Well, as we’ve noted before, it’s the time of year for all things book list, so we figured, if you can’t beat them, join them! Over the course of the next two weeks we’ll be posting lists of “Best Books” as chosen by genre experts and librarians. Do let us know in the comments if you agree with our choices, or if you’d like to suggest any titles we’ve missed!
Best Historical Fiction 2009: Contributed by Sarah L. Johnson
Subgenre: Literary Historical Fiction
Dara Horn–All Other Nights
An engrossing and emotionally resonant tale, rich in cultural symbolism, about Jewish spies during the American Civil War as seen from the viewpoint of a Union soldier with a unique moral dilemma. It’s a departure from Horn’s previous novels, but a very successful one.
Robert Hicks–A Separate Country
A powerful, multilayered epic about the marriage and personal transformation of Confederate general John Bell Hood, who relocated to New Orleans after the Civil War. If you loved The Widow of the South, you’ll want to read this one, too.
Hilary Mantel–Wolf Hall
With great style and wit, Mantel reinvents the Tudor novel in her brilliant revisionist portrait of Thomas Cromwell, the advisor who orchestrated Henry VIII’s break with Rome and marriage to Anne Boleyn. It’s well deserving of the 2009 Booker Prize.
Jude Morgan–The Taste of Sorrow
Morgan proves the world really does need a new novel about the Bronte sisters, presenting Emily, Charlotte, and Anne with deep insight and sensitivity. This is the British title; look for the US release next April, under the title “Charlotte and Emily.”
Subgenre: Sagas with a Sense of Place/American Regional Sagas
Jennifer Niven–Velva Jean Learns to Drive
Niven’s debut novel, set in the 1930s, is a coming-of-age tale drenched in North Carolina mountain lore. Velva Jean Hart is a talented young singer caught between a woman’s traditional role and the pull of the great wide world of Nashville, and her narrative draws readers in and doesn’t let go.
Sarah L. Johnson is Reference Librarian and Associate Professor at Booth Library, Eastern Illinois University, Charleston, Illinois. A longtime reader and collector of historical novels, Johnson is the book review editor for the Historical Novels Review (a historical fiction review journal for the United States and Great Britain). She is also the author of the Genreflecting guides Historical Fiction and Historical Fiction II.
Lindymc,
I have not read the book in question, but I just wanted to let you know I appreciated the comment. It actually helped me clarify why, I think, I’m not a huge historical fiction fan. I often spend so much time wondering how much of the story is fabricated, and on what sources it is based, that I usually end up just wishing I’d read some nonfiction on the subject. (Not that nonfiction doesn’t come with its own biases and factual problems, but that’s a whole other story.)
Anyway. Thanks for the reminder of all the different issues that can come up when working with historical fiction.
Sarah, I nearly always agree with your assessments of HF novels, rely heavily on your recommendations, however… I feel compelled to express my disappointment with A Separate Country. I’m a big Civil War buff, and had read and enjoyed Widow of the South, eagerly looked forward to more info on John Bell Hood. Separate Country simply seemed like an “apology” of sorts on Hood’s behalf. I wish Mr. Hicks had provided an author’s note. I question how much of the very sympathetic portrayal of Hood was factual. At a recent visit to the Franklin Cemetery and museum I asked the tour guide how the people of Franklin viewed Hood. His reponse, “Negative.” When Hood was given the command of the Western army just before the fall of Atlanta, Robert E. Lee described him in this way: “Hood is a bold fighter, I am doubtful as to other qualities necessary.”
Christina,
I agree about Jude Morgan. I think the one I read was titled “Indiscretion,” and I really loved it, so I’m definitely looking into this “The Taste of Sorrow” one! I agree with you about the Brontes; I think they’re the “new Austen,” although books about Austen don’t seem to be losing any steam.
Thanks for the suggestion about “The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Bronte”–have you ever read Douglas Martin’s novel “Branwell,” about their brother? It’s written in a slightly different style–more stream of consciousness–but definitely an interesting and atmospheric read.
I’ve read one of Jude Morgan’s other novels and I really enjoyed it. It seems that the Bronte sisters are a popular fiction topic this year. I recently read The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Bronte by Syrie James which I found to be very interesting. I am looking forward to Charlotte and Emily.