As anyone might expect, I have always loved historical fiction. No matter what is going on in my life, I can always enjoy a good piece of historical fiction. While I don’t think that hist fic should be used in place of actual historical work, I think that it can be a wonderful doorway to the past and can certainly inspire people to do further research. With it being Women’s History Month, I wanted to highlight some of my favourite female historical fiction authors who write about women in history (real and fictional). These are my favourite historical fiction books about women in history, and should be at the top of your to-read list!
Quite frankly, it is always the time to read, but with the Northern Hemisphere heading into spring and summer, it is time to read outside and enjoy the fresh air. I find that a lot of summer releases are lighter reads, but sometimes it is lovely to get into a more serious book. These are fictional books, but they highlight just strong women are and how fascinating their stories are. So, without further adieu, my favourite historical fiction books about women…
Valentino Will Die, Donis Casey (NetGalley)
Silent film sensation Bianca LaBelle, formerly farm girl Blanche Tucker of duller-than-dull Boynton, Oklahoma, has put a lot of distance between her humble roots and her glamorous new Hollywood life. Her life is now fashionable and dazzling, and it becomes even more so when she gets to make a film with her good friend and screen idol, Rudolph Valentino.
But when Rudy confides in Bianca that someone is trying to kill him, and then falls deathly ill days later, Bianca vows to find out who is behind the underhanded deed. A jilted lover, a delusional fan, or maybe even a mobster? Calling on P.I. Ted Oliver to help her investigate, the two delve into the end of what had seemed to be the charmed life of Valentino.
Why You Should Read This…
Thank you to NetGalley for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review. I loved this book for several reasons. Firstly, I wasn’t sure what to expect with this book- I’m not terribly familiar with the 1920s/1930s film world, other than seeing a few glamorous photos. However, after reading Valentino Will Die, I must learn more. I very quickly got lost in Valentino Will Die– Casey weaves in filming and acting life into this very dramatic story, and I loved that she carried that throughout the book. Secondly, Bianca is fascinating as a protagonist and detective. Although she is trying to figure out who is trying to kill Valentino, it is very much her story.
The Paris Model, Alexandra Joel
After a devastating discovery, Grace Woods leaves her vast Australian sheep station and travels to tumultuous post-war Paris in order to find her true identity.
While working as a glamorous mannequin for Christian Dior, the world’s newly acclaimed emperor of fashion, Grace mixes with counts and princesses, authors and artists, diplomats and politicians.
But when Grace falls for handsome Philippe Boyer she doesn’t know that he is leading a double life, nor that his past might inflict devastating consequences upon her. As she is drawn into Philippe’s secret world of international espionage, Grace discovers both the shattering truth of her origins – and that her life is in peril.
Why You Should Read This…
Obviously I was pulled into this book for fashion (the reason I’m pulled into most WWII fiction), and it did not disappoint. While a lot of books feature women shopping at Paris fashion houses, The Paris Model explored the darker side of how fashion and women could be used for the resistance. I loved that Joel explored the role of the model/mannequin- we never get to see that. (She is a former editor of Harper’s Bazaar, so she is the perfect author to write this story.) And there are several twists that will keep you guessing throughout…
The Lost Apothecary, Sarah Penner (NetGalley)
Rule #1: The poison must never be used to harm another woman.
Rule #2: The names of the murderer and her victim must be recorded in the apothecary’s register.
One cold February evening in 1791, at the back of a dark London alley in a hidden apothecary shop, Nella awaits her newest customer. Once a respected healer, Nella now uses her knowledge for a darker purpose—selling well-disguised poisons to desperate women who would kill to be free of the men in their lives. But when her new patron turns out to be a precocious twelve-year-old named Eliza Fanning, an unexpected friendship sets in motion a string of events that jeopardizes Nella’s world and threatens to expose the many women whose names are written in her register.
In present-day London, aspiring historian Caroline Parcewell spends her tenth wedding anniversary alone, reeling from the discovery of her husband’s infidelity. When she finds an old apothecary vial near the river Thames, she can’t resist investigating, only to realize she’s found a link to the unsolved “apothecary murders” that haunted London over two centuries ago. As she deepens her search, Caroline’s life collides with Nella’s and Eliza’s in a stunning twist of fate—and not everyone will survive.
Why You Should Read This…
Thank you to NetGalley for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review. The Lost Apothecary is one of those books that I saw promoted everywhere but didn’t know if I would actually like it. However, I am so happy that I decided to request this on NetGalley. This book ties together the two storylines -the 1790s and the 2010s- so well, and perfectly plants the past in the present. (Normally I struggle with books with multiple storylines, but I could not put this one down.) And Eliza, Nella, and Caroline are all complex and strong women in their own ways. While I was reading this, all I could think was “this could make a fantastic television” show.
Note: I was worried that it might get a tad graphic with the poison and whatnot, but there isn’t anything.
Nefertiti, Michelle Moran
Nefertiti and her younger sister, Mutnodjmet, have been raised in a powerful family that has provided wives to the rulers of Egypt for centuries. Ambitious, charismatic, and beautiful, Nefertiti is destined to marry Amunhotep, an unstable young pharaoh. It is hoped by all that her strong personality will temper the young Amunhotep’s heretical desire to forsake Egypt’s ancient gods, overthrow the priests of Amun, and introduce a new sun god for all to worship.
From the moment of her arrival in Thebes, Nefertiti is beloved by the people. Her charisma is matched only by her husband’s perceived generosity: Amunhotep showers his subjects with lofty promises. The love of the commoners will not be enough, however, if the royal couple is not able to conceive an heir, and as Nefertiti turns her attention to producing a son, she fails to see that the powerful priests, along with the military, are plotting against her husband’s rule. The only person wise enough to recognize the shift in political winds–and brave enough to tell the queen–is her younger sister, Mutnodjmet.
Observant and contemplative, Mutnodjmet has never shared her sister’s desire for power. She yearns for a quiet existence away from family duty and the intrigues of court. Her greatest hope is to share her life with the general who has won her heart. But as Nefertiti learns of the precariousness of her reign, she declares that her sister must remain at court and marry for political gain, not love. To achieve her independence, Mutnodjmet must defy her sister, the most powerful woman in Egypt, while also remaining loyal to the needs of her family.
Why You Should Read This…
I think that there are a lot of stereotypes about Ancient Egypt, and a lot of assumptions- people from Ancient Egypt are often spoken of like aliens. “Mummies??”, “They worshipped cats?”, and “They were all incestuous!” are all things that I’ve witnessed people say. We shouldn’t treat anyone- from the past or the present- like they are a different species, we are all people. And I think that Nerfertiti really brings forward the human side of Nerfertiti’s story. Yes, it is perhaps a more dramatic story than most of us live, and but it is a fascinating story and Moran is a talented writer.
If you want to read more about my favourite women from history, you can find more here!
What is your favourite historical fiction books about women?
Cheers,
The Historian
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