Books matching: historical events
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- #11
Save:'A Column of Fire' by Ken Follett is a historical fiction novel set during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I in the 1500s. The book delves into the intricacies of Elizabethan court life, religious conflicts between Catholics and Protestants, and historical events in France, Spain, Scotland, and England. The plot follows characters like Ned Willard and Margery Fitzgerald as they navigate through political and religious turmoil, secret service missions, and personal struggles in a backdrop of historical significance.
He sailed upstream from Combe Harbour in the cabin of a slow barge loaded with cloth from Antwerp and wine from Bordeaux. When he reckoned the boat was at last nearing Kingsbridge he wrapped his Frenc...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Kingsbridge ) - #12
Save:'A Brief History of Seven Killings' is a dense and intricate novel that delves into the music and crime scene in Jamaica during the era of reggae icons Bob Marley and Peter Tosh. The narrative unfolds from Jamaica to New York, following the lives of underworld figures and exploring themes of gang politics, drugs, and violence. The storytelling style is described as intense, violent, and challenging due to the multiple narrators and the use of Jamaican patois, providing a gritty and insightful look into Jamaican history and gang violence.
The book is a masterful work that weaves together a complex web of characters and perspectives, creating a fully inhabited and authentic portrayal of Jamaica. Despite the challenging language and violent content, the novel is praised for its ambition, scope, and the way it immerses readers into the culture and politics of 1970s Jamaica and beyond.
Dead people never stop talking. Maybe because death is not death at all, just a detention after school. You know where you’re coming from and you’re always returning from it. You know where you’re goi... - #13
Save:'Bad Days in History' is a collection of absorbing and beautifully written stories that chronicle various misfortunes, disasters, and bad decisions that occurred on each day of the year throughout history. presents these events in a day-by-day format, covering a wide range of topics from ancient history to more recent times. Despite some dark and graphic content, the book is praised for its intriguing premise and the way it presents historical events in a captivating and entertaining style. The anecdotes are ordered by day, creating an interesting pacing that keeps readers engaged and highlights the unpredictability of bad luck and misfortune throughout history.
provides a mix of short articles that offer insights into lesser-known historical events, making it an enjoyable read for history lovers and non-fiction fans alike. Readers appreciate the book for its ability to spark curiosity and lead them to further research on the subjects mentioned. While some stories may be disturbing or stomach-turning, the book is commended for shedding light on lesser-known historical events and showcasing the wide array of misfortunes that have occurred over time.
Then there was Louis XII of France, who, though aging and decrepit, was lucky enough to wed a young and beautiful English princess, Henry VIII’s younger sister, Mary, in 1514. Alas, the vigorous attem... - #14
Save:'The Strange Adventures of H' by Sarah Burton is a historical fiction novel set in 17th century London during the reign of Charles II. The protagonist, H, is a strong and resilient young woman who endures numerous challenges and tragedies as she navigates through a turbulent period in history, including the Plague and the Great Fire of London. The story follows H's journey of survival, perseverance, and self-discovery in a society where women had limited options, showcasing the harsh realities of life in the 17th century. The writing style is described as masterful, immersive, and detailed, seamlessly blending historical events with a captivating narrative that evokes emotions and transports the reader back in time.
I was always H. As a child I never wondered whether I was once a Hannah, a Henrietta, a Hephzibah or anything else – H was my proper name as far as I was concerned and in any case I was not encouraged... - #15
Save:The Hidden Palace is a sequel to The Golem and the Jinni, continuing the tale of Chava, a golem, and Ahmad, a jinni, as they navigate their lives in turn-of-the-century Manhattan. The book explores the complexities of their relationship, the challenges they face, and the historical events they witness, all while introducing new characters and storylines that add depth to the narrative. With a richly detailed setting and a blend of fantastical elements with realistic portrayals, the author, Helene Wecker, weaves a story that is both immersive and engaging.
The plot of The Hidden Palace unfolds over a span of 15 years, taking readers on a journey through various locations and historical events, from New York City to the Ottoman Empire. The writing style is described as dense with details, complex in its plot, and rich in descriptions of characters and settings. The book delves into themes of loneliness, adaptation, friendship, and the passage of time, offering a mix of magical realism and historical fiction that captivates readers with its depth and imagination.
