Melody's Reading Corner: Historical Fiction

Showing posts with label Historical Fiction. Show all posts

Melody

Penguin Publishing Group | March 2020 | 432 pgs

Source: Publisher via Edelweiss

Alma Katsu's previous novel, The Hunger, was an absorbing read mixed with true historical event and fiction of the Donner Party during the 1800s and I liked it that it has a horror twist aside from the historical facts. In this latest release, the author takes readers on board the Titanic and her sister ship, Britannic, set in 1912 and 1916 respectively.

Annie Hebbley has been spending four years in an asylum after surviving from the Titanic tragedy. She isn't mentally challenged, but the place deems like a safe place given the traumatic experience she'd suffered from her past. When she receives a letter from her friend, Violet Jessop, to work with her as a nurse on Britannic, a hospital ship, she knew her days at the asylum is up and also she couldn't turn Violet down. After all, Violet is one of the survivors from the Titanic tragedy, too.

But Britannic isn't a smooth sailing ride for Annie either; and to top it off, she meets Mark Fletcher again - a man whom she knew when she worked as a stewardess on the Titanic. Seeing him has conjured some memories during their days on the Titanic, her interactions with his wife and their little daughter as well as the strange occurrences that happened before the ship sunk.

Alternate between two different timelines, Alma Katsu weaves a foreboding and a haunting tale (with a dash of supernatural element) about the dynamics and the complexity of a few key characters and how their acts and decisions would lead to unexpected consequences. I've to confess the first part took me some time to be immersed in the story. This is neither a flaw nor a complaint as the author took her time in introducing the characters and constructing the background settings. Once the pace pick up and there's a shift of directions, I was eager to find out what happened. Once again, Alma Katsu has proven that she's a wonderful storyteller and she could expertly blend historical events with supernatural elements and give readers something unique and refreshing from a new perspective. While I'd still choose The Hunger over this one as my favourite, overall it was still an enjoyable read. I wonder which historical event would the author feature for her next book, if she intends to do so, that is.

Note: Violet Jessop may be a supporting character in this book, but she was truly one of the Titanic and Britannic survivors.

Click the following links for more info on -

1) RMS Titanic

2) HMHS Britannic

3) Violet Jessop

4) 12 Titanic survivors whose stories reveal the tragedy's true scope

© 2020 Melody's Reading Corner (https://mel-reading-corner.blogspot.sg/), All Rights Reserved. If you are reading this post from other site(s), please take note that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

Labels: 4 stars, Book Review, Historical Fiction, Horror 4 comments |

If You Leave Me by Crystal Hana Kim

Melody

William Morrow | August 2018 | 417 pgs

Source: Library

Set in the 1950s amid the Korean War, this debut novel by Crystal Hana Kim revolves around our three protagonists and the choices they are forced to make during the war times and how it shaped their destinies thereafter.

Sixteen-year-old Haemi Lee, together with her widowed mother and ailing brother, live in a refugee village after their home was invaded by the Communist-backed army from the North. With the grim circumstances and so forth, Haemi finds some solace in her childhood friend, Kyunghwan, as they will meet for some late night drinks and exchange sentiments. Although Kyunghwan has feelings for Haemi, he put his mind on finishing his studies first so he isn't aware that his older cousin, Jisoo, already has his sights set on Haemi.

As much as Haemi dislike the idea of marrying for security, deep in her heart she knew she has no choice and on top of it, Kyunghwan doesn't seem to have any plans. So Jisoo married Haemi before joining the fight, and Kyunghwan has left Busan to begin a new journey of his own. Haemi by then is a mother to three daughters and while her marriage to Jisoo remains stable, it isn't really a happy and a fulfilling one. What she felt for Jisoo is more towards a feeling of affection than love and at times Haemi will reflect on her decision in choosing him and what would happen if she had chosen Kyunghwan.

Throughout the years, Kyunghwan remains single and his feelings towards Haemi hasn't changed. His return to Busan sent a ripple in Haemi's once quiet life and though she remains unaffected on surface, she is consumed with guilt as she finds herself still drawn to him.

If You Leave Me may seem like an ordinary love triangle story, but it is rich in culture and the life of living as refugees set in the war times was well portrayed and heartbreaking. Crystal Hana Kim's writing is beautiful and lyrical, and the characters are fleshed out and relatable. I'd had a few thoughts after finishing the book and I think our three protagonists are all sad victims of war which in turn led to decisions and then more decisions and consequences. This was an absorbing debut novel and I'll be sure to check out Kim's future releases.

© 2018 Melody's Reading Corner (https://mel-reading-corner.blogspot.sg/), All Rights Reserved. If you are reading this post from other site(s), please take note that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

Labels: 4 stars, Book Review, Historical Fiction, Romance 12 comments |

An Inquiry into Love and Death by Simone St. James

Melody

Penguin Publishing Group | March 2013 | 368 pgs

Source: Library

This is my third Simone St. James book and my love for her books continues to grow the more I read them.

London, 1924. Jillian Leigh, an Oxford student, is required to take a short leave after receiving news from a lawyer that her uncle Toby had passed and that she is to travel to a seaside village of Rothewell to pack up his belongings since her parents are tied up with their work. The coroner had ruled Toby's death as an accident as there wasn't any evidence that there was foul play; plus Toby was a renowned ghost hunter and he travelled to places for his ghost hunting assignments. It is likely that he'd fallen to his death from a cliff while he was pursuing something in the dark and lost his footing.

