Posts
A new retelling of the Trojan War, as seen from the viewpoint of Briseis, a former queen turned captive. Barker has said that this is the novel she hopes she'll be remembered for. Doubleday, Sept. (this one is out now). [see on Goodreads]
The story of Judith Leyster, a painter of the Dutch Golden Age in the 17th century, and her ambitions to join the artists' guild in Haarlem. Amberjack, Nov. [see on Goodreads]
Alva Smith Vanderbilt, known in Gilded Age society for her opulent masquerade balls and unstoppable ambition, especially where her daughter was concerned, later became a prominent women's rights supporter. St. Martin's, Oct. [see on Goodreads]
In the 14th century, a Templar's son is sent to a rural English village to solve a mysterious murder and gets caught up in a tangled nest of secrets. Crooked Lane, Nov. [see on Goodreads]
The story of Hercules, acclaimed chef to President Washington in late 18th-century Philadelphia: an enslaved man in a city famed for its principles of liberty. Based on a true story. Arcade, Nov. [see on Goodreads]
The Splendor Before the Dark is part two (after The Confessions of Young Nero) of the outrageous life story of Emperor Nero, told in his own lively voice and seen here in a new and sympathetic light. Berkley, Nov. [see on Goodreads]
I've yet to read one of Grisham's novels, and this one dovetails with my historical fiction interests. It's described as a mixture of legal thriller and Southern Gothic, centering on the mysterious killing of a Mississippi pastor in 1946 by one of his good friends. Doubleday, Oct. [see on Goodreads]
In hopes of a more prosperous life, a young woman travels from China to San Francisco in 1923 to establish a new life with a husband she doesn't know; she also works hard to save an orphan she met en route. Lake Union, Oct. [see on Goodreads]
The story of Liberia's founding in the 19th century, told through the viewpoints of several characters, and with a touch of magical realism. Graywolf, Sept. (out now). [see on Goodreads]
Roy's novel examines mid-20th-century India through the stories of a man who uncovers his artist mother's itinerant life through India and Bali, as he searches for the reasons she left her family behind. Atria, Nov. [see on Goodreads]
I enjoy it so much when you give us lists of upcoming books, Sarah. This time I have decided to put "A well behaved woman" and "Those who go by night" on my to be read list, both because they are in eras I find interesting and sound very good. I was going to include "The Reckoning" by Grisham but see on Goodreads that it is not well received at all. So have struck it off my list.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Donna! Glad you found some books worth including on the TBR.
ReplyDeleteI saw a couple of critical reviews of The Reckoning, though the overall rating is 3.91, which is rather high. The fact that there are sexist characters in a novel set in the 1940s isn't especially surprising to me. I'm going to reserve judgment until I have the chance to see for myself how the author handles the sexism and racism of the time.
The General's Cook sounds interesting!
ReplyDeleteHi, Marg! I agree. There have been a few culinary-related HF titles out recently. I read an interesting backstory about its publication history at Library Journal's website. It's taken a while for it to be published.
DeleteVery interesting article! Thanks for linking it.
Delete"Those Who Go by Night" sounds interesting - working with our local historical society researching past owners of a property here in northern Ohio I noted that one who died in 1911 had a "Knights Templar service." They're a fascinating group! And "The General's Cook" and "Paper Wife" sound good too. Thanks for the list!
ReplyDeleteHow interesting - I was just looking online for the connection between the modern group (which seems to be related to Freemasons) and the historical Templars. Glad you liked the list!
DeleteI'm curious about "A Well Behaved Woman," as I like stories in which people choose difficult paths for good reasons. And then "The General's Cook" speaks to me as something I'd like - I'm generally interested in Early American settings. Thanks for giving us a preview!
ReplyDeleteI got curious about Well Behaved Woman after having read about the life of her daughter, who was pushed into marrying the Duke of Marlborough (they weren't very happy). I didn't have much sympathy for Alva Vanderbilt then, but it would be interesting to learn more about her story.
DeleteA biographical novel about Consuelo, AMERICAN DUCHESS, by Karen Hughes is to be published in February. Hmm, now we can see what she and mama thought about each other.
DeleteSarah OL
I'm figuring it's based partly on her autobiography (The Glitter and the Gold). It's an entertaining read (ghostwritten, if we're to believe Wikipedia...)
DeleteCoincidentally, I finished the Pat Barker novel last night, and as far as I'm concerned, she'll get her wish. It's a masterpiece.
ReplyDeleteHigh praise, and encouraging news. Hope you'll decide to review it? I bought a copy for the library collection last week.
Delete