Book Review: Historical Fiction

Historical Fiction

Orphan Train Christina Baker Kline

Foster child Molly steals a book from the local library. As retribution, she’s told to help an elderly lady clean out her loft. While they sort through her childhood belongings, Vivian reveals the stories behind them. As one of 250,000 destitute children sent from New York to rural states, Vivian was at the mercy of strangers, some of whom would see her as little more than free labour. A hauntingly evocative novel about a little-known practice, Orphan Train is the perfect book to curl up with on a cold winter’s night.

Hidden Child Louise Fein

Eleanor seems to have it all, including a devoted, successful husband – Edward – and a delightful four-year-old daughter – Mabel. But when Mabel starts having seizures, life takes a drastic turn. For Edward is a passionate advocate of the eugenics movement and is pushing for the forced sterilisation of those the movement sees as defective – people like Mabel. How far will the family go to keep their secrets hidden?

And the Mountains Echoed Khalid Hosseini

This multi-layered story starts in 1950s Afghanistan when a beloved sister, Pari, is sold into a ‘better life’. Over the years, numerous characters reveal their tales, from the girl’s brother, Abdullah, and their stepmother to a seemingly unconnected expat. While Pari forgets her past, she cannot escape the feeling that something is missing. And The Mountains Echoed reads like a series of connected short stories, all of which are beautifully written, tender and rich in detail. All The Light We Cannot See Anthony Doerr

Marie-Laure huddles in a Saint-Malo house as WWII bombs rain down around her. Blind, alone, with just a small stone to protect her. A few streets away, a German boy – Werner – works alongside his comrades as they make a last stand against the Americans. The lyrical writing of All The Light We Cannot See makes you want to savour every page. The characters make you want to race from one page to the next. Stunning.

Pony R. J. Palacio

The author of Wonder is back. This time, the book is set in 1860s America. When Silas’s father is abducted by outlaws, Silas sets out to find him. He’s accompanied by a pony belonging to one of the outlaws and his friend Mittenwool, who’s a ghost. Twists and turns abound. Part adventure, part Wild West coming of age, Pony has been marketed as a children’s book, but will no doubt be enjoyed by a wide range of readers.

A Net for Small Fishes Lucy Jago

Set in the early 1600s, A Net for Small Fishes is based on the true story of Frances Howard and Anne Turner. Here, Frances has wealth and beauty, but is married to an abusive husband and is deeply unhappy. Anne has talent and charm, but little power. The pair form an unlikely friendship. But their attempt to break away from conventions and seek some small happiness could lead to their downfall.