Hi Sue,

Have you read any of Tracy Chevalier’s books? According to one critic, ‘she gives the kiss of life to the historical novel’. Wow! I recommend Girl with a Pearl Earring and The Lady and the Unicorn.

Girl with a Pearl Earring is set in the 17th century in the Dutch city of Delft; the story focuses on Vermeer and one particular painting.

The Lady and the Unicorn is set in 15th century Paris and Brussels; here the story focuses on a designer of tapestries and a weaver.

Both novels are about the price of artistic creation rather than artistic creation itself. Tracy Chevalier presents a dazzling study of human nature – passion, temptation and seduction are handled expertly.

I also recommend C J Sansom – have you seen my post for his recent novel Revelation? Other historical novels by this author are: Dissolution, Dark Fire and Sovereign. All are set in the time of Henry VIII and feature Matthew Shardlake, a lawyer who is very clever indeed at solving murder mysteries.

Happy reading and enjoy your holiday!