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HISTORICAL FICTION BOOKS
In his
novel, ‘The Shakespeare Conspiracy’ author Ted Bacino tells a historical fiction story based on the age old literary
historian debate about William Shakespeare not being the actual writer of the famous Shakespearean plays.
Bacino
presents the case of the greatest literary deception in history in the form of a fictional story blended with actual historical
data. The story opens in London England in the year 1593. Christopher Marlowe is a 29 year old gay poet and playwright with
a vibrant and mischievous spirit. He is known throughout England, including high society, as one of the hottest new writers.
During this time period, the plaque is ravaging the country and the Church of England is a major influence in government and
social policy. Citizens accused of spying or promoting atheism were arrested, tortured, imprisoned, and often executed. Christopher
Marlowe’s former lover, Captain Kyd, is caught with writings that say that “Christ was justly persecuted by the
Jews because of his foolishness and that Moses was just a magician.” He is imprisoned and tortured in an effort to give
up the name of the person who wrote such blasphemy. He does not give up Christopher Marlowe; however, an officer by the name
of Constable Maunder becomes obsessed with proving Marlowe’s guilt. Marlowe is accused of being a spy and charged with
heresy. To escape his fate, Marlowe and his new lover Thomas Walsingham, concoct a plan to fake Marlowe’s murder and
arrange for a young thespian by the name of William Shakespeare to take credit for writing Marlowe’s plays.
Marlowe
flees England and travels to Italy where he travels to 7 cities in 7 years in an effort to avoid capture by Constable Maunder’s
agents. During his travels, he trades letters and provides plays to his faithful courier Poeley. Poeley takes the plays to
Thomas who arranges to have them transcribed by William Shakespeare. Within the story, historical facts are integrated to
unravel a mystery with one logical solution – William Shakespeare could not have been the writer of all of the plays.
The plot is filled with adventure and intrigue. Bacino pays careful attention
to accurate dialogue and the customs of the period. Readers will enjoy the vibrant, colorful, and comical cast of characters.
Readers will get a glimpse of an era filled with political strife, religious domination, and the elite customs and practices
of the upper class citizens, including the spirited gay society.
I enjoyed
the conspiracy presented in literary form as it helps make the argument more compelling. Actual evidence is cited in the story
that includes comparisons of sonnets, similarities between Marlowe’s writings and Shakespeare’s writings, and
relevant historical letters. To support the argument, Bacino provides about 50 pages of supplemental historical notes and
historical data. ‘The Shakespeare Conspiracy’ is a fun and exciting read that is not only a well written story,
but also well researched to maintain historical accuracy. I highly recommend ‘The Shakespeare Conspiracy’ as an
engaging and entertaining read with many twists and turns and surprising revelations.
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‘Confrontation:
An Axe of Iron Novel’ is J.A. Hunsinger’s second novel that is a continuation of his first Viking adventure, ‘Axe
of Iron,’ that takes place in the year 1008. Hunsinger continues the adventures of Norsemen explorers Halfdan Ingolfsson
and his second in command, Gudbjartur Einarsson, who have lead an expedition and established a settlement named Halfdansfjord,
located along the coast of North America on the east coast of James Bay, at the south end of Hudson Bay.
The Viking adventures
continue with the settlers struggling to make a life in Halfdansfjord. The focus of the adventure is the relationship between
the settlers and the indigenous people. Readers will not only experience the lives of the Norsemen, but also the lives of
the natives that include the Naskapi (Cree), Anishinabeg (Ojibwa), and the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois). The story delves into
the confrontations with the natives. Readers will not only experience life and death confrontations, but also the relationships
between the settlers and natives. When Gudbjartur is on a scouting trip, he is captured and becomes a prisoner of the Naskapi
tribe, and is then taken to their village. Through his eyes, readers will learn about the native peoples’ lives through
a chronicling of their practices, customs, burial rituals, execution rituals, hunting methods, and cooking methods. Readers
will experience how tough life is in the wilderness and the brutal conditions both the natives and Viking settlers endure.