When Jillian settles in the boarding house where Toby used to stay, she begins to encounter a few unsettling incidents which convince her that an angry spirit might be the cause of those terrifying experiences. Known as Walking John to the Rothewell residents, the two-hundred-year-old ghost is believed to haunt Blood Moon Bay and no one dares to roam the woods or anywhere near the sea once darkness falls. Walking John may seem frightening but in fact his story was a sad one. John Barrow was a smuggler and had lost his beloved son to a drowning accident. Filled with grief, he shot himself after shooting one of his crew when the latter tried to move his son's body from him. This probably explains why his spirit roams and haunts Rothewell. Jillian knew Uncle Toby came to this place because of it.

As Jillian ponders over her uncle's mysterious death, Scotland Yard inspector and former RAF pilot Drew Merriken has a few queries over the case and during the course of investigations the two of them found themselves attracted to each other. As they begin to search for answers surrounding Toby's purpose and his visit to Rothewell as well as the legendary resident ghost, they soon learn that Rothewell harbours some spine-chilling secrets which have nothing to do with the supernatural and most of all the reason Jillian is connected to the case.

Once again I found myself engrossed in Simone St. James's wonderful storytelling and her skillful writing in this atmospheric read with a combination between the dark of the World War and the superstition of a creepy seaside village. While there isn't any war scenarios, the horror of it still lies in the minds who'd gone through the battles; like inspector Drew Merriken who rarely mention it but still evoked many emotions in him whenever the topic is brought up. The setting was well written and gave off that creepiness vibe with the tales of Walking John. What I enjoyed about this story is aside from the writing and the characterisations, the author leave her readers in suspense as one couldn't tell if Toby's death is the act of a vengeful ghost or a flesh and blood murderer until the truth hit you towards the end. I also loved it that there is romance element amid this dark, suspenseful tale but I found the attraction between Jillian and Drew happened a bit too quickly. That said, I still found myself rooting for them as they raced through their investigations. A perfect book to read especially on a stormy night.

© 2017 Melody's Reading Corner (https://mel-reading-corner.blogspot.sg/), All Rights Reserved. If you are reading this post from other site(s), please take note that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

Labels: 4 5 stars, Book Review, Historical Fiction, Mystery, Supernatural 10 comments |

Silence for the Dead by Simone St. James

Melody

Penguin Publishing Group | April 2014 | 384 pgs

Source: Library

After reading Simone St. James's The Broken Girls (my review will be posted nearer to its publication date, which is March 2018), I was totally wowed by her writing style and her storytelling and thus begins my search for her older books. This book is one of them.

Set in England 1919, our protagonist Katharine "Kitty" Weekes flees her home to escape from her abusive father. With no money and no education, she lied her way into getting a job as a nurse at Portis House. A remote hospital for soldiers left shell-shocked by the horrors of the Great War, Kitty decided that this would be an ideal place for her hiding as well as getting paid. Her eldest brother had gone to war and there isn't any news of him so she is well on her own.

Portis House was once a magnificent private estate owned by a Swiss family. There wasn't any news of the Gersbachs when the estate was took over by a Mr. Deighton who later refurbished it into a hospital. Portis House seems to be understaffed with nurses and orderlies and Kitty is accepted partly due to that reason and that the Matron who is in charge was away when her application came in. Kitty is initially glad to have found a place to settle in, but soon that relief has turned to nightmares as not only she has to face the challenging work of attending to the patients but also the Matron who seems to dislike her and give her the worst duties such as cleaning the men's lavatories and doing night shifts with little rest in between. But the worst is, Kitty feels something in Portis House. Aside from the eerie noises from the old plumbing and strange breaths of cold waft through the empty rooms, she also hears footsteps at times but whenever she turns her head to look there isn't anyone.

As the days go on, Kitty notices that the patients all seem to share the same nightmare yet no one dares to speak of it. What most intriguing is Patient Sixteen who is kept in a room by himself and only nurses who have clearance by the Matron could attend to him. Kitty will soon learned that he is once a war hero and that they will later form an alliance to uncover the truth about Portis House and what really happened to the Gersbachs.

Silence for the Dead was a good read but not as good as The Broken Girls (TBG). Don't get me wrong, this book has good writing and an engaging storyline which has the Great War as the backdrop (not precise but still part of the scenario) but I think if I'd read this book before TBG, my opinion would've differ (I suppose that shows how much I enjoyed TBG). That said, this book has great characterisations and I enjoyed reading the interactions between Kitty and a vivid cast of supporting characters (I really felt for the soldiers. One would think they must be mentally ill to be admitted to Portis House but as you read more about them, you'll come to know that there is more than meets the eye.) It even has a slight romance element which lighten a bit of the dark atmospheric mood. A must-read for readers who love some supernatural theme in a mystery and do look out for The Broken Girls in March 2018.

Labels: 4.5 stars, Book Review, Historical Fiction, Mystery, Supernatural 8 comments |

Murder at the Brightwell by Ashley Weaver

Melody

St. Martin's Press | October 2015 | 336 pgs

Source: Library

Murder at the Brightwell is Ashley Weaver's debut and the first book of her Amory Ames series.

