Princeton Book Review

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Historical Fiction

Girl In Translation
by Jean Kwok

From The Jacket: A fresh, exciting Chinese-American voice makes an inspiring debut with this novel about an immigrant girl forced to choose between two worlds and two cultures. [R]eminiscent of "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn."--Min Jin Lee ( More

This is a fast read, written in a simple style and easily a book I can imagine myself re-reading. The book totally engaged me. The writing style made it easy to visualize the squalor and poverty the characters lived in. I got to know the characters and cared what happened to them. Interesting coming of age story.
by-Nan 2010/09/03, 05:04 AM

The Red Queen
by Philippa Gregory

From The Jacket: The second book in Philippa's stunning new trilogy, The Cousins War, brings to life the story of Margaret Beaufort, a shadowy and mysterious character in the first book of the series - The White Queen - but who now takes centre s More

This is a very entertaining read, filled with suspense and historical detail. It’s fascinating to read about the horrific battles and the rivalry between the families knowing it’s true. Everyone seems uncivilized and cold hearted, but this behavior was necessary to survive. I definitely recommend it.
by-Lisa 2010/09/03, 02:40 AM

I am a huge Philippa Gregory fan and loved this book. Surprising to me, my favorite character this time was not the strong female protagonist but Henry, Margaret’s second husband, such a gentle and unappreciated soul. He seemed like he belonged in another century or at best another political circle, an interesting contrast to Margaret. Another graet book by Ms. Gregory.
by-Pamela 2010/08/28, 02:45 PM

I did not like Margaret. She is self serving, vain and extremely judgmental. I did find her character to be believable and interesting to read about. This is certainly not Philippa Gregory's best book, but it is a good read. I am looking forward to the next installment in the cousin’s war.
by-Christina 2010/08/27, 03:40 PM

The Rebellion of Jane Clarke
by Sally Gunning

From The Jacket: On the eve of the Revolutionary War, a young woman is caught between tradition and independence, family and conscience, loyalty and love, in this spellbinding novel from the author of The Widow's War and Bound Jane Clarke lead More

I enjoyed this coming of age story for a couple reasons. The author paints a believable picture of what it was like to live in American immediately before the revolutionary war broke. Without weighing things down with too much detail, she shows what life was like back then. And I loved Jane’s voice as she wrestled her conscience trying to make the right decision. She was delightful. I have passed this book on to a few friends who are also enjoying it.
by-Pat N 2010/09/01, 07:04 PM

My Name Is Mary Sutter
by Robin Oliveira

From The Jacket: An enthralling historical novel about a young woman's struggle to become a doctor during the Civil War. In this stunning first novel, Mary Sutter is a brilliant, head貞trong midwife from Albany, New York, who dreams of More

I was drawn into this book almost immediately. There’s some amazing information on the Civil War, not the battles per se but the conditions under which the soldiers fought. When injured the medical attention they received was barbaric by today’s standards. A very compelling read.
by-Irene 2010/09/01, 05:39 PM

Very nice storytelling and well researched details of the Civil War. This author really gets you right into Mary’s head as she struggles to become a surgeon. She has successes but also has to cope with a lot of disappointments. She holds strong through it all and is never set back for long. Love her character and could have read about her forever.
by-Cheryl 2010/08/25, 04:36 PM

The Wives of Henry Oades
by Johanna Moran

From The Jacket: When Henry Oades accepts an accountancy post in New Zealand, his wife, Margaret, and their children follow him to exotic Wellington. But while Henry is an adventurer, Margaret is not. Their new home is rougher and more rustic tha More

Wow what an incredible story and to think it is based on true events. The unusual circumstances which bring these characters together as a family is timely and shows it isn’t just blood which creates family bonds.
by-judy 2010/09/01, 04:36 AM

I thought this was a captivating story with really well developed characters that you care about. I know it was harder to survive in that era but the book still made me wonder if I had the inner strength of the two female characters in this book. Highly recommend.
by-Maria 2010/08/30, 08:03 PM

The Hummingbirds Daughter
by Luis Alberto Urrea

From The Jacket: The prizewinning writer Luis Alberto Urrea's long awaited novel is an epic mystical drama of a young woman's sudden sainthood in late 19th century Mexico. It is Eighteen Eighty Nine, and civil war is brewing in Mexico. A sixteen More

I enjoyed this book very much. Beautifully written with excellent characters, it gives the reader a glimpse into Mexican culture during the 1800's.
by-andrea 2010/01/21, 09:42 AM