Ten best Historical Novels!

What is it about us that we never tire of top ten lists? And why ten for that matter? The (London) Observer [the world's oldest Sunday newspaper, FYI] recently listed The 10 Best Historical Novels. The list is not overly British in focus (settings include Brooklyn,Germany, ancient Rome and Russia), but don't expect any representation of Asia, Africa or South America.  Included are Romola by George Eliot, Blue Flower by Penelope Fitzgerald and Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel. For the complete list with annotations, go to the Observer web site.
--RL

Historical Fiction and Horror Genre Award Winners

Summer is here and the following are two you may want to add to your reading list.

If you like Historical Fiction, the Walter Scott prize winner, The Long Song, should be on your list. Andrea Levy creates the memoir of a 19th century Jamaican woman who has the opportunity to taste freedom after the end of slavery.



Horror fans must add the Bram Stoker award winner, A Dark Matter, by Peter Straub, a well-known name in the Horror genre. Straub pens the tale of a man who tries to help traumatized family and friends come to terms with a horrific night in the 1960s that has haunted all of them since. By revisiting this event the group the evil confronted on that night in the sixties is reawakened and unpredictable events occur. Be prepared to sleep with the lights on. SH

Sue Recommends Caleb's Crossing by Geraldine Brooks

With Geraldine Brooks' Pulitzer Prize winning March and highly acclaimed People of the Book, she doesn't need much promotion for a lot of readers to try her new historical novel, Caleb's Crossing. The connection with Boston, Martha's Vineyard, the Wampanoag people, and Harvard College ensures it to be a local bestseller.

There are other elements, especially social issues, of this must read selection that will fascinate anyone who chances to begin this story based upon intensive historical research by Ms. Brooks:

• first Native American graduate from Harvard

• consequences of the relationship between the Wampanoag tribes and Englishmen

• clashing of cultures

• discrimination of and attitudes toward Native Americans

• religion's influence in Massachusetts settlements

• attitudes toward women

• value and love of education

• maturing love and friendship of a young woman (Bethia) and young Native American chief's son (Caleb) and the barriers to their relationship.

Brooks continues her magic with words as she weaves a wonderful story told through the memories of Bethia beginning in 1660 as she relates the crossing of Caleb, not just across Massachusetts Bay, but from the world of the Wampanoags to that of the English.

This book will be on my list of titles to give to family and close friends.

SH

50th Anniversary for TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD

In 1960 Harper Lee, at the age of 35, penned the Pulitzer Prize winning novel, To Kill a Mockingbird. Little did she know that this book would have a tremendous impact not only on the readers in the United States but also the world. On its 50th anniversary, this book has been translated into 40+ languages and has sold more than 40 million copies. In 1962 the movie with Gregory Peck was made and it was nominated for 8 and won 3 Academy Awards.

To celebrate, HarperCollins is sponsoring events nationwide. The events in the Boston area are
July 14 (Cambridge) Brattle Theatre Panel Discussion followed screening of the movie.

September 18 Boston Boston Public Library--Panel Discussion

September 19 Boston Boston Public Library--Movie Screening

To read about how the movie impacted some people's live's, pick up a copy of Scout, Atticus, and Boo: a celebration of 50 years of To Kill a Mockingbird by Mary McDonagh Murphy. In this book she interviews prominent figures including Oprah Winfrey, Tom Brokaw, Wall Lamb, and Anna Quindlen to find out the book's effect on them. SH

Jean Auel Returns with Book 6 of the Earth's Children Series

Mark March 29, 2011, on your calendar in preparation for the release of the sixth and final book of the Earth's Children series, The Land of Painted Caves, In preparation, try the other books in the series about lives of Ayla and Jondular more than 25,000 years ago. If you have never heard of the series, which began back in 1980 with the Clan of the Cave Bear, get ready to have a new favorite series. SH

Book 1. Clan of the Cave Bear





Book 2. Valley of Horses





Book 3. Mammoth Hunters





Book 4. Plains of Passage





Book 5. Shelters of Stone

Missing Michael Crichton? Pirate Latitudes is on the Horizon

With the passing of Michael Crichton in November, you may have been feeling a void in your book selection, tv programs, or upcoming movies. He was quite active in all areas.

Alas, good news for his fans! Before his death he finished a well-researched 17th century Jamaican pirate adventure entitled Pirate Latitudes. It features a character named Hunter who attacks Spanish galleons at the behest of the Jamaican governor. HarperCollins has set its publication date for November 24. With Pirate Latitudes, Crichton returns to the historical fiction genre with a story that triggers memories of his The Great Train Robbery (1975). The movie version starred big name stars Sean Connery, Donald Sutherland, and Leslie-Anne Downes.

Techno fans may be disappointed with this title but will have a pseudo- Crichton thriller to look forward to in 2010. This tale was only 1/3 complete when he died but he left notes on the direction he wanted it to take. Let's hope the publisher picks someone who will be true to Crichton's style and obsession with technology. Stay tuned for more information. SH