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Historical Fiction September 2020
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| Hamnet: A Novel of the Plague by Maggie O'FarrellWhat it is: the moving, character-driven story of William Shakespeare's wife and children, during and after the watershed moment when his only son, 11 year-old Hamnet, dies of bubonic plague.
Read it for: the lush and atmospheric writing; the focus on the complex and engaging portrayals of Shakespeare's increasingly independent family members, with the Bard himself taking a backseat as he spends more time in London than their home in Stratford-upon-Avon. |
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The last great road bum
by Héctor Tobar
A novel inspired by true events follows the experiences of an Illinois adventurer who gives his life to fight beside other activists in 1960s El Salvador. By the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Deep Down Dark. 100,000 first printing. Illustrations.
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Cries from the lost island
by Kathleen O'Neal Gear
Sixteen-year-old Hal Stevens is joined by a famous archaeologist on a journey to Egypt to fulfill the last wish of a murdered woman claiming to be the reincarnation of Queen Cleopatra.
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Shadows in time
by Julie McElwain
Investigating the murder of a well-liked business manager in 1816 London, FBI agent Kendra Donovan follows leads to one of England's largest breweries before uncovering secrets close to home. By the author of A Murder in Time. 15,000 first printing
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Deathless divide
by Justina Ireland
A sequel to the best-selling Dread Nation finds a devastating loss throwing everything Jane believes into question, before encounters with familiar faces in Summerland enmeshes her in a maelstrom of deception and private demons. 75,000 first printing. Simultaneous eBook.
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Stormy weather
by Paulette Jiles
Witnessing the rise and loss of her family's oil business in the wake of her father's gambling problems, proud young Jeanine accompanies the other women in her family to an abandoned farm when her father dies under dubious circumstances. By the author of Enemy Women. 100,000 first printing.
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| Out of Darkness, Shining Light by Petina GappahWhat it's about: The harrowing 1,500-mile, nine-month journey undertaken by the African servants of Scottish missionary Dr. David Livingstone as they transport his body to the coast of Tanzania.
Narrated by: cynical Halima, the band's cook, and loyal Jacob Wainwright, educated by missionaries following his manumission.
What sets it apart: Livingstone is a minor character in Zimbabwean author Petina Gappah's novel, which "captures the diverse cultural milieu of colonial Africa with compelling detail" (Kirkus Reviews). |
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This mournable body : a novel
by Tsitsi Dangarembga
The protagonist of Nervous Conditions struggles to make a life for herself in Harare, Zimbabwe, eventually taking an ecotourism job that forces her to return to her parents' impoverished homestead, leading to an unforgivable betrayal. Original
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| The Island of Sea Women by Lisa SeeIntroducing: best friends Young-sook and Mi-ja, who train as haenyeo, divers in the all-women fishing collectives of Korea's Jeju Island. Closer than sisters, their bond is shattered by wartime betrayal.
Why you might like it: This lyrical and heartbreaking novel presents a detailed look at life in a matrifocal society whose ancient traditions are threatened by modernity.
About the author: From Snow Flower and the Secret Fan to China Dolls, historical novelist Lisa See is acclaimed for her moving depictions of female friendships forged in adversity. |
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| A Hundred Suns by Karin TanabeStarring: Jessie Lesage, the American wife of a Michelin heir who travels French Indochina with her husband and daughter to oversee the family's rubber plantations.
Read it for: the heady mix of glamour, scandal, and danger surrounding Jessie's new life, especially once she learns about the abuse and oppression the Vietnamese people endure under French control.
Reviewers say: "A smart, riveting psychological thriller" (Kirkus Reviews). |
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Contact your librarian for more great books!
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