Historical Fictionistas discussion

New Year -- new thread.
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Please take time to read the group rules on posting (especially authors)!

I'm Jennifer Lafferty, author of two books including "Knight of the Purple Ribbon". I read a lot of historic fiction including, Philippa Gregory and Tracy Chevalier. I write a book column on Examiner.

Hi Jo Lene and Jennifer,

Great idea. I've been a member for a couple months and have enjoyed it very much.

So, welcome to the group if your new or to this discussion if you are not.

Hi, I'm Gail Amendt from Alberta, Canada. I've been lurking on here for about a month and figured it's time to introduce myself. I am a self-confessed book nerd. I mainly read history, both fiction and non-fiction. I read all kinds of history, but my favorites are WWII and Canadian history. I am super excited about the HFU challenge, and plan to use it to broaden my reading horizons.

Hi, My name's Myta and I'm from Manila, Philippines. This is my first day at GoodReads and I thought that it'd be good to expand my reader's network. I'm a huge historical fiction reader as well as non-fiction, especially about my country (though there aren't much, fiction-wise) and Western Europe. My favorite periods to read on are before the Age of Conquest, 19th century/fin-de-sicle, and WWII.

I seem to have a liking for Russian literature, and I regard Dostoevsky as my favorite author.

Looking forward to reading and talking with all of you! :D

Hi, my name is Katy from Austin, TX. Big ol' historical fiction nerd. Suggestions always welcome! (tho right now most of my choices are dictated by which books are cheapest at the kindle store)

Myta wrote: "I seem to have a liking for Russian literature, and I regard Dostoevsky as my favorite author."

Hi, Myta. Have you found the Discovering Russian Literature group (http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/4...), yet? You may like them, too.

In the meantime, welcome!

Hi Myta, my fave author is Dostoyevsky too. With a fancy for Turgenev and a few other Russians.

Hi Katy. What I found yesterday is 'cheap at the kindle store'. It's 99c and one of the better historical novels I have read... lately... certainly one of the better-written. The Sea-God at Sunrise

Hi Katy. All we need now is an Austin, from Katy, TX.

Hi and welcome to Goodreads HF world all those I've yet to welcome. This is a good place to be.

And, I have to agree with Chris, I think, it's good to see Texans sign in. I'm near Houston.

C.P. wrote: "Myta wrote: "I seem to have a liking for Russian literature, and I regard Dostoevsky as my favorite author."

Hi, Myta. Have you found the Discovering Russian Literature group (http://www.goodreads..."

Oh wow thanks! :) I'm sure to find more authors there. And thank you for the welcome!

Myta wrote: "Thank you for the welcome."

My pleasure. I also sent you a friend request, since it's your first day. Just ignore it if that bothers you.

Also there is a "Books set in Russia" thread in this group, under Historical Fiction Discussions, as well as many other interesting threads.

C.P. wrote: "Myta wrote: "Thank you for the welcome."

My pleasure. I also sent you a friend request, since it's your first day. Just ignore it if that bothers you.

Also there is a "Books set in Russia" thread..."

Thank you for the tips and for the friend request. I accepted it. I'll look into that as well. Cheers

Have fun! I'm sure you'll enjoy Historical Fictionistas (and Goodreads). It's a nice group of folks.

I'm Roger, living in the lovely island of Alderney. I am catholic in my periods or locations of my history reading, but a recent holiday in south west France got me reading about the Cathars and the Cagots, both subjects new to me. so if anyone has any suggestions on these, I'd appreciate.

If you want something other than a novel, the classic study is Montaillou: The Promised Land of Error. One of the great history books of all time, well worth reading.

Hello all: My name is Jan and I am from Royal Oak, Micnigan. I just joined this group today.. I have enjoyed GoodReads for a while now. So time to join some groups~! I can see many advantages and am glad to be here with all the rest of you Historical Fictionistas!
I love these types of books, which entertain our reading senses and we learn about our world at the same time!
Anyone have a good recommendation on a historical/fiction book about Russia? Not necessarily written by a Russian author, because I am looking for a good novel with a history-based setting - Especially during the time of the Czars. Thanks.

