Hello r/suggestmeabook users, I’m looking for a book, or series, in a historical setting that doesn’t have useless romance parts in it.
I’ve read (or listened) several of Ken Follets books and really like them but I just get so bored of the long winded romantic scenes, like I get it. They did it. Can we get back to the story now? There’s only so much “ voluptuous breasts” I can take without rolling my eyes or lolling.
I’m not against any romantic relationships or anything, like it’s a natural part of life, I just am not a big fan of the long winded scenes that I’ve read from a handful of writers. Especially if it’s not really important to the main story.
As for time, place, doesn’t really matter, I can get into it all. I do prefer well researched material as non-fiction would be my favourite but usually end up being dry history books that lack the individual perspective of the people living in the past.
Thank you 🙏
by usernamedmannequin
5 Comments
This tender land by William Kent Krueger
The Night Watchman by Louise Erdrich
The Matthew Shardlake series by C.J. Sansom
Conn Iggulden is the author for you. Try reading [wolf of the plains](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1265656) first
*The Great Divide* by Cristina Henriquez – multiple perspectives on the building of the Panama Canal
*The Parisian* by Isabella Hammad – a Palestinian man studies in France in the early 20th century, gives a window into Palestinian history
*Not Even the Dead* by Juan Gómez Barcéna – a surreal time-hopping overview of Mexican history. The main character does have some sexual/romantic relationships, but I don’t recall them being long-winded or overtaking the story.
*The Silence of Bones* by June Hur – a mystery set in 1800s Korea
*The Exiles* by Christina Baker Kline – three women’s experiences of Australian colonization
*Zenzele: A Letter for My Daughter* by J. Nozipo Maraire – Zimbabwean independence era
*Map of the Invisible World* – 20th century Malaysia/Indonesia
*People of the Book* by Geraldine Brooks – follows the story of a rare manuscript through time, focused on Jewish experiences
*Necessary Lies* by Diane Chamberlain – 20th US, deals with social work, forced sterilization, and racial tension
*The Shadow King* by Maaza Mengiste – Ethiopia during the Italian invasion