I’ve been really wanted to learn history through reading novels, but I have not found one that can keep my attention, as I often find them too boring or hard to follow. Suggest me some books that perhaps recount historic events through the eyes of someone living in those times. Something that is engaging by also educational.
by terminal-junkie
9 Comments
Here for the suggestions
I find the non-fiction of Dan Jones to be engaging – he covers British history. I mention him, because he released a historical fiction novel called *Essex Dogs* last year which I enjoyed (and a sequel is due for release soon).
A little more random, but *The Devils of Loudon* is based on a historical narrative you might enjoy. Basically, it’s about a vicar who seduced a group of nuns and things got a bit satanic. It’s written by Aldous Huxley, who you might know as the author of *Brave New World*.
Jonas Jonasson
“The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared”. And this has a follow up book.
What you want to look for are books in the genre “Historical Fiction.” It’s my favorite genre. I would start with War and Peace. I also loved Shogun.
“Mans search for meaning” Viktor Frankl
“Night” Elie Wiesel
Anything by Margaret George. She mixes deep research and good writing with a light touch; she definitely tells historical events through her character’s’ perspectives.
While Margaret George focuses on prominent historical figures and well known events, another prolific respected historical fiction author who deals more with fictional representative characters and also teaches a lot of history is Geraldine Brooks. Her range of locations and periods is amazing.
I Claudius by Robert Graves
Bill Bryson – A Really Short History of Nearly Everything
The Lymond Chronicles by Dorothy Dunnett.
And a very amusing nonfiction book: The Decline and Fall of Practically Everybody by Will Cuppy.