Amory Ames is a wealthy young woman who have married Milo Ames for five years. Milo is charming, but he is notorious for his playboy reputation and his carefree behaviour. Amory was supposed to be engaged to Gilmore Trent but being a foolish young girl that she was she chose Milo as she felt he was reckless and exciting while Gil was calm and reassuring. She was attracted by Milo's charming unpredictability but their relationship has turned lukewarm over the years. However, her relationship with Gil remains amicable and they have not contacted each other in a while until he turns up at her house one day unexpectedly.

Gil Trent doesn't want to trouble Amory but he thought she might help change his sister's mind regarding her relationship with her fiancé, Rupert Howe. When Rupert was found dead mysteriously, all speculations point to Gil as he seems to be the person who has something against Rupert. Amory may have accidentally overheard Gil's heated disagreement with Rupert, but she believes Gil isn't the kind who would kill a person out of spite. In order to clear Gil's name, Amory decides to do her own investigation. It is also at this time that Milo turns up at Brightwell unexpectedly and causes a bit of flutter within the group.

Although Amory doesn't like some of Gil's and Rupert's acquaintance at Brightwell, she thinks no one has enough reason for murder but with so many incidents happening thereafter she is not so sure anymore. She decides to seek a little help from Milo; for she finds him useful especially gathering information with his charms and eloquence from the few aristrocrats' wives. When another guest is found dead, Amory is sure there is something more than meets the eye and she is more determined to unravel the truth.

Murder at the Brightwell is a delightful read set in the 1930s amidst the upper class British society. It has a tad of Agatha Christie feel and I found myself immersed in the story quickly due to the smooth flow and that the mystery really intrigued me. Amory is a likeable character full of modesty and courage; and her relationship with Milo fuels up the story and would keep readers rooting for them despite the cool demeanour behind them. All in all it was a satisfying read and I'll be looking forward to the rest of this series.

© 2016 Melody's Reading Corner (https://mel-reading-corner.blogspot.sg/), All Rights Reserved. If you are reading this post from other site(s), please take note that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

Labels: 4 stars, Book Review, Historical Fiction, Mystery 8 comments |

Yesternight by Cat Winters

Melody

HarperCollins Publishers | October 2016 | 400 pgs

Source: Purchased

The year is 1925. Alice Lind, a travelling psychologist, travels from her home town in Portland to a rain-soaked coastal hamlet of Gordon Bay, Oregon, to administer IQ tests to a group of rural schoolchildren as designated by her employer, the Oregon Department of Education. Alice has always believes in the science of psychology, and that any psychological issues they face would be explored and treated through treatments and further consultations. However, her views are to be challenged by one girl.

Seven-year-old Janie O'Daire looks like any other girls her age; except she is a mathematical genius and that she claims her name was once Violet Sunday. One of Janie's account includes Violet grew up in Kansas decades earlier and that she drowned at age nineteen. Perplexed by Janie's "stories", Alice wants to believe what she has heard is no more than products of Janie's vast imagination but yet something tells her it is unlikely so. To complicate matters, Janie's parents are divorced and Janie's mother isn't helpful when it comes to seeking assistance for young Janie. She turns down all psychological help and thinks everyone views her Janie as a "nutcase" or worse, trying to get her away for some scientific research. Janie's aunt, who stays with them and is a teacher herself, is more open minded but she does has her reservation when she initially meets Alice.

Aside from Janie's excel in mathematics, Alice also found out that Janie's account tallies with all the events which her parents had jotted down on their journals since she was two; when she started to tell them snippets of who she was or what she had done in Friendly, Kansas. The strangest thing is, Janie has never travelled outside Gordon Bay once. Intrigued by Janie's stories, Alice decides to do some investigations on her own and what she found out not only changes her perspective on reincarnation but also revealing the truth surrounding her own past as well.

Yesternight was a great novel; both in the historical and mystery aspect. The story is packed with that atmospheric and foreboding feel and made me edgy throughout my reading journey. It was also a great character-driven story, given that the characters are well explored and developed, especially Janie and Alice since this book is mostly about them. Aside from this intriguing story, the author has also captured the struggles and the frustrations Alice faced whereby they are living in an era where prized female education and career are far less than we do now. It was extremely sad to see these young women's life being wasted despite their talents. Even if Alice is a successful psychologist, at times she feels small working in a field dominated by men and thus, she is always cautious about her work so that no mistake would endanger her professional reputation.

Similarly, this story reminds me a lot of a non-fiction I read six year ago. The book - Many Lives, Many Masters by Brian L. Weiss, is based on a true story and you can read my thoughts of this book here.

Labels: 5 stars, Book Review, Historical Fiction, Mystery, Paranormal 7 comments |

The Taxidermist's Daughter by Kate Mosse

Melody

ISBN-13: 9780062402158
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Publication Date: March 2016
Format: Hardcover, 432 pgs
Source: Publisher

"Taxidermy - the art of preparing and preserving the skins of animals and of stuffing and mounting them in lifelike form." ~ Dictionary.com

Constantia "Connie" Gifford witnesses something unthinkable and dark on the eve of St. Mark, the night when the locals of a remote village believe that the ghosts of those fated to die in the coming year are said to materialise and amble through the church doors. While Connie isn't one who is superstitious, she is fascinated by this tradition which has been passed down for more than a decade. But, what most astounded her is seeing her father amongst the crowd as well. What is her father doing there? Crowley Gifford rarely mixes with the residents nowadays ever since their taxidermy museum business had gone down ten years ago. It is like he has become a different person. Gone is his cheerful and charismatic demeanour, the present Crowley Gifford is a man who drinks and keeps things to himself. Although his museum has gone, he had passed on the art of taxidermy to Connie, which she has not only mastered it with ease but also has the capability of capturing the essence of the animals, in particularly the birds.