There are tons, Janice. Check out the Books set in Russia thread mentioned above.

Welcome!

Welcome all :)


Janice, you can find a Russian thread here with plenty of recommendations: http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/1...

C.P. wrote: "There are tons, Janice. Check out the Books set in Russia thread mentioned above.

Welcome!"

Thanks, I will do that.

I think I may have found some ineresting books already.. I like the reviews and the described story lines of, "The Kitchen Boy" and "The Romanov Bride" both by Robert Alexander.

Thanks to suggestions, given.

Myta wrote: "Hi, My name's Myta and I'm from Manila, Philippines. This is my first day at GoodReads and I thought that it'd be good to expand my reader's network. I'm a huge historical fiction reader as well as..."

Welcome, Myta!

Hello! I'm Harrie from Makati, Philippines. I just joined this group today. I'm still a college student and want to read and be more exposed to HF readings. So far, I am enjoying Dostoevsky, Kurt Vonnegut and Henry Miller. :)
Happy Reading, Goodfellas! :)

Welcome again to all the new members.

I especially appreciate the international (and national - Janice) and diverse group we are growing.

I can't wait to interact with you all.

Hello all! My name is Nicole and I'm from Montreal (Quebec). While I've had a Goodreads membership for a couple of years, I've never really used it except to record the books I've read. My resolution for this year is to get involved with other readers especially historical fiction junkies!

I'm a big fan of books set in the 13th - 17th centuries and always looking for recommendations. Favorites include Cathedral of the Sea by Ildefonso Falcones, Wolf Hall and Bring Up The Bodies by Hillary Mantel.

I'm also researching what I hope will turn into a novel. Set in 17th century Quebec, it is based in part on the true story of an ancestor of mine.

Just wanted to get over my shyness and take the first step by saying hello. I hope to get to know some of you better!

Hi all! My name is Victoria, from Nova Scotia, Canada. I've had a Goodreads account for some time now, mostly as a way to keep track of the books I've been reading. I tend to lurk a lot when it comes to groups and posting threads, but working on kicking myself out of the shadows a bit more. Love historical fiction, really any era, although thanks to Lindsey Davis I'm particularly fond of Ancient Rome. To my local library I am eternally grateful, as I'd never be able to afford half the books I read without it.

Wow, the Canadians invade! Welcome.

@Victoria: When I was an early teen I spent a summer reading through the entire adult section of our local branch public library. It was within walking distance and very small. The librarian was careful I didn't get anything she thought was too 'adult'. It was the very early sixties - too early for even 'Payton Place' for goodness sakes. What trouble could I get into.

@Nicole: My dad was a masters level geneologist (sic?) who stirred up a wealth of family history. With my own research of my state, period newspapers, and an overactive imagination, I produced my ebook. It was the most fun I had since a dog ate my little brother (haha, old joke). Good luck with your novel.

Hi all,
My name is Kim, and I'm from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Like everyone else here I'm a history and historical fiction buff. My favorite period --and the one that first interested me in history --is that of the Middle Ages. I enjoy reading fiction based in all eras though. I'm looking forward to all of the great discussions.

Hi Kim.

Welcome to the group and its great discussions.

Welcome all you new ones. What fun to see the diversity in this group. What a great opportunity this groups provides. I am grateful.
Is anyone else especially interested in the mid 1800's southern or pioneer (US) subjects?

Yay! It's so awesome the lurkers are coming out to play. So, welcome new and old members :)

Some things that may interest you:

Group rules:
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/1...


January's read: The Shoemaker's Wife
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/1...

February we have a buddy read. Sign ups (Sunday is the last day) and information can be found here:
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/1...

We also have some new challenges:
A mini-challenge for January:
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/1...

