Phyllis L. Carr
This month the Sun Lakes Library is highlighting their Historical Fiction Collection. This genre is one of the most popular at the library, and nearly everyone has a favorite. But, before we get to our favorites, here is a little information about this particular literary category.
According to the AI Summary in my Google search, there are key points to identifying historical fiction: Historical fiction is a literary genre that blends fictional narratives with historical events; it often features real historical figures alongside fictional characters; the setting is typically based on a specific time period, accurately reflecting its culture and context; authors conduct thorough research to ensure authenticity in details and events; themes may explore social, political, or personal issues relevant to the historical backdrop; and the genre aims to engage readers by bringing history to life through storytelling.
Many popular writers center their books around critical historical events. The most famous World War I book remains All Quiet on the Western Front by Eric Maria Remarque. Kristin Hannah centers many of her novels around such events, including The Nightingale, set during World War II and focusing on two sisters who work in the resistance movement in German-occupied France. Ev Rainwaters selected The Nightingale as her favorite historical novel. The Four Winds follows a woman as she faces the challenges of surviving during The Great Depression. The Women is about what nurses in Vietnam faced while working to save the lives of American soldiers, following one young nurse as she navigates the upheaval of the 1960s, in Vietnam and in America.
Cleone still highly recommends the Bregden Series by Ginny Dye, set during the Civil War. Other popular books set during this time period are Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier and The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara. My dear friend Ed swears this is the best Civil War book to read.
A favorite Arizona writer is Nancy E. Turner, best known for These Is My Words: The Diary of Sarah Agnes Prine, 1881 – 1901 – Arizona Territories. Others by Turner include The Star Garden and My Name is Resolute. My favorite is These Is My Words.
Reading historical fiction allows us to travel to different times and places, experiencing history through the eyes of the people who lived it. Plan a trip to the library to select your next journey through one of the many books in The Historical Fiction section.
Next month we’ll be highlighting the different series housed at the Sun Lakes Library. Happy reading.