As the night falls and the crowd has dispersed eventually, Connie creeps out of her hiding place after all the commotion which has took place earlier. What she sees shook her to the core - for a woman is found murdered with a bloody wire coiled around her neck. Though Connie doesn't recognise the woman, she finds herself deeply affected by her death for there is something familiar about her. Perhaps affected by this ordeal and the feelings of being watched, Connie's long lost memories of her childhood accident begins to tease through her mind slowly. What had happened on that night when she was twelve? Is the dead woman somewhat connected to her forgotten childhood days? As unfortunate events began to happen in the quiet town of Fishbourne, Connie knew she has to find some answers surrounding her past as well as the secrets which Gifford seems to be keeping from her all these years.

While I have to admit I wasn't really taken in by the art of taxidermy, it is without a doubt a fine art of its own and it was great learning more about taxidermy through some of the descriptions written in this story. Taxidermist seems to be a position dominated by men so I was quite surprised to read about a female taxidermist in this book, never mind it is a fiction and all Connie does is working on birds. Species like jackdaws, magpies, rooks and crows play a significant role in this story and as you read further you will begin to understand the reason of their roles and how the mystery unravels.

Given the subject and the atmospheric setting of Fishbourne in the 1910s, it is natural to think this story has a dark, gothic feeling and while it is to a certain extent, I actually felt this is more of a story about justice in retribution and righting the wrongs when the victim feels the law is working against them. Despite the subject, I found myself engrossed in this story from beginning to end and like Connie, I was very anxious to find out the mystery and the truth behind it. Although there are some dark elements, there are also some bright, positive ones that show in a person's trait, like Connie and a few people in her life. Her acquaintance and her liking towards Harold Woolston, a man she has encountered while finding the truth might consider to be a bit in haste to some readers but I could feel the chemistry between them through their exchanges and their little gestures. They may be subtle but they are there.

While I wasn't surprised by the ending (I did make a guess early on and found my speculation to be right), it was still a compelling read in my opinion.

Labels: 4.5 stars, Book Review, Historical Fiction, Mystery 8 comments |

The Ballroom by Anna Hope

Melody

ISBN-13: 9780857521965
Publisher: Doubleday
Publication Date: February 2016
Format: Hardcover, 352 pgs
Source: Library

"There are three ways out of here. You can die... You can escape... Or you can convince them you're sane enough to leave." - Pg 135

Let me start off by saying this novel is nothing I had expected, in terms of the premise and the ending. It is a tale about madness and sanity, of obsession and unlikely love.

Set in 1911 within an asylum on the edge of the Yorkshire moors, this story comprises of three characters and their experiences in the asylum. The first character is Ella Fay, a young woman who finds herself as an inmate after breaking a window in the mill where she worked. The others thought she is distressed but truth be told she wished for an open window so she could look at the sky. Her reckless act leads her to Sharston Asylum and she decides that if she keeps a low profile and works hard she might have a chance of an early release.

Dr Charles Fuller was the one who had assessed Ella upon her arrival. He is one of the three characters whose story is told and I have to say among the three his character is the one which left me most appalled. It is by no means his intention to work at Sharston Asylum in the first place; his father has expectations of him yet it is music which he loves and one which has gotten him a job at Sharston's. Though his position is First Assistant Medical Officer, his other role is to head a musical band to perform for the patients for their dance every Friday. Not all could attend the dance though, and Charles thought the dances might help with their conditions, since he has noticed a slight change in John Mulligan as he has shown some feelings with a particular music he'd played. However, his obsession for recognition and preparing a paper for the Eugenics Society would soon send him over the edge.

John Mulligan, the other character in this story, is a quiet man who had lost his wife and their child. Knowing Ella has changed his perspective in life and it is only through the dances that they are able to meet. They began exchanging letters; it is a lovely gesture of some sort as John would tell Ella what he sees while working outside since Ella and the other women inmates are confined inside the building, doing laundries basically. Ella wouldn't know how to read and write, but she has her good friend, Clem, to help her. Clem has an unhappy past and although her story is a short one, it still left a deep impression in my mind. Till now, I was quite bothered by the route she had chosen to escape from an unwanted marriage.

As the story progresses, we would learn more about these three characters' inner thoughts and what drives them towards a destiny none of them has predicted. At its core this is both a love story and a character-driven kind of story that allows us to think about the past and future life of these characters and that there is a fine line between sanity and madness. Overall, I felt the story to be beautifully written and that this book would make a good book club discussion.

Labels: 4 stars, Book Review, Historical Fiction, Literary 10 comments |

The Longest Night by Andria Williams

Melody

ISBN-13: 9780812997743
Publisher: Random House Publishing Group
Publication Date: January 2016
Format: Hardcover, 400 pgs
Source: Library

Set in Idaho Falls during the early 1960s, The Longest Night tells an emotional and an unforgettable story of the challenges and struggles faced by a military family and how a nuclear accident changes their lives altogether.

Paul and Nat Collier knew each other when he was a twenty-year-old army lad while she a nineteen-year-old girl who loves nothing more than freedom and the ocean. Paul is quiet and reserved by nature and it is no wonder he was attracted by the cheerful and friendly Nat at first sight. They got married soon and have two lovely young daughters thereafter. Being an Army Specialist, Paul's latest assignment is to travel to a remote military town in Idaho Falls where he would help oversee one of the country’s first nuclear reactors, the CR-1 which needs manual labour and monitoring to keep it running. It is a risky and dangerous job, but the men at the testing station feel that as long as they always stay vigilant they would be fine.

