I was looking for a new book to read at my local bookstore. I don't like to go to the bookstore with nothing in particular in mind because I usually end up buying something that fails to deliver. The book ends up sitting on my shelf collecting dust after that initial read and I experience buyer's remorse. Because I was desperate for a new book, I took the chance- and I'm so happy I did! I stumbled upon Elizabeth Kostova's The Historian and it is a winner.
The Historian is written in the style of a Victorian gothic novel, yet is is immensely readable. Kostova delivers layer upon layer of suspense at just the right pace, which kept me glued to the pages. A young girl follows her father across Europe, learning as she does so about her parents's mysterious contacts with the bloodthirsty noble believed to be long dead- no other than Vlad the Impaler. Immersing herself in her father's fascinating story, she finds herself increasingly in danger from the unbelievable evil her father has discovered.
Like Morton's The Forgotten Garden, the story is told from the perspective of several characters over a long period of time. Their stories weave together, sometimes abstractly, piecing together cohesively at the end. Yet it couldn't be more different from Morton's novel-in short, The Historian is a vampire novel. Before you lose interest, you should know that this is no twilight or Sookie Stackhouse novel. Instead it is literary, heavily researched and so enjoyable to read. Mingled with the supernatural and suspenseful elements are historical details about the Ottoman Empire and Eastern Europe. This novel might even teach you an historical fact or two. If vampire novels aren't your thing- keep an open mind. This is surprisingly light on gore and oh so good! This book has put me in the mood to read Bram Stoker's Dracula and Kostova's newest novel, The Swan Thieves. Happy Reading!
Showing posts with label History. Show all posts
Showing posts with label History. Show all posts
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Thursday, June 3, 2010
The Tudors
I am a huge fan of historical fiction, particularly when it takes place in Tudor England. I don't know what it is about that particular time period, but I love reading about Henry VIII and his six wives, the reigns of his children Mary, Elizabeth and Edward, and the tragic and short-lived reign of Lady Jane Grey. I find that time period so fascinating. I am also a big fan of the show, The Tudors. That show is alive with the colours and passions of the Tudor court, and while it is not 100% historically accurate, it is a pleasure to watch. Like many who are interested in the Tudor era, I am a fan of Ms. Phillipa Gregory's Tudor novels. I have a bit of a love-hate relationship with Phillipa Gregory- I love her Tudor novels as well as a few others, and I can't stand some of her others. Let me explain by telling you about some of her great ones.
First, the classic. The Other Boelyn Girl wouldn't be so well-known if it wasn't for the poor film rendition. But please, don't judge this book by its movie. It tells the story of Henry VIII and his second wife, Anne Boelyn through the voice of his former mistress and the mother of two of his illegitimate children. She also happens to be Anne's sister. Mary Boelyn is manipulated into place by her scheming family as Henry's mistress. Although he seems to love her at first, his eyes soon start to wonder and Anne steps in to take her place. Cast aside, Mary watches Anne's triumphant rise to the throne of England, as well as her tragic downfall to the executioner's block. After a lifetime of being manipulated and used, Mary decides to take control of her own life, and perhaps even find real love. The Other Boelyn Girl is a unique account of the tragic Boelyn family, portraying Anne in a desperate and unflattering light. It is a well-researched and highly entertaining novel. Equally as good is The Boelyn Inheritance, which tells the story of Henry VIII's third and fourth Queens, Anne of Cleves and Katherine Howard, as well as Jane Boelyn, sister in law to Anne Boelyn.
In The Queen's Fool, Gregory tells the story of the Tudor court through the eyes of a young girl. Hannah Green is a young Jewish girl, trying to escape the Spanish Inquisition. She finds her way to Edward VI's court where she becomes the court fool, mentored by Will Sommers. She is sent to spy on Mary, and she witnesses Mary's victorious ascension to the throne following the unsuccessful attempt to put Jane Grey on the throne. Hannah is witness to court intrigues and battles, and like Mary Boelyn, she must take control of her own life and find love and a family.
In The Virgin's Lover, Gregory tells the story of a young Elizabeth I as she ascends to the throne and falls passionately in love with Robert Dudley. Robert plots a way to divorce his wife, Amy, and marry the Queen, but when Amy turns up dead under suspicious circumstances, Elizabeth's throne is at risk. Gregory gives her interpretation of a long unsolved mystery, doing so with style.
The Other Queen is another great Tudor novel, narrating the imprisonment and execution of Mary, Queen of Scots by her rival, Elizabeth I. The Constant Princess tells the story of Katherine of Aragon, her short marriage to prince Arthur, his premature death and her marriage to Henry VIII. Gregory even answers the question of the King's Great Matter. Though not a Tudor novel, The White Queen tells the story of Elizabeth Woodville, Queen consort to Edward IV and mother to the tragic Princes in the Tower. A Respectable Trade is another great piece of historical fiction, telling the story of a slave, kidnapped from Africa and sent to England where he falls in love with his unhappy white mistress.
