Tag Archive: historical-fiction



I Am YouI Am You by Victoria Redel
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book was a surprise. It seemed a little self-indulgent or preachy at times, but much of the story was intriguing. I loved the aspect of history and painting. I found the story of the ‘boy’ suddenly needing to be herself an interesting concept, as well as how one adjusts to that change in self-perception.

The historic, Dutch aspect gives the story depth.

There are times when I don’t like the main character or the others who appear, but that could be a reflection of the coldness of the social structure in that time and place.

I’m not sure how I obtained this book, but it is a giveaway right now on GoodReads. I think you might like it.

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ConclaveConclave by Robert Harris
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The Pope died. It’s time for a new one. We’ve lived through a few of these. It is an interesting concept.

I’m not Catholic, but I have friends and family who are or have been. So I’ve always been curious. How does this work? How do they choose, especially since the church has a range of awesome and sinful? So when I saw the author on a talk show, I put the book on hold with Libby.

It was okay. For me, it was falling into a past of reading about men by men. Quite boring. But I’m glad I read it. Tiny bits of progress of thought seem to thread through this story. But I wonder if women are anything less than barefoot, pregnant witches to these self-important men. Sorry. Not sorry.

Still, these are my opinions that are changeable like the wind. Read it yourself and enjoy.

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The White LadyThe White Lady by Jacqueline Winspear
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was no Maisie Dobbs. However, it did seem like a lot of plot ideas wanted to be included in the series, but these were leftovers. So, by thinking of the story bits in ziplock bags, I had fun reading (listening) to this non-Maisie.

This probably stands on its own, but I almost wish I had read it before the series rather than after. Still, once again, we inhabit an England during wartime. As only Jacqueline Winspear can, you are transported to layers of the populace amid crimes and courageous efforts by ordinary people. And women get their due in history, even if this is fiction, I’m sure situations like this existed.

Orlagh Cassidy’s great narrating talent makes the reader feel a part of the story.

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Escaping the TwilightEscaping the Twilight by Sigrid Weidenweber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Kindle ASIN B0080XHDC2

I am not sure where I learned about this book, but it has been on my TBR shelf for a long time. Although it appears to be an autobiography, it is actually well-researched fiction.

Here, read the blurb from GoodReads:

In this coming-of-age story, Amina, a Sudanese girl experiences a traumatic event at age nine. Intensifying her struggle for identity in the silent world of women, she cannot erase the pain and humiliation of that experience. With steely determination, she vows to do whatever is necessary to prevent her daughter from suffering the same demoralizing fate–even if it means going against the wishes of her husband and the rules of her family. Will she succeed in helping her daughter rise above her own personal tragedy and humiliation? The detailed descriptions of customs and lifestyle give a deep, fascinating insight into the Sudanese culture, as well as entry into the cloaked world of Muslim women in a story about survival, tradition and triumph.

This was an intense story. I hope it is read a lot. I would have loved it in audio form, but text-to-speech on Kindle helped a lot.

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My Name Is Emilia del ValleMy Name Is Emilia del Valle by Isabel Allende
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

That’s different! Coral Peรฑa and Johnathan McClain, narrators, help make this story feel real. I’m not so sure parts, if not all, are autobiographical for the author, Isabel Allende, even if it seems impossible.

One of my favorite parts of reading fiction is taking voyages to places I’ve never been and living the point of view I don’t inhabit. This book did both for me.

The blurb on Goodreads or Amazon will give you a hint about what to expect, but it would be too lengthy to copy and paste here. Still, maybe you don’t need to, trust me, this is a fun adventure. And guess what? Libby has it to lend! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

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The Comfort of Ghosts (Maisie Dobbs)The Comfort of Ghosts by Jacqueline Winspear
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I put off writing this review because it is so hard to say goodbye to such a wonderful series. I lived with Maisie Dobbs through all her trials and good times. I don’t think it would be easy to write another chapter in this life, but it seemed a good finale.

Libby had all the books ready on audiobooks, so I listened to Orlagh Cassidy narrate all the books. I loved each and every one. I may have to get these on Audible so I can relive the whole story. Jacqueline Winspear’s writing is so compelling that you feel you are right there in Maisie’s head, experiencing everything she sees, feels, and hears.

I have my good friend, Kay, to thank for letting me experience this series. If you get the chance, you will find that truth that the more things change, the more they stay the same. Technology changes a little, but hearts and minds are complex and give each of us so much to learn and love.

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A Sunlit Weapon (Maisie Dobbs, #17)A Sunlit Weapon by Jacqueline Winspear
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I’m so sad to say I have finished the series. I read and listened so quickly that I forgot to review the books in between.

Each book has a unique story, and each pulls the reader into the life of the story. One feels they are there, immersed in the time and place with all the triumphs and terrors of the time of war.

This story highlighted the lives of female flyers. And the aftermath of bombing attacks. And murder.

I was fortunate to borrow these audiobooks from Libby.

Jacqueline Winspear’s writing and research are amazing. Orlagh Cassidy’s narration made me see the world from the characters’ eyes.

Thank you, Kay, for recommending this series.

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The Consequences of Fear (Maisie Dobbs #16)The Consequences of Fear by Jacqueline Winspear
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I hate when my reading gets so far ahead of my reviewing. Luckily, reading the blurb helped refresh my memory of what happened in this book. This book grabbed me right away with the young man witnessing a murder and how it left him confused.

Despite the Second World War increasing in intensity, local murders not only didn’t go down but escalated. Sometimes it is war-related, perhaps even from a previous war, leaving behind lingering bad feelings. So Maisie’s job is cut out for her.

Once again, Jacqueline Winspear’s writing and research are impeccable. And Orlagh Cassidy’s narration is so entertaining.

Thanks to Libby for loaning me the audiobook. And thanks to my friend, Kay, for recommending this series. I’m nearly finished. I’ll be so sad when it comes to an end.

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To Die But Once (Maisie Dobbs, #14)To Die But Once by Jacqueline Winspear
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Somehow, I have gotten so far ahead in reading and so behind in reviewing that I have forgotten the whole of this story. But all the books in this series are so intriguing that I couldn’t stop. So check out the blurb on GoodReads or Amazon and follow Maisie Dobbs’ story from beginning to end.

Jacqueline Winspear researches the history, style, and places her characters inhabit so you feel you are there, then. Orlagh Cassidy narrates with authentic accents for each character.

Once again, I thank Libby for having these books and audiobooks to borrow. And I thank my friend, Kay, for recommending Maisie Dobbs to me.

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The American Agent (Maisie Dobbs, #15)The American Agent by Jacqueline Winspear
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This series just gets better and better. Now Americans are more involved in the war, and thereby, Maisie is working with a couple of Americans to solve her multiple mysteries.

Once again, Jacqueline Winspear’s writing, paired with Orlagh Cassidy’s narration, makes for an excellent reading and listening experience.

Thank you, Libby, for having the series available to borrow. And thanks to my friend, Kay, for recommending these wonderful reads!

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