I recently noticed that I wasn’t enjoying my books as much as I used to, and I couldn’t figure out why. I’m reading books that come highly recommended or reviewed, but they just aren’t resonating with me. After some reflection, I think I have realized the problem: I have veered too far and for too long away from my absolute favourite genre: historical fiction. I miss the historical settings, the character and family development and the deep storylines! I used to only read historical fiction novels but, as I started exploring new genre’s my historical fiction books were continuously being pushed aside for the next new hyped book. So I have decided to go back to my historical fiction novels for the next couple of reads, and I am so excited!
Here are the books I have chosen to get me back in this genre:
Pachinko By: Min Jin Lee
This is my current read, and I am about ten chapters in and already glued to the book! This book is set in Korea and Japan during the 1900s. I have never read a book from this spot in the world, so I am excited to learn some new history with this story.
The Plum Tree By: Ellen Marie Wiseman
You can’t dive back into historical fiction novels without including some World War II books. The Plum Tree is probably the oldest book on my list; it was published in 2012, but it is one of the highest-reviewed historical fiction novels. This book has a unique perspective: a German woman falls for a Jewish man at the beginning of the rise of the Nazi’s. We follow their story as they try and survive the war that has encompassed the country they both call home.
A Theatre For Dreamers By: Polly Samson
This book is set in the 1960s on the island of Hydra in Greece. With the country on the brink of revolution, Hydra has become a center for poets, writers, and musicians to discuss their utopian ideals and the coming revolution in Greece. Erica comes to the island and is swept away by the people she meets. This is a very different historical fiction novel but one that is close to home for me. My dad always talks about living through the Greek revolution, so I’m looking forward to learning more about it!
The Invisible Bridge By: Julie Orringer
This is another book focusing on World War II. This book features a unique perspective, following the life of a Hungarian Jewish man. He moves to Paris right before World War II, and the reader follows his journey of survival. This book was recommended to me by a friend, and I am really excited about it!
The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba By: Chanel Cleeton
I have spoken about this book in previous posts but, I still haven’t gotten around to reading it, unfortunately. This book focuses on the Spanish occupation of Cuba in the late 1800s. I know very little about this period in Cuba, so I am really excited to dive into this period!
Do you have any Historical Fiction books you would recommend I add to my list?
Turning Pages with Trish 
Recommendation: The songs of Achilles, by Madeline Miller
LikeLike
I have been seeing that book around a lot! I will definitely look into it!
LikeLike