Books Like...

Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline is a touching novel that weaves together the stories of two unlikely characters, Vivian and Molly. Vivian, a survivor of the orphan trains from the early 1900s, and Molly, a teenager in the modern foster care system, form a deep bond as they explore their shared experiences of loss, loneliness, and resilience. The book alternates between past and present, offering a poignant exploration of family, identity, and the lasting impact of history on individuals' lives.

Moloka'i by Alan Brennert is a historical fiction novel that follows the life of Rachel, a young girl diagnosed with leprosy in 1891 and sent to live in a leper colony on the Hawaiian island of Moloka'i. The book spans from 1891 to 1970 and provides rich historical detail about Hawaiian history, the leper colony, and the medical condition known as Hansen's disease. Through the eyes of Rachel, the reader experiences the beauty and ugliness of the colony, showcasing both the humanity of those afflicted by the disease and the struggles they faced in a very difficult situation. The novel captures the triumph of the human spirit and explores themes of family, love, sacrifice, and resilience in the face of tragedy.

Sisters of Shiloh is a historical fiction novel that follows the story of two sisters, Libby and Josephine, who disguise themselves as men, Thomas and Joseph, to join the Confederate Army during the Civil War. Driven by a desire for revenge and justice, the sisters navigate the harsh realities of war, forming a bond that transcends gender roles. The book is praised for its well-researched historical background, vivid descriptions of the Civil War era, and engaging writing style that immerses readers into the sisters' journey of love, sacrifice, and sisterly devotion.

In "Lady Tan's Circle of Women" by Lisa See, readers are transported to the Ming dynasty in China, following the remarkable story of Tan Yunxian, one of China's first recorded female doctors. The novel beautifully portrays Yunxian's journey from a young, obedient wife to a powerful healer who defied societal norms to pursue her passion for medicine. Through intricate detailing of characters and emotions, the book offers a captivating glimpse into ancient Chinese medicine and customs, highlighting the resilience of women throughout history. Lisa See skillfully weaves history and fiction to provide readers with a vivid understanding of the challenges and triumphs of women in a patriarchal society, emphasizing the importance of female solidarity.

The plot unfolds around Lady Tan and her circle of friends, concubines, servants, and nobility, showcasing the complexities of their lives in a circumscribed society. As the story progresses, China's culture and history are intricately intertwined with Tan's life milestones, offering a well-researched and engaging narrative that leaves readers with a deeper appreciation for the strength and bonds among women during that time period.

'Lilac Girls' by Martha Hall Kelly is a historical fiction novel set during World War II, focusing on the experiences of three women - Caroline, a New York socialite involved in humanitarian efforts, Kasia, a Polish teenager caught in the underground resistance, and Herta, a German doctor at the Ravensbruck concentration camp. The story spans from the late 1930s to the late 1950s, intertwining the lives of these women as they navigate the horrors of war, including medical experiments and the aftermath of the conflict.

The narrative alternates between the viewpoints of these three women, providing a rich variety of experiences throughout the war and beyond. The author skillfully weaves together their stories, exploring themes of survival, resilience, and the long-lasting effects of both cruelty and hope on the human spirit. delves into the lesser-known aspects of World War II, shedding light on the Rabbits of Ravensbruck and the atrocities committed during the war, while also touching on the post-war recovery and struggles faced by survivors.

On a critical night in rural Vermont, a midwife named Sibyl Danforth takes desperate measures to save a baby's life by performing an emergency Caesarean section on a mother she believes has died during childbirth. The story unfolds through the eyes of Sibyl's 14-year-old daughter, Connie, as it delves into the aftermath of the life-altering event and the subsequent trial that ensues. The narrative weaves through themes of moral responsibility, legal complexities, and the emotional turmoil faced by the characters involved, offering a poignant exploration of human choices and their consequences.

The book 'Midwives' by Chris Bohjalian is a gripping tale that navigates the complexities of modern midwifery, ethical dilemmas, and the intricacies of familial relationships. Through a mix of courtroom drama, poignant reflections, and compelling storytelling, the novel captures the reader's attention with its raw portrayal of a single night that spirals into a series of events that challenge perceptions and evoke introspection on the nature of truth, accountability, and the blurred lines between life and death.

Code Name Helene by Ariel Lawhon is a historical novel that fictionalizes the life of Nancy Wake, a remarkable woman who played multiple roles during World War II, including being a journalist, spy, and military leader. The book portrays Nancy's bravery and heroism as she helps Jewish people escape from France and becomes a powerful leader in the French resistance. Through a blend of real historical events and fictional storytelling, the author paints a vivid picture of Nancy's life and her contributions to the war effort.

In "Shanghai Girls" by Lisa See, the story follows the journey of two Chinese sisters, Pearl and May, who are forced to flee Shanghai amidst the Japanese invasion in the 1930s. Sold into arranged marriages by their father, the sisters navigate through the challenges of life in America, particularly in Los Angeles Chinatown, where they encounter prejudice and discrimination. The book delves into the historical context of Chinese immigration to the U.S. during World War II, shedding light on the struggles faced by Chinese immigrants and the complexities of family relationships.

The narrative captures the emotional turmoil, sacrifices, and choices made by Pearl and May as they navigate through the upheavals of war, immigration, and family dynamics. Lisa See's writing style intricately weaves together the historical backdrop and the personal journeys of the characters, offering a poignant exploration of sisterhood, resilience, and the pursuit of hope amidst adversity.

"Desiree" by Annemarie Selinko is a fictionalized account of Napoleon's first fiancée, who later became the Queen of Sweden. Set in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, the book follows Desiree Clary, a silk merchant's daughter, as she navigates her relationships with Napoleon and Gen. Bernadotte. The story delves into the intricacies of Napoleon's rise to power, his relationships with Desiree and Josephine, and his eventual downfall, all through the eyes of the protagonist. The novel is written in the form of Desiree's fictional diary, providing a personal and intimate perspective on the historical events and characters.

Libra by Don DeLillo is a fictionalized account of the events leading up to and including the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in Dallas, Texas, on November 22, 1963. The story is told through multiple perspectives, including Lee Harvey Oswald, his mother, his wife, and various government officials and intelligence agents involved in the conspiracy theory surrounding the assassination. DeLillo's writing style is described as challenging and postmodern, with a narrative that weaves together factual and fictional material to create a tale of Cold War paranoia, political intrigue, and curdled idealism.