Historical Fictionista University- this is a year long challenge where you earn degrees, which determines your level of participation:
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/1...

My name is Elizabeth and I'm 24 years old. I live in Kentucky (Louisville, to be precise). I have a BA in psychology and did two minors in English with a concentration in literature and Medieval Studies. I studied French for 5 years and have experience with Japanese, German, and Latin. One of my dreams is to translate Medieval Latin and French manuscripts. The other is to eventually become an archaeologist.

Currently, I work with toddlers as a teacher in a daycare. It's not exactly my dream job, or the best use of my degree, but it works for now. I am going back to school in August to work towards a degree in education so that I can become a third grade teacher. I also plan on doing another major in either microbiology or anthropology. I do enjoy some aspects of my job such as being able to teach my children and the joy that I receive when they finally catch on to what I've taught them. I also enjoy the smiles, hugs, and kisses that I get from my kids when I come to work in the mornings.

I am an avid reader and have been since I was a child. I generally read anything except westerns, romance, and inspirational/Christian books. I quite enjoy horror, fantasy, historical fiction, and mysteries. I have also gotten into the Quirk classics recently. Right now, I am reading Android Karenina. Classic literature is another favorite of mine with Edgar Allan Poe, Jane Austen, the Bronte sisters, HP Lovecraft, Victor Hugo, and Gaston LeRoux being among my favorites.

I look forward to making new friends and taking part in book discussions.

-Elizabeth

Hi everyone, I've been a member for a few months and have loved reading everyone's posts! Historical fiction is one of my favourite genres, particularly international settings and novels such as Robert Harris' FATHERLAND, set in an alternate version of Nazi Germany, and Susanna Clarke's JONATHAN STRANGE & MR NORRELL, which skirts the fantastic.

I'm Malaysian and my novel, THE GHOST BRIDE, will be published this August by William Morrow/HarperCollins in N. America, Hot Key in the UK & Commonwealth. Set in 1890s colonial Malaya, it's based on a peculiar custom amongst the Chinese in Malaysia called a spirit marriage, where a living woman is married to the dead. My blog is http://yschoo.com/

I'm addicted to books, a frequent haunter of libraries and bookstores, and am looking forward to good literary conversations in this forum!

Hi Yangsze. Welome. Your forthcoming book sound promising! Bernice

Hi to everyone in this group. I am James from France. After publishing four mystery/crime novels, I now write historical fiction (WWII), simply because I live in a community of ex-resistance people who are disappearing fast because of their age. I am rushing to capture and use snippets of their amazing stories that would otherwise die with them.
My previous novel, 'Les Ruines', focussed on the Maquis; more recently I have completed 'Risk', which concentrates on the dangerous work involved with escape lines. The research alone in this region of France keeps me busy even before I put pen to paper (finger to keypad!)

Janice wrote: "Hello all: My name is Jan and I am from Royal Oak, Micnigan. I just joined this group today.. I have enjoyed GoodReads for a while now. So time to join some groups~! I can see many advantages an..."
Hi Jan,
Though not fiction, one of the most enthralling books about the Romanovs that I have ever read is Michael and Natasha, The Life & Love of Michael II, the Last of the Romanov Tsars by Rosemary Crawford. If you like romance, tragedy, adventure, revolution, betrayal and conspiracy...this book has it all. I have recommended it to anyone who reads!

James

Bernice wrote: "Hi Yangsze. Welome. Your forthcoming book sound promising! Bernice"
Thanks Bernice! Researching it was a really interesting historical journey. Traditional beliefs and superstitions have been preserved far more in overseas Chinese communities than on the mainland itself, where Communism strongly discouraged such folk practices as spirit marriages.

I'm Paul Levinson, author of The Plot to Save Socrates, The Silk Code, and other historical (ancient history) science fiction.

I'm also an avid fan of historical fiction on television, including Rome, The Tudors, and The Borgias, all of which I review in my TV blog http://InfiniteRegress.tv

I've just started watching Cadfael, another superb series.

