Historical Fictionistas discussion

In addition to historical non-fiction, Erik Larson, one of my favorite authors, also has written a few wonderful historical fiction novels. He's definitely worth reading as his attention to detail brings life to not only the characters but the settings in his books.

I've read each of his books and two of the historical fiction books that have remained with me are Isaac's Storm: A Man, a Time, and the Deadliest Hurricane in History and The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair that Changed America.

The Devil in the White City has been on my wish list for a long time. Maybe I need to push it further up that list.

I was positive Devil in the White City was nonfiction.

It leans more towards non-fiction, but I listened to an interview with the author and he fictionalized much of the dialogue.

I love falling into a different time and place via historical fiction, as well as literary written nonfiction. I’ve gotten immersed in his books, but I found myself thinking about the Devil in the White City from its release day. It’s one of my favorites.

I also loved Thunderstruck. What's great about his book is he has two different threads -- the crime and then the scientist.

Just to be clear, Erik Larson has never written a novel. He writes non-fiction, most of it historical. He had two nonfiction books early in his career (when he was a WSJ journalist) which were not historical. But he’s never written fiction.

Thank you, I didn't know this author.

All his books are non-fiction. Very good reads they are, too.

Just finished Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania a couple of weeks ago - I think I like this best of his books that I've read.

Fiona wrote: "The Devil in the White City has been on my wish list for a long time. Maybe I need to push it further up that list."

Amazing book. Looking forward to reading it again.

Matt wrote: "Fiona wrote: "The Devil in the White City has been on my wish list for a long time. Maybe I need to push it further up that list."

Amazing book. Looking forward to reading it again."

I'll put this on my want to read list as well!

I loved Devil in the White City and the Lucitania and have had Thunderstruck on my TBR list for ages. This reminds me to read it. Erik Larson’s non fiction reads like fiction. All 5 Stars

Wow, this topic is 2.5 years old! Since then I've read all Larson's books except Issac's Storm (the only one not on Kindle, I may have to read this one in the old-fashioned way). They're all excellent, but Dead Wake is my favorite.

Erik has a new book coming in 2020! The Splendid and the Vile: A Saga of Churchill, Family, and Defiance During the Blitz

Ashley *Hufflepuff Kitten* wrote: "Erik has a new book coming in 2020! The Splendid and the Vile: A Saga of Churchill, Family, and Defiance During the Blitz"

Ashley; Thanks for the heads up! edited to add: Went to add it to my TBR list and it's already on there :)

I’m reading The Splendid and the Vile. I’m about halfway through it and it’s excellent

I read Devil in the White City years ago, and I still think of that book! Coming from the Chicago area, I was interested in the topic of the Chicago worlds fair. This book is riveting, and filled with details and suspense that keep you up reading till the wee hours of the morning. a great read!

I thought "Devil in the White City" and "The Splendid and the Vile" his best.

I have bought at least 5 copies of the Devil in the White City. I keep it in my guest room. Guests start to read it and wind up "borrowing" it.

William wrote: "I thought "Devil in the White City" and "The Splendid and the Vile" his best."

I most recently came across another of his (have only read The Splendid and the Vile: A Saga of Churchill, Family, and Defiance During the Blitz) but it's called Isaac's Storm: A Man, a Time, and the Deadliest Hurricane in History.

Simon wrote: "William wrote: "I thought "Devil in the White City" and "The Splendid and the Vile" his best."

I most recently came across another of his (have only read The Splendid and the Vile: A Saga of..."</i>

I've enjoyed all of his books, but [book:The Splendid and the Vile: A Saga of Churchill, Family, and Defiance During the Blitz is not my favorite. I'm about half way through it and some of the details are getting tedious. I'll still finish it though.

Issacs storm was my first Larson. It is a great book. I think Devil in the White city is my favorite because its about Chicago. I have lived in or around Chicago my whole life. The book told my so much about my city's history. I was to busy looking around the world to realize their was fascinating stories here

I am a huge fan of Erik Larson's work, and mentioned him at a recent talk that I gave. He seems to be a class favorite, and it is no surprise. Whether his books are fiction or non fiction, you will feel sure that it's 100% true! Historical non-fiction is notorious for being dry, Erik Larson effectively overcomes that stigma with his creativity.

Thank you for the information. I am sorry had did not know about this author.