Paul thinks so too until he discovers that the reactor is compromised while making his rounds one day. He brought this issue up with his superior, Master Sergeant Mitch Richards, and the answer he gets is a new core would be replaced soon and they shouldn't raise too much of an alarm as long as they don't raise the critical rod above four inches high; a safety protocol which every of the operators know by heart. But Paul doesn't think so, and to complicate matters Richards has behaved inappropriately towards Nat during a party and all these has made Paul very displeased with Richards.

Back at the testing station, the men continue to have problems with the stuck rod and Paul decided to confront Richards about the issue again but his anger got the better of him when Richards doesn't seem to acknowledge the danger of the faulty rod but displaying his authority and throwing off crude remarks. Paul saw red and a punch was landed on Richard's face. Whether if it is intentional or duty bound, Paul is then asked to deploy to Greenland to another station where they need experienced man like him. With a saddened heart, Paul leaves his family and it is also at that time when he learns that Nat is pregnant.

Filled with loneliness and restlessness, Nat found a new friend in a local cowboy, Esrom. She first met Esrom in a diner and the impression he gave her is he is easygoing, cheerful and kind-hearted. He is also the one who extended help when Nat's car broke down and also offered to lend her his car, since his uncle runs an car auto shop and he always have a spare. However, their friendship invites gossip although they didn't do anything immoral. Nat couldn't explain her fluttering heart whenever she sees Esrom, yet she knows she still loves Paul and her family, too.

When Paul returns to Idaho Falls, he gives Nat a cold shoulder after hearing Richard had babbled about Nat's close 'relationship' with Esrom. To clear his mind, he went off on a ride and saw several fire engines and ambulance on the highway towards the reactor and he knew something terrible must have happened. What follows is a tragedy and although Paul is officially off duty he still rushes inside the station, hoping to save his mates. Esrom is at the scene too, and by that time he has became a firefighter. What are the chances that they would all be saved from the radioactive and what it would take for Paul to save his own family?

The Longest Night is a great book filled with emotions and a few thought-provoking issues to ponder about. First of all, it examines the fragility and tenacity of marriage and most of all, the many emotions many military spouses will encounter leaving for a new place and settling in. Finding companionship could be a challenge, and even in today's world where we are more open-minded, we still question ourselves if a man and a woman could remain as platonic friends, let alone the time back then. Ms William's writing is great too and there was never a dull moment as I raced through this book, and did I mention that this is her debut novel? Plot and characterisation aside, what made this book another memorable read is the nuclear incident and that this is inspired by a true story of the only fatal nuclear accident occurred in America on January 3, 1961 (You can read more here and here.) Although this is a grim story, it still paints an inspiring portrait of humanity. Highly recommended.

Labels: 5 stars, Book Review, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Literary 18 comments |

The Visitors by Sally Beauman

Melody

ISBN-13: 9780062302700

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

Publication Date: 7 July 2015

Format: Paperback, 544 pgs

Source: Publisher

Egypt. Valley of the Kings. Tutankhamun's tomb. Do these fascinate you? If they are, then you are in for a good literate ride filled with history, adventures and not to mention a haunting tale of two young girls' journey to Egypt in the '20s and how a series of events have changed and shaped their lives.

Lucy Payne was eleven when she was sent abroad to Egypt to recover from the typhoid that killed her mother. With her father immersed in his academic work at Cambridge college, young Lucy had only Miss Mackenzie, her guardian, for their travels in Egypt. Miss Mack, whom Lucy fondly called, was not only "in loco parentis" (Latin for "in the place of a parent") but was also a great companion and a guide to Lucy.

There, she befriends Frances Winlock, the daughter of an American archaeologist and through her, Lucy learns and witnesses firsthand the intrigue of Egypt, its history and culture. She's heard enough stories about treasure hoards and the excavations in Cairo and Luxor; and that Egyptian antiquities dealers would drive up prices through inventing stories about the things they sell. There is one English archaeologist, Mr Howard Carter, who's in charge of an excavation in the Valley of the Kings and seems to have a wide knowledge when Egyptian history is concerned, Lucy finds him aloof, arrogant and mysterious as well. I found him interesting, but he wasn't really an amiable person in my opinion.

As the story progresses, we see through Lucy's eyes through her youth and her older age how Egypt was during the 20s and the intrigue and mysterious legends surrounding Egyptian history and culture. There, she'd also witnessed how the hunt and the discovery would make some people go to extra lengths to fulfill their desires.

I was also fascinated (and horrified) to learn about the process of mummification through bits of information mentioned in the book. It goes without saying that the author had done a thorough research writing this book and did a wonderful job in it. I felt I was travelling with Lucy and the others through their journeys; and I liked Miss Mack for her sincere and bubbly personality.

I've to admit it took me a while to find myself immersed into the story; granted it is about 540+ pages long (and an informative list of historical figures, places and provenance at the end of the book) and a cast of interesting characters who you'll either like or dislike. Some readers might also find the pace a bit slow as the pace is measured as the author seemed to take her time in building the story. However, Ms. Beauman has brought both the historical figures and the fictional characters to life through her storytelling and the Egyptology part is most intriguing. A must-read for fans of historical fiction and Egyptology.

