halifax_sue
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Reged: 07/01/2008
Posts: 24
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I was wondering if any of you 'well read' ladies out there could recommend some holiday reading for me. I prefer historical fiction and have read all the Alison Weir and the Philippa Gregory books. Can anyone suggest similar titles/authors that I might try? Cheers, Sue
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nannyconnie
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Reged: 05/03/2008
Posts: 316
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Hello Sue,I'm sure some-one on here will come to your rescue re;historical novels.They are not my particular favourite, but one i can reccomend is" A Place Of Greater Safety" by Hilary Mantel.I dont know if you know her as an author but I have read (and can reccomend)most of her books.The big disadvantage( ??)with this one is that it is quite a size for holiday reading.Hope you find what you are looking for.Get back and let us know.
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juliejug
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Reged: 04/06/2007
Posts: 30
Loc: High Peak , Derbyshire
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I can recommend "The Island" by Victoria Hislop. It was recommended to me and I have recommended it to several people and it has been a hit with all. It is set in Crete and is historical so it should fit your criteria! Have a great holiday, Julie
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Sealover
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Reged: 31/08/2006
Posts: 1271
Loc: Devon
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Hi Sue - Have you read The Borgia Bride by Jeanne Kalogridis? I've got it in my pile of books to read and it looks good.
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dryad
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Reged: 11/02/2008
Posts: 137
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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!
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Juno
member
Reged: 31/01/2008
Posts: 7
Loc: Kent
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Hi
The Borgia Bride by Jean Kalogridis as mentioned by Sealover is absolutely brilliant - I read it on holiday a couple of year's ago and I would highly recommend it. Go for it!
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