Best historical fiction

[Agân]

I definitely agree with the Guillou recommendations, though it is too bad that the last book hasn't been translated to English (and, seemingly, it's not going to be either). For those in the Nordic countries and the German and Spanish speaking world, they should be available.

There is also a fourth book, a stand alone sequel about Arn's son.

Actually, it's about Birger Jarl, the founder of Stockholm, and Arn's grandson.

- Agân

[Liathano]

I'm sure she has been mentioned in this thread already but I couldn't find it, Barbara Erskine. I loved her books Lady of Hay, Kingdom of Shadows and Child of the Phoenix. The last being based on one of her ancestors. She released another one this year but I am still waiting for the library to get it to me...I may be waiting awhile, sigh .

[Shayna]

I started to work at Chapters not too long ago. My copy of Lady in Hay has yellowed and the spine looks like it could use a new cover!

I have been reccommending Barbara Erskines' book to all my customers!!

PS: I need to get another copy, but love the cover of my old one!

[Liathano]

I have been recommended Diana Gabaldon but have yet to get around to her. Is she historical fiction or more sci fi?

[AuntiePam]

I'm too lazy to review the thread to see if this book has already been mentioned -- Kristin Lavrandsdatter by Sigrid Undset. She won the Nobel Prize for this back in the 30's, and it's excellent. It's the life of a Norwegian woman in the 1300's. Kristin's filled with conflict over her duty to her family and her church, and her love for her husband, and guilt over putting him first in her life. I loved this book. It's about 1000 pages, but it's so well-written, it was over too fast.

[FicusFan]

I have been recommended Diana Gabaldon but have yet to get around to her. Is she historical fiction or more sci fi?

It is more historical fiction. The sf/f thing is that her main character is a woman from the 1940s who goes back in time to the 1700s. It is never really explained but it has something to do with the standing stone circles, and magic.

The main character, Claire, just happens to be in the right place at the right time, and accidentally gets transported. Most of the story is about her life and adventures there, although she does learn how to go back and forth, and meets/glimpses other who also seem to be time travelers. I enjoy the series very much, but am a couple books behind in reading.

[JBI]

My absolute favourite book, The Name of The Rose by Umberto Eco. Eco captures 14th century Italy perfectly, and creates the ultimate combination of History, philosophy, romance, theology, and mystery in an incredible read that kept me up for nights (even after I was finished I spent 4 hours awake just thinking about the book). Should be extremely available.

[sic's mom]

Currently I am in the middle of Phillipa Gregory's "The Other Boleyn Girl" and enjoying it very much. Plan to read "The Boleyn Inheritance" after words. These are the first books of hers I have ever read and since I am liking them I will try others. Has anyone here read any of her stuff and which of her books would you recommend?

[Kailana]

Currently I am in the middle of Phillipa Gregory's "The Other Boleyn Girl" and enjoying it very much. Plan to read "The Boleyn Inheritance" after words. These are the first books of hers I have ever read and since I am liking them I will try others. Has anyone here read any of her stuff and which of her books would you recommend?

I wouldn't say recommend, but that's sort of a quintet. The Queen's Fool, The Virgin's Lover, and The Constant Princess also belong in there.

The Queen's Fool is about Queen Mary
The Virgin's Lover is about Queen Elizabeth
The Constant Princess is about Queen Catherine

These are all the Tudor queens that were married or were the kin to the infamous King Henry VIII. Release datewise, these books should go before The Boelyn Inheritance. Chronological, it should be The Constant Princess, The Other Boelyn Girl, The Boelyn Inheritance, The Queen's Fool, and the Virgin's Lover.

[Raule]

I'm too lazy to review the thread to see if this book has already been mentioned -- Kristin Lavrandsdatter by Sigrid Undset. She won the Nobel Prize for this back in the 30's, and it's excellent. It's the life of a Norwegian woman in the 1300's. Kristin's filled with conflict over her duty to her family and her church, and her love for her husband, and guilt over putting him first in her life. I loved this book. It's about 1000 pages, but it's so well-written, it was over too fast.

Auntie Pam,

I recently read these (my version was published in three volumes), and they are extraordinary. Undset captures the sensibilities of the time she's writing about in a way that I think is quite rare. Did you read the older Archer translation or the newer Nunnally translation? I read the Archer translation because that was what was available in the bookstore, but I've heard great things about Nunnally's translation (apparently, it's more in the spirit of Undset's clear and spare tone, without the archaic English expressions). Either way, I think these are worth reading.

[AuntiePam]

I read the newer one. I was warned off the original, because of the archaic language. I didn't know that the newer translation was considered more faithful to Undsett's style. That's good to know.

[sic's mom]

Still on my Tudor kick. Am currently reading Alison Weir's "Innocent Traitor". This is her first novel, and since I loved her other stuff I decided to try it. It is about Lady Jane Grey and her rather short life. I am liking it and hope that Ms Weir decides to do more fiction. I loved her bios, they read almost like fiction. So any more books she puts out I will have to try.

[OrphuofIo]

I read alot of Frontier Historical fiction.

Terry C. Johnston-

Carry the Wind

Borderlords

One-Eyed Dream

Cry of the Hawk

Dream Catcher

Dance on the Wind

Buffalo Palace

Ride the Moon Down

Allan W. Eckert- The winning of America series.