Despite the harsh
conditions and brutal confrontations, a major theme of the story is how the native and Norsemen learn about each others way
of life and the friendships and mutual respect that develop. For instance, Gudbjartur becomes a part of the tribe and learns
from them. He reflects, “These warriors, I guess they are my warriors too. I have been accepted as one of them.”
As well, his son, Ivar Gudbjartarsson, also experiences life as a prisoner of the Haudenosaunee.
Hunsinger successfully
builds on his first novel and adds even more action and adventure. As with the first novel, the story is rich in historical
details which clearly show the careful attention paid to historical accuracy which allows the reader to peer through a window
into the past and experience an important historical period. He incorporates the fictional tale with historical details which
makes reading the story not only fun, but also engaging. Readers will root for Gudbjartur as he struggles with his Norsemen
fighting spirit and his desire to make peace with the native people.
I highly recommend
‘Confrontation: An Axe of Iron Novel’ as an entertaining addition to the historical fiction genre. Readers will
find the story and characters so compelling that they will not realize that they are learning as they read.
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Jealousy,
obsession, and unforeseen circumstances come together with deadly results in David Mulholland’s new novel, DUEL, a dramatized
account of the fatal duel between John Wilson and Robert Lyon that took place on June 13, 1833.
Set in Perth, Ontario,
a small community in Eastern Canada, Mulholland tells the story from a report he says he uncovered¾a report requested by a college professor and compiled by an aging, arthritic
blacksmith fifty years after the event. The day before the confrontation, the adversaries agreed to call it off if Lyon would
apologize for assaulting Wilson, and Wilson would acknowledge that statements he made in a letter sent to a mutual friend
were not intended to denigrate Lyon's character. But the next day, Lyon refused to apologize. The blacksmith’s surprising
revelation provides new information as to what actually caused the infamous duel.
As witness to the
historical period, the blacksmith’s tale reveals much more than the story of a duel. Extensive research gives the reader
insight into life in the early 1800s; vividly portraying how families lived and worked. You experience the Puritanical social
environment of a time when deep-rooted convictions and beliefs played a central role in the moral fabric of the community.
“The field of honour” is a prominent theme: duelling was considered an honourable means of restoring a person’s
good name.
When the blacksmith
finally confesses that obsession and jealousy “stripped me of all rational thinking and behaviour,” his pain begins
to surface as he unburdens the guilt he has carried for fifty years. I highly recommend DUEL as a compelling work of historical
fiction. Readers will gain an appreciation for the complexity of history and how it is interpreted.
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In the second year
of World War I, a totally unprepared United States was forced to meet the threat of Germany's powerful air fleet, and in his
novel, The Ace, author Jack D. Hunter tells the story of four Americans caught up in the military, industrial, and political
chaos that surrounded America's effort to build an effective air service out of virtually nothing.
The story focuses
on John King, a self-effacing 20-year-old living in the slums of Lackawanna, a steel factory adjunct of Buffalo, N.Y. John’s life changes forever when he rescues Bill Carpenter, an army pilot and rebellious
free spirit, from the wreckage of a crashed “Jenny” plane. Jon and Bill instantly bond and develop a student/mentor
relationship. John, encouraged by Bill, joins the army, where both he and Bill become entangled in the intrigues of greedy
Congressman Thaddeus Slater, who enlists Bill to help him with his schemes to profit from the rise of the American military
air fleet. Slater corners the nation's ash lumber supply and recruits Bill to convince the military to use only ash
wood in the construction of its badly needed aircraft. Interwoven with this high-level and often
corrupt in-fighting is John's emotional struggle as Mary Lou Whiting, heiress to one of the nation's greatest fortunes, falls
in love with him.
