Historical Fiction Not Set in WWII
I have always been a big fantasy and mystery reader.
Nancy Drew and Harry Potter cemented that love, but lately Historical Fiction has become my new go-to.
War stories are fascinating, especially when they shine a light on women’s roles or forgotten parts of history. (I have a new obsession with the Enigma Code and Bletchley Park.)
But there are times when I need a break from the wartime drama.
Sometimes I just want to time travel with characters that are not in the middle of a war.
What I love the most is stepping into another era and seeing it through the eyes of some great characters.
So these books are Historical Fiction not focused on a war that I couldn’t put down.
Some are big hits, others might be new to you, but they’re all stories that entertained and enlightened me.
The Phoenix Crown by Kate Quinn and Janie Chang
Centering around the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, the story follows Gemma who is trying to revive her opera career and Suling who is trying to escape her family and an arranged marriage.
Their stories intertwine around Henry Thornton, a manipulative railroad magnate, and his Chinese antiques collection including the Phoenix Crown.
This is a mystery, adventure and story of friendship. Check out my full review.
Kate Quinn is one of my favorite authors. I reviewed The Rose Codeand The Diamond Eye and have 2 more of her books on my TBR.
Did You Hear About Kitty Karr? by Crystal Smith Paul
When the famous icon and movie star Kitty Karr dies, she leaves her estate to three young black women, and Hollywood begins to wonder why.
The St. John sisters are wealthy and semi-famous themselves, but seem to have no connection to Kitty Karr.
Told in past and present, the mystery of Kitty and how she “relates” to the St. Johns will keep you turning the pages.
This was her fiction debut and a Reese’s book club pick. I look forward to her next book.
Her Hidden Genius by Marie Benedict
This is the story of Rosalind Franklin and how women were treated in the scientific community during the 1950’s. Franklin was a brilliant scientist who took pictures of DNA using X-ray crystallography.
These pictures were used without her permission by other male scientists so that they could map the structure of DNA. They won a noble prize, and she received no credit at all until after her death.
Marie Benedict is a master of historical “faction”, with many books I have read or want to read. If you liked Lessons in Chemistry, give this one a try.
The Social Graces by Renee Rosen
In 1876 upper crust Manhattan, Mrs. Astor is the top of the social standings.
When Alva Vanderbilt marries into new money, she challenges Mrs. Astor for that top spot.
It’s a battle to see who can control society and if things will change or stay with the status quo.
Based on the true story of these famous families.
If you like HBO’s Gilded Age ( I highly recommend it!) or Downton Abbey, you will love this book.
The Tobacco Wives by Adele Myers
Big Tobacco Set in North Carolina in 1946
Maddie, a young seamstress, is abandoned by her mother and sent to live with her aunt, who is the dressmaker to the wives of big tobacco executives.
She soon uncovers dangerous secrets about the families and sinister health concerns the tobacco giants want desperately to hide.
Can a teenage girl stand up and do what’s right and who can she trust to help her?
This is a debut novel with a very unique story.
I hope if you love historical fiction you will give some of these a try. Try anything by Kate Quinn or Marie Benedict and happy reading!
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Cozy up with a good read and hope to see you
in the middle of a book,
Tracy