Paul wrote: "I'm Paul Levinson, author of The Plot to Save Socrates, The Silk Code, and other historical (ancient history) science fiction.

I'm also an avid fan of historical fiction on television, including R..."
Hi Paul, are you talking about the Brother Cadfael series? I enjoyed those!

Yes - I've seen just the first three, and I'm hooked already!

Hi and welcome to Elizebeth, Yangzse, James, and Paul. Did I leave anyone out?

I loved Brother Cadfael. Jacoby (I hoped I got the name right) makes anything he's in better and Cadfael is good TV anyway. The books are great too.

Yangsze - I practice Tai Chi at a Taiwanese community center and see a part of what you expressed. The community works hard to preserve and share the richness of their traditional culture.

Paul wrote: "Yes - I've seen just the first three, and I'm hooked already!" Have you seen the excellent series "I, Claudius"? It also stars Derek Jacobi and if you love ancient Rome, probably right up your alley!

Steven wrote: "Hi and welcome to Elizebeth, Yangzse, James, and Paul. Did I leave anyone out?..."
Thanks Paul! Yes, there are many traditions/superstitions which are preserved from the time of the immigrant community's departure. For example, a researcher came to study the Los Angeles family members of my Japanese American friend, because the dialect they used is now very rare in Japan, though it is still used amongst the older people in the Japanese American community.

Yangsze wrote: "Paul wrote: "Yes - I've seen just the first three, and I'm hooked already!" Have you seen the excellent series "I, Claudius"? It also stars Derek Jacobi and if you love ancient Rome, probably right..."

Absolutely - I saw "I, Claudius" back in the 1970s, when it first aired here on PBS. Along with Rome, one of the all-time best ancient history series.

Steven wrote: "Hi and welcome to Elizebeth, Yangzse, James, and Paul. Did I leave anyone out?

I loved Brother Cadfael. Jacoby (I hoped I got the name right) makes anything he's in better and Cadfael is good TV a..."

Hi Steven - absolutely right about Derek Jabobi.

Very interesting, Yangsze.

I have a friend whose grandparents were Japanese immigrants sent the the California internmant camps during WW2. They tried hard to preserve their 'roots' and pass them to their children but my friend said he and his sisters are pure American now and know little of that culture.

I'm of Irish decent whose family were in Virginia by the early 1700's. We have none of that with us now and think ourselves 'Texan' much more than Irish though my wife's grandmother, a second generation 'potato famine' Irish woman remembered vividly signs in store windows that said 'Help wanted - Irishmen need not apply'. I'm left with rediscovering my Celtic culture and find it fascinating.

I've been with Goodreads as an author for 3 years, but I feel new because I haven't joined any discussions in a few months. I just finished my third book and have been very busy. I'm happy to be back here and I feel I must introduce myself, too. Another Texan - this time from West Texas (Midland).
Joyce Shaughnessy

Hi! I'm Victoria, both long-time resident of the South, new author, and lover of all things historical. I was born in California to a pioneer Hollywood film industry family and grew up loving dramatic stories of all kinds. I found very quickly that the best always have a sense of history! I have a particular affinity for the American South and the Old West, but I also dabble in piracy (as a literary discipline, of course!), and have forever been captivated by English history.

Looking forward to many great discussions!

Hello fellow HF lovers. I'm Peter Youds from England and I'm so fond of HF I started writing it. But the reading came first - getting going with a heady mix of Jane Austen (not really HF!), CS Forester, Conan Doyle, GA Henty, Hemingway...
Later came Patrick O'Brian, Bernard Cornwell and others.
It's good to know you're all out there!

Paul wrote: "Steven wrote: "Hi and welcome to Elizebeth, Yangzse, James, and Paul. Did I leave anyone out?

I loved Brother Cadfael. Jacoby (I hoped I got the name right) makes anything he's in better and Cadfa..."

I'm a big fan.