Labels: 4 stars, Book Review, Historical Fiction 10 comments |

A Memory of Violets: A Novel of London's Flower Sellers by Hazel Gaynor

Melody

ISBN-13: 9780062316899
Publisher: William Morrow
Publication Date: 3 February 2015
Format: Paperback, 432 pgs
Source: Publisher

Set in Victorian London, A Memory of Violets is a historical story about two long-lost sisters and how their stories had intrigued and inspired a young woman's journey and changed her outlook of life thereafter.

1876. Flora and Rosie Flynn are orphans and they sell flowers for a living. Their mother passed away after giving birth to Rosie; and their father died shortly thereafter. The girls are not close with their father as he didn't really care about them. Before their mother passed, she gave each of them a lace handkerchief with a cluster of shamrocks neatly stitched in one corner, saying that it'd bring them both good luck.

Despite the hardships, Flora and Rosie strive on and are more than contented to have each other together. To Flora, Rosie is more than a promise to their late mother; she is Flora's everything. But what's most heartbreaking is learning that Flora is crippled and has to rely on a crutch while Rosie is partially sighted, however these do not deter Flora's faith but has made her more determined to provide a living for the both of them. Unfortunately, Flora lost her little sister in a crowded street one day and they become separated.

1912. Tilly Harper is a twenty-one-year-old girl who leaves home for London to become assistant housemother at a Mr. Albert Shaw's Training Homes for Watercress and Flower Girls. It is home to many orphaned and crippled flower girls and they are all trained to make silk flowers for sale. What most made Mr and Mrs Shaw proud of the girls are not only they could make replica flowers which look so lifelike but their spirit and seeing them all getting on with the business of living as if they are able.

While Tilly is fascinated by the girls' zest in both life and their works, her mind keeps thinking about a wooden box she found hidden in her wardrobe. In the box is an old notebook and some pressed flowers hidden between the pages. As she read Flora Flynn's entries she learns about Flora's guilt and remorse in losing her little sister, and that she never stopped looking for her. Intrigued and touched by Flora's determination, Tilly sets out to discover what happened to Rosie.

A Memory of Violets is a wonderful historical novel that really speak to me. Author Hazel Gaynor is a great storyteller in the sense that not only her characters and the premise shine throughout the story but she has also done an excellent job in writing up the historical setting. I felt I was transported into that time period through the characters' perspectives.

As much as this is the story about Flora and Rosie, it is also Tilly's story as readers get to learn about her past, her relationship with her family and how a childhood accident had affected her relationship with her younger sister, Esther. There are some paranormal and romance elements in there but they are minimal. Still, in some ways they are an equivalent part to the story.

Finally, I like the author's writing style and the way she wrapped up this story. From the last few pages of this book, the author share with her readers that there is a real 'Albert Shaw' in real life by the name of John Groom and he grew up in Clerkenwell, London. Though he had his own engraving business, he knew his calling actually lay in helping the street sellers; people like Flora and the girls from the Training Homes for Watercress and Flower Girls (which existed too, in 1890). He died in 1919 and his legacy continues as Livability, the UK's largest Christian disability charity, which aims to provide disabled and disadvantaged people real choice about how they live their lives.

Labels: 4.5 stars, Book Review, Historical Fiction 8 comments |

The Magician's Lie by Greer Macallister

Melody

ISBN-13: 9781402298684
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Publication Date: 13 January 2015
Format: eBook, 323 pgs
Source: NetGalley

Set at the turn of the 20th century in Waterloo, Iowa, The Magician's Lie is a historical mystery revolving magic, a female illusionist who called herself the Amazing Arden, and a murder which everyone thinks she had committed.

The story opens with Arden performing her famous illusion of the Halved Man - cutting a man into half and then having him comes out alive and whole. This illusion is one trick she'd performed endlessly without fail but on that fateful evening, something dreadful happened. Someone behind the stage found her husband trapped in one half of the box dead after the performance. Needless to say, Arden becomes the prime suspect with a motive to kill. After all, in the opening of the story she did think of killing her tormentor. Surely her husband is the one who tormented her?

Officer Virgil Holt of Janesville Police Department witnessed her amazing performance together with his colleague, Officer Mose Huber on that same evening. Mose thinks a little magic may distract Holt of his medical problem, but little do they know that they are to face a tricky case involving magic. Is Arden truly meant to murder her husband? If she has claimed she's innocent, then who had killed him?

As Officer Holt interrogated her, Arden insisted that she is no murderess, and she began to tell him about her past; starting since she was a girl, her relationship with her mother and a cousin called Ray, the reason they moved to Janesville, how she came to be an illusionist, and finally what happened on that fateful evening. As Officer Holt is caught up by her story, he couldn't help but to wonder if what she'd told him is the truth or simply just lies. After all her expertise is tricking people, isn't it?

The Magician's Lie is both a fascinating and intriguing story in all sense. For starters, the magic setting is enough to captivate readers. After all, who doesn't love a good magic performance, even if it is only told in paper. Then, there is the characterisations, the plot and even how the story is executed (flashbacks and present, which I thought was very nicely done.) As much as I was intrigued with the murder case, I was also very much intrigued with Arden's past. Like Officer Holt, I followed her story with eagerness, not knowing what to expect, and whether or not should I believe the story she's telling. And speaking of Officer Holt, he is a righteous man given his position, but deep beneath he has full of doubts, including his personal life. In the end, I felt nothing but sympathy towards him.