Hunter delivers
a passionate story with strong writing and intriguing subject matter. By incorporating factual historical accounts and documents
of WWI in the fiction, he has foreshadowed the world we know today while offering an engaging and entertaining look at major
themes, such as greed, the psychological effects of war, love and heartache, guilt, and blind ambition. As the plot unfolds, each character reveals humanities strengths and weaknesses. Through
his relationship with John King, Bill Carpenter’s growth becomes one of finding his humanity. John King’s development
involves an internal struggle with his own humanity as he faces the real human costs of war. Mary Lou’s desire to understand
John’s pain reveals the emotional costs of war on loved ones. The emotional struggles of each character are a reminder
of the painful human cost when war becomes a political and economic venture.
The technical details
of WWI fighter planes and their performance in combat are well-researched and described in commanding
detail. The most notable descriptions include plane types, specifications, and how they fared in the fighting that introduced
the world to the concept of air power.
Hunter successfully
shines a light on how America’s WWI aviation endeavors helped shape the military industrial complex of today. The Ace is
highly recommended to historical fiction fans, war buffs, and aviation enthusiasts.
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In his novel, Axe
of Iron, author J.A. Hunsinger takes readers back to the year 1008 and tells a Viking tale of exploration and adventure. The
story centers on two Northmen explorers, Halfdan Ingolfsson and his second in command, Gudbjartur Einarsson, who lead an expedition
to explore and establish a settlement along the coast of North America. Their journey takes
them from Greenland to what
is now known as Baffin Island, Canada, and then entering Hudson Bay, via the Hudson Strait. Their voyage terminated on the east coast of James Bay, at the extreme south end of Hudson Bay, where the settlement, Halfdansfjord, was built.
The plot of the
story concentrates on the trials and tribulations facing the settlers as they try to make a life in the new world. The journey
is filled with many deadly challenges such as the brutal force of nature, encounters with the native peoples of North America, as well as social struggles among
the settlers. Themes that develop include: the role of family and women, loyalty, betrayal, slavery, religious practices,
as well as learning to work with the Native peoples instead of fighting them
As historical fiction,
the author successfully captures a glimpse of the life of the Norsemen. It becomes quite clear that a great deal of research
went into creating the story. The attention to detail is quite remarkable. That is, the author’s descriptions of Norse
ships, Norse customs, dress, the day to day struggles to survive that include hunting techniques, food preparation, weapons,
and tools. As well, Hunsinger provides a detailed historical perspective of the time period, a glossary, and a map to assist
readers in following the journey. The author clearly shows his knowledge and expertise on the subject.
For readers who
enjoy the historical fiction genre, Axe of Iron is a must-have. The descriptive writing makes you feel as though you are a
part of the journey. The novel is an entertaining story that will give readers an appreciation of the brutal life endured
by the Norsemen.
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In the introduction
of Gerard Shirar’s novel, The Court-Martial of Charlie Newell, a reflective passage about prejudice is cited that includes
the statement, “I feed on racial, ethnic, and religious difference, preconceived ideas; mistaken opinion; falsehoods;
bias; ignorance; jealousy; and blind hatred.” This passage sets the stage for Shirar’s historic fictional tale
that delves into Man’s most prevalent historical demon known as prejudice.
The Court-Martial
of Charlie Newell takes readers back to the year 1917 where oppression and bigotry towards Black People in the United
States is rampant despite being free. The protagonist,
Newell, is a thoughtful black man from Holly Ridge, North Carolina. Charlie is a man with a strong work ethic, deep spiritual
faith, and committed family values. As a conscientious objector to war because of his faith, Charlie is forced to enlist in
the army. According to his faith, Saturday is the Sabbath where the day is devoted to reading the Bible and spiritual reflection.
Because of his faith, Charlie refuses to work on Saturday which leads to a military court martial. The result of the court-martial
takes Charlie on a nightmare journey of imprisonment, violent abuse, oppression, prejudice, and a spiritual test of strength
and resolve. For Charlie, life becomes a series of harrowing events that challenges his faith.
The Court-Martial
of Charlie Newell is a compelling and intense story of relying on faith and hope in order to survive unbearable cruelty. As
historical fiction, the author, a twenty year veteran of the United States Army, is able to capture and deliver a detailed
account of life in the military during World War I. Readers will feel as though they are traveling with Charlie during a turbulent
and difficult time for Black People in America.
