Historical Fiction Books?

Try The Journeyer by Gary Jennings, Sho Gun and Pillars of the Earth. these are 3 of my favorite books. Ones you can read over and over. Be warned they are each over 700 pages but by the time they end you are disappointed to lose your friends.

How about a great book that's *real* history? Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee. It's a story about the American expansion - from the point of view of the Native Americans who lived through it. The book is pretty long - not for the faint-of-heart. But it's written in a much more interesting style than a history text book, and I consider it a "must-read" for Americans.

For fiction, try Orson Scott Card's "Seventh Son", about an early 1800's America where *everyone* has magical powers - and one boy most of all. Read my review here: http://www.life-after-harry-potter.com/

Jim

I haven't read any historical fiction on thoes subjects. But if you're open to 19th Century USA, I have seceral reccomendations including Gentleman Rogue by Matt Braun

and How The West Was Won

"Desiree" by Annemarie Selinko, published by Pocket books.

Printed in USA by permission of William Morrow & Company.

This book takes place just after the French Revolution, when Napoleon is gaining power in the French army. It is written from the viewpoint of his first love, Eugenie Clary. You will find this book quickly progresses from the love story to portray an insight into Napoleon and the Buonaparte family, then introduces an intrigueing character: French General Jean Baptiste Bernadotte, who is later chosen by the country of Sweden to be their own king.

It is an in depth portrayal of all the political intrigues, the war campaigns and their effect on the countries involved and builds logically to the conclusion, where Eugenie (Desiree) Clary is crowned queen of Sweden.

I found it a fascinating book, well-written, with excellent handling of the characters, rich in insight and scope. It would make a supurb movie: I think Liam Neeson would play General Bernadotte well.

My own personal favorite at historical fiction is Dorothy Dunnett who writes mainly from a Scottish perspective. I would recommend her Francis Crawford series or "King Hereafter" (a unique take on the historical Macbeth).

The Flashman Papers, a series by George MacDonald Frasier...hilarious.

Then you have to read Harry Turtledove, he is the master of historical fiction. Also Bernard Cornwell, or Rutherford.