In conclusion, this story is simply fascinating. My whole reading journey is tinged with anticipation, be it Arden's story or the reveal of the real killer. I have to say the ending surprised me, but it was a good surprise. Recommended for readers who love historical and mystery.

Labels: 4.5 stars, Book Review, Historical Fiction, Mystery 10 comments |

The Concubine's Secret by Kate Furnivall

Melody

ISBN-13: 9780751540451
Publisher: Sphere
Publication Date: 3 September 2009
Format: Paperback, 515 pgs
Source: Personal Library

The Concubine's Secret (aka The Girl from Junchow) is the sequel to The Russian Concubine (my review here). Our heroine, Lydia has since moved on with her life, leaving China and her Chinese lover, Chang An Lo, to search for her father back in her country land, Russia. She is still somewhat in shock to learn that her father had survived from the Bolshevik army so many years ago and is now captive in a prison camp. Together with her half-brother Alexei, they began their search for their father. Lydia couldn't bear the thought of leaving Chang, but she knew that the Chinese Communist Party needs him and that someday they would reunion again.

Chang, on the other end, is adamant over their mission in driving out the Nationalists Party, but deep inside his heart he still felt for them whenever he succeeded in destroying the troops. He thought about the families and loved ones who are waiting for all of them. After all, they are all the same. And then, there are his doubts in their leader Mao Tse Tung, as he isn't sure if he is the right person to rule China, given his corruption, his lust for power and his ruthless actions. Would Mao bring to China the justice and equality it craves? And finally, would fate allows him to reunite with Lydia again should he travel to Russia as part of a Chinese Communist Party delegation to meet the Russian leader on Communism exchanges?

Back in her country land, Lydia has never felt any closer to her half-brother although her Russian is rusty. Though she isn't familiar with the land anymore, her hope in finding her father is high. But, danger looms in Moscow as in Junchow, China. In fact, the danger doubles as not only she has to thread carefully with the Commandant and his wife (who may hold some information to the prison camp where her father might be) but also Alexei being a member of a criminal brotherhood, after an incident which almost had him killed.

Despite this is the sequel to The Russian Concubine, this book could read as a standalone (there are flashes of some main scenarios like how Lydia and Chang was acquainted and so forth so readers get a gist of the background). While I think The Russian Concubine was a great read, this sequel gives us a more in-depth view of the two lead characters' struggles and dilemmas as not only they have to face the consequences of being caught if seen together but also the unforeseen circumstances that lies ahead should they choose to be together. We see a more matured Lydia in this sequel, in terms of her thoughts and her fiery determination still remains as strong as ever. Chang, on the other hand, became more sentimental as compared to Lydia, which I thought is a romantic notion since he felt so many emotions of both China and Lydia in The Russian Concubine. In fact, I'd seen him as a man who treasure sentimental values aside from his loyalty, and these make him more charming underneath his cool, calm demeanour.

Once again, I found myself engrossed in this historical fiction. Filled with adventures and romance, it had me captivated throughout the story as I found myself rooting for Lydia and Chang, hoping that their relationship would conquer every obstacles which are thrown into their ways. And the same goes to finding her father. All in all, it was an intense and satisfying read.

Labels: 4.5 stars, Book Review, Historical Fiction, Historical Romance 4 comments |

The Russian Concubine by Kate Furnivall

Melody

ISBN-13: 9780425215586
Publisher: Penguin Group (USA) Incorporated
Publication Date: 27 June 2007
Pages: Paperback, 528 pgs
Source: Personal Library

The Russian Concubine may have a romance theme, but it is also a historical fiction centering China's revolutionary stage during the 1920s, whereby there are protests and rage between the Communists and the Kuomintang Nationalists, with Mao Zedong and Chiang Kai-shek as their leaders respectively.

Weaving together with this epic historical is a love story featuring a Russian girl and a Chinese youth. Lydia, together with her aristocratic mother, Valentina, are exiled from their country Russia after the Bolshevik Revolution. All the men are not spared, including her father, and they were either being captured or killed. Lydia feared her father was dead, after being taken away by the Bolshevik army and they are then forced to take refuge in Junchow, China.

With no skills and knowledge of the Chinese language, Lydia feels like a fish out of water, but she's a survivor and most of all, she steals to make ends meet. She'd pawn away the things she has stolen and would lie to her mother about them, not wanting to worry her mother any further. It was by chance that fate allows her to meet a young Chinese Communist, Chang An Lo, on her way home after stealing a ruby necklace. He'd saved her from being caught, after all that necklace is both valuable and important and is to be presented as a gift to a diplomat's wife. Lydia couldn't stop thinking about Chang thereafter.

Chang An Lo, on the other hand, is mesmerised by the fiery foxy girl he'd saved that day. He felt she is courageous and unlike other foreign young women. However, their romance is threatened by the clash of the Communists and the Kuomintang Nationalists. And not to mention they are spies and bribery everywhere that one never feels safe, as there are also brotherhoods triads in the already chaotic Junchow. Some foreigners who live in the International Settlement are besieged by their own rivalries and revenges as well. Overall it was bad times.

Despite the grave theme, I was totally wowed by The Russian Concubine. It is an epic historical story which is rich with ethnic cultures, in particularly to the Chinese. Set in pre-revolutionary China, this story tells the journey of Lydia's escapades from Russia to China, and how she survives living in a foreign country with limited skills and language. The relationship between Valentina and Lydia, as well as Valentina's affair further add intrigue to the story.