Profound themes
of faith and spirituality entwined with injustice, oppression, and hate, make for a heartfelt tale that brings out important
messages that can be related to current world events. The dialogue is carefully written to depict appropriate language and
figures of speech as it pertains to the time period. The events and characters mirror the values and attitudes of the period.
As well, settings are detailed and well described. Charlie is a character every reader will become emotionally attached to.
His journey is filled with traumatic twists and turns making the story a definite page-turner. Readers will gain insight into
a historical period that must not be forgotten.
The Court-Martial
of Charlie Newell is highly recommended to readers who love historical fiction. It is a piece of historical fiction that invites
all readers to think about the past and reflect on current moral and ethical issues.
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Andrew Jalbert's novel, West Across the Board, chronicles one man's journey back to the Florida Keys to see
his dying friend. For both men, it is a journey of lifetime reflection and liberation. In 1934, at a saloon in the Florida
Keys, Lazaro, a passionate and brilliant fisherman, meets Dominic, a civil engineer graduate. The two young men instantly
bond over a game of chess. The game would become more than recreation. It would become the cement that binds the two through
a lifetime of love, loss, forgiveness, and redemption.
With such themes as the beauty and danger of nature entwining
itself with the strength and frailties of human nature, a story of growth and survival unfolds. Drawing on Physicists research
into the Chaos Theory, Dominic, a pragmatist, tries to find order from tragic events that affected the choices both he and
Lazaro made. Lazaro, a man forever changed from the loss of his father during a storm at sea, reflects on his life in a more
traditional sense. Dominic tries to find a logical pattern of events, while Lazaro buries his need to resolve issues that
led to his choice to leave the Florida Keys for a life in Wisconsin. It is only when the two men come together that Lazaro
is able to confront his past.
As historical fiction, the author delivers a carefully crafted and detailed account
of life on the Florida Keys. The story is rich in the sights, sounds, and description of life in the 1930's. Drawing on real
events from the past, the fictional story is well implemented within its historical context. The historical and nautical details
illustrated within the story are well researched and accurately presented.
West Across the Board delivers a well crafted
tale of two men's journey back together to find redemption and peace. The history and backdrop of the Florida Keys makes readers
feel they are accompanying Lazaro on his journey. I highly recommend the book to readers who enjoy well written historical
fiction that delves into the human condition.
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Don Haigh’s novel, Trials & Tribulations, tells the story of the struggle and survival of two young orphans
by the name of Tommy and Betty. The story begins in 1802 at the town of Guisbrough,
England. Tommy and Betty suddenly find themselves orphaned and are forced to leave their home. Under the guidance of Betty,
the children flee to the town of Whitby. On their journey they face the overwhelming obstacles of starvation, violence and near death. In
Whitby,
they end up in a children’s workhouse where they and the other children suffer violent abuse and slavery. As the story
unfolds, the children revolt and escape the harsh and brutal life. Barely alive, the children are rescued by the gentle and
loving woman, Elizabeth Arkwright. Life for the Arkwright family and their children’s home is an exciting time of struggle
entwined with harmony. As the Arkwright family is instilled with such values as morality, faith, and loyalty entwined with
the moral integrity of military life, they are faced with a variety of sinister and deadly characters bent on greed and vengeance.
Throughout it all, the Arkwright family confronts and challenges those that seek to destroy them.
Rich in a powerful and descriptive setting reflecting the life and times of early nineteenth century England, the author provides
a compelling story of survival. As well, the attention to dialogue and setting makes the story entertaining and exciting historical
fiction that reveals dark plots of rape, murder, slavery, and abuse, amid the love of a moral and honorable family.
From the
various historical settings to the dress and description of military life and honor, Trials & Tribulations is a well researched
novel that will entertain and delight readers. I highly recommend the novel to readers who enjoy compelling works of historical
fiction.
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