them or world war ii that can be a little overdone you know i think a lot of people need historical fiction suggestions that don't have to do with that very oversaturated market so let's get into it we are cr... Read More

Questions & Answers

Q: Are these historical fiction books solely focused on World War II?

No, these recommendations offer refreshing historical fiction stories that explore various time periods, from 1828 Iceland to 1950s Hollywood, without focusing on World War II.

Q: What makes "Burial Rites" unique among historical fiction novels?

"Burial Rites" stands out for its blend of literary fiction and historical fiction, its setting in 1828 Iceland, and its exploration of a woman named Agnes who awaits her execution for murder.

Q: How does "The Underground Railroad" reimagine history?

"The Underground Railroad" by Colson Whitehead reimagines the historical underground railroad as an actual underground railroad, challenging the glorified perspective of history and offering a unique twist on the narrative.

Q: Is "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" a character-driven novel?

Yes, "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" is a character-driven novel that delves into the life of Evelyn Hugo, a complex and ambitious Hollywood actress who reveals her fascinating story to a chosen reporter.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The booktuber recommends "Burial Rites" by Hannah Kent, a novel set in 1828 Iceland where a woman awaits her execution for the murder of two men.

• "The Light Between Oceans" by M.L. Stedman follows a couple living in Australia in 1926 who discover a dead man and a baby washed ashore, leading to life-altering consequences.

• "The Underground Railroad" by Colson Whitehead reimagines the historical underground railroad as an actual railroad, showcasing the journey of a young enslaved woman named Cora in the antebellum south.

• "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" by Taylor Jenkins Reid is set in 1950s Hollywood and follows the rise to fame of Evelyn Hugo, a complex and ruthless actress who chooses one reporter to tell her life story.

• "Before We Were Yours" by Lisa Wingate is based on a true story and explores the kidnapping of poor children in Memphis in the 1930s, their placement in a corrupt orphanage, and the present-day search for the truth.