What I also liked about this story is the intertwining of history and romance. Both have interesting elements that kept me interested throughout the story; the history wasn't too dry or boring and the romance wasn't cheesy either. I think it is a well balanced read. There is a sequel to this book and The Concubine's Secret is definitely onto my to-read list.

Here's my thoughts on Kate Furnivall's The White Pearl, (the first book I read by her) which I thought was good too.

Labels: 5 stars, Book Review, Historical Fiction, Historical Romance 4 comments |

The Paying Guests by Sarah Waters

Melody

ISBN-13: 9780349004587
Publisher: Virago Press
Publication Date: 28 August 2014
Format: Trade Paperback, 576 pgs
Source: Personal Library

I've only read one book by Sarah Waters - Tipping the Velvet, and loved it. There's something about her writing that feels magical to me, and I couldn't help but feel entranced by her story. I've a few of her other books on my shelves but haven't got around to reading them. Then her latest release, The Paying Guests, hit the shelves and I thought this time round I'd get to it.

Without revealing too much, all I can say is this story is character-driven as well as plot-driven. The setting is 1920s Britain; WWI had ended and the British are trying to pick up their life after the war. Though still somewhat affected by the aftermath of the war, they too, welcomed the emerging of the new world where it'd bring them great promise and modernity.

Frances, our protagonist in her mid 20s, lives with her mother. Her two brothers died from the war and her father had passed on thereafter, leaving them with debts. To make ends meet, they decided to take in lodgers, or "paying guests." Her boring and mundane life took on a turn after the young Barbers couple's arrival and things are never the same, again. And that's about all I can tell you, for any more information I'd risk spoiling it.

Once again, I was captivated by Sarah Waters' superb storytelling and her characterisations. She has a knack of writing unforgettable female protagonists, no matter you like them or not. Frances gave me the impression of an open minded and independent female. The Barbers couple seem like any other married couple who have their ups and downs. As for Frances' mother, she is kind and conservative and I liked her well enough.

Although this story is set in post WWI London, there's not too much of the history being covered but is more of a backdrop to the story. Readers would read about the differences of classes during that period but they are not overly elaborated. For these two subjects I felt a bit disappointed because I'd like to read more about them but alas, I suppose the plot is the main focus and another thing is, Ms. Waters is good in describing events with exceptional vividness so that took my mind off of that little disappointment.

As much as I enjoyed the story, I felt something is lacking but I just couldn't put my finger on it. Ms. Waters' prose is lovely, but I think there are times I felt it drags a little, especially the first part of the story. However, once we are familiarise with the characters' and know where the story is leading, the pace quickens and I couldn't wait to finish it.

So, did I like the book? Yes, but not well enough like Tipping the Velvet. I can't say I loved the characters, but they do left an impression on me. And finally, I think this is a book fits for a good discussion.

Labels: 4 stars, Book Review, Historical Fiction 10 comments |

Three Souls by Janie Chang

Melody

ISBN-13: 9780062293190

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

Publication Date: February 2014

Format: Paperback, 496 pgs

Source: Publisher

"We have three souls, or so I'd been told. But only in death could I confirm this...."

And so this begins the haunting story of a young woman named Song Leiyin, in which her death means she was denied entry to the afterlife due to the things she had had committed during the time she had lived. Wandering about as a ghost, she has to seek answers on gaining entry to the afterlife as well as to make atonements for the things she had committed.

Alongside with her are three souls - the stern and scholarly 'yang'; the impulsive, romantic 'yin'; and the wise, shining 'hun'. They are all part of her and with their guidance, Leiyin would delve back in time to witness and review her life for her understanding to all the events which had happened would release her current denial and eventually make her realise that there is no reckoning of motives good or bad; there is only a life, a death; and what was averted and what was caused.

Set between 1928 and 1936 China, Leiyin tells us her story being a young schoolgirl to a young woman in the wealthy Song family. With a backdrop of the civil war and the Communist movement, Leiyin also shares with us the turmoil the Chinese face during the tough times as well as the roles and difficulties of how women were treated in that generation.

Being a Chinese, I fully understand the traditions and the history of this story through Leiyin's journey. What makes me so thankful of the generation we are currently living is having the freedom; for women during the older times were trapped in strict rules and traditions. For example, many of their marriages are arranged through matchmakers; men are allowed to have concubines and that sons are looked upon as compared to daughters. Although I think some Chinese families do adhere to these traditions to this day (well except the concubines, I think!), I have to say times have changed and that Chinese women today are more independent and have much more freedom and for these I'm thankful in living in this modern generation.

The characterisation of Leiyin is interesting; unlike many young Chinese women who are docile and shy in those times, she is actually a feisty girl who is not afraid of voicing her thoughts and acting on them. Her infatuation with a left-wing poet and translator shows us that she takes matters in her own stride no matter how her father has strongly opposed. Alas, her strong-willed has led her towards exile and eventually death and all I could think of is how vulnerable our life is and how powerless we can be over our fate. Leiyin's story may be a fiction but it allows us to think and reflect of the things we do and that it is always better to make amendments now than to make atonements later for time may be shorter than we thought. I highly recommend Three Souls as it is a remarkable well-written story - both the characterisation and the historical plot. Janie Chang's first novel has definitely left a deep impression on me and I look forward to her future releases.