It was a frigid, blustery morning, and the weather had driven most of the city indoors. Those few who remained on the sidewalks stared at the man and boy as they passed, for they were an unusual sight...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Golem and the Jinni ) - #16
Save:'A Traveller in Time' by Alison Uttley follows the story of Penelope, a young girl from the early 20th century who is sent to the countryside of Derbyshire to improve her health. Penelope discovers she can slip between the present day and the late 16th century, where she encounters historical figures like Anthony Babington and Mary, Queen of Scots. The plot revolves around Penelope's adventures in both time periods, her growing relationships with the characters, and her knowledge of historical events that affect their lives. The writing style is described as richly detailed, atmospheric, and almost poetic at times, capturing the essence of life at Thackers in both eras.
- #17
Save:"Fall of Giants" by Ken Follett is the first installment in The Century Trilogy, a sweeping historical novel set in the early 20th century. The story revolves around five interconnected families from different countries, including England, America, Russia, and Germany, as they navigate through the tumultuous events of World War I. delves into the political landscape of the time, touching on topics such as labor unions, suffragettes, and the causes of the war, while portraying the personal lives and relationships of the characters against the backdrop of historical events.
Ken Follett's writing style in "Fall of Giants" is praised for its rich historical detail and compelling storytelling. The narrative seamlessly moves from Washington to St. Petersburg, capturing the dirt and danger of a coal mine as well as the opulence of a palace. The characters, ranging from Welsh miners to Russian aristocrats, are vividly portrayed, and their diverse perspectives on the war provide a multifaceted view of the era. Despite some criticism for historical inaccuracies and lengthy war scenes, the book is lauded for its immersive depiction of the time period and the intricate connections between the characters.
He had done nothing to earn his huge income. He had simply inherited thousands of acres of land in Wales and Yorkshire. The farms made little money, but there was coal beneath them, and by licensing m... - #18
Save:"Far as the Eye Can See" by Robert Bausch follows the protagonist Bobby Hale in the Wild West, showcasing his adventures and encounters with various characters. The narrative style shifts between lively and lyrical prose, recounting Hale's journey from a Civil War veteran to a trapper, army guide, and witness to historical events like the Battle of Little Bighorn. Despite some inconsistencies in historical details, the plot is engaging, filled with moments of tension, violence, and transitions through the vast Western landscape.
I started out here by myself in 1869 on a damn train. Got to St. Louis riding in a coach. Then bought a big red mare—I named her Cricket—and a fairly new .44 Colt Dragoon sidearm. I bought a army pup ... - #19
Save:'On This Day in History Sh!t Went Down' by author James Fell is a unique history book that provides a day-by-day account of historical events with a liberal dose of foul language, making it informative and uniquely expressive. The book is filled with short entries about events that happened on specific days of the year all over the world, reflecting on the impact of colonialism and the struggles faced by Black and Brown people. The narrative is down-to-earth, using everyday expletives to make history more engaging and less boring, while also ridiculing historical figures who deserve it and giving credit where it's due.
'On This Day in History Sh!t Went Down' is a fun and informative read that presents 366 important events in history, one for each day of the year, in a quick and easy-to-digest format. The book is praised for its creative use of profanity, accurate historical accounts, and the author's left-leaning opinions that add an entertaining and engaging touch to the narrative. It appeals to readers who appreciate both history and crude humor, making history more accessible and enjoyable through bite-sized stories and witty writing style.
- #20
Save:The Company by Robert Littell is a multigenerational saga following a family of CIA operatives from the origins of the CIA through the Cold War era. The novel weaves a fine tapestry of historic and fictional characters who participated in real-life events, providing a behind-the-scenes look at major historical events such as the Hungarian Insurrection, the Bay of Pigs fiasco, and the attempted coup to overthrow Gorbachev. Littell's writing style is described as dense and expertly plotted, managing to keep the reader engaged with the intricacies of espionage and political intrigue.
THE hunter's moon so rapidly it looked as if a motion picture had been speeded up. On a deserted avenue near a long wall, a dirty yellow Fiat mini-taxi cut its lights and its motor and coasted to the ...