Gregory novels I did not like? The Wideacre trilogy, and The Wise Woman. I found them to be way too graphic, depicting things that made me uncomfortable (like incest). She is a skilled writer, but some of her novels are not for the faint of heart (or stomach)! Fallen Skies was pretty good (set in 1920s England), but it just couldn't compare to her Tudor novels.
So, if you like the Tudor period or just a great piece of historical fiction, try Phillipa Gregory. She is able to capture the intrigues and mysteries of the royal court. Her books will keep you absorbed and they're historically accurate enough that you might even learn something!
First, the classic. The Other Boelyn Girl wouldn't be so well-known if it wasn't for the poor film rendition. But please, don't judge this book by its movie. It tells the story of Henry VIII and his second wife, Anne Boelyn through the voice of his former mistress and the mother of two of his illegitimate children. She also happens to be Anne's sister. Mary Boelyn is manipulated into place by her scheming family as Henry's mistress. Although he seems to love her at first, his eyes soon start to wonder and Anne steps in to take her place. Cast aside, Mary watches Anne's triumphant rise to the throne of England, as well as her tragic downfall to the executioner's block. After a lifetime of being manipulated and used, Mary decides to take control of her own life, and perhaps even find real love. The Other Boelyn Girl is a unique account of the tragic Boelyn family, portraying Anne in a desperate and unflattering light. It is a well-researched and highly entertaining novel. Equally as good is The Boelyn Inheritance, which tells the story of Henry VIII's third and fourth Queens, Anne of Cleves and Katherine Howard, as well as Jane Boelyn, sister in law to Anne Boelyn.
In The Queen's Fool, Gregory tells the story of the Tudor court through the eyes of a young girl. Hannah Green is a young Jewish girl, trying to escape the Spanish Inquisition. She finds her way to Edward VI's court where she becomes the court fool, mentored by Will Sommers. She is sent to spy on Mary, and she witnesses Mary's victorious ascension to the throne following the unsuccessful attempt to put Jane Grey on the throne. Hannah is witness to court intrigues and battles, and like Mary Boelyn, she must take control of her own life and find love and a family.
In The Virgin's Lover, Gregory tells the story of a young Elizabeth I as she ascends to the throne and falls passionately in love with Robert Dudley. Robert plots a way to divorce his wife, Amy, and marry the Queen, but when Amy turns up dead under suspicious circumstances, Elizabeth's throne is at risk. Gregory gives her interpretation of a long unsolved mystery, doing so with style.
The Other Queen is another great Tudor novel, narrating the imprisonment and execution of Mary, Queen of Scots by her rival, Elizabeth I. The Constant Princess tells the story of Katherine of Aragon, her short marriage to prince Arthur, his premature death and her marriage to Henry VIII. Gregory even answers the question of the King's Great Matter. Though not a Tudor novel, The White Queen tells the story of Elizabeth Woodville, Queen consort to Edward IV and mother to the tragic Princes in the Tower. A Respectable Trade is another great piece of historical fiction, telling the story of a slave, kidnapped from Africa and sent to England where he falls in love with his unhappy white mistress.
Gregory novels I did not like? The Wideacre trilogy, and The Wise Woman. I found them to be way too graphic, depicting things that made me uncomfortable (like incest). She is a skilled writer, but some of her novels are not for the faint of heart (or stomach)! Fallen Skies was pretty good (set in 1920s England), but it just couldn't compare to her Tudor novels.
So, if you like the Tudor period or just a great piece of historical fiction, try Phillipa Gregory. She is able to capture the intrigues and mysteries of the royal court. Her books will keep you absorbed and they're historically accurate enough that you might even learn something!
Monday, May 10, 2010
Should we censor Hitler?
Censorship is one of those hot button issues that is very difficult to resolve. Obviously there's a line for everyone (ie. no playboy in Elementary Schools), but that line tends to be drawn in different places. My opinion on the topic is that it's up to the reader and in the case of children, the parents, to decide what is appropriate or not. Librarians should select age-appropriate materials for school libraries, and parents should monitor what their children are reading and (gasp) discuss those titles with them. One parent at a school or a library, in my opinion, does not have the right to decide what all the other children can read. It's simple- if you don't like it, don't read it!
My beliefs have been tested over the last couple weeks after I read an article in Macleans Magazine (to read the full article, click here: http://www2.macleans.ca/2010/04/21/the-return-of-hitler/). This article discusses the resurgence of Hitler's ideas in various countries, exemplified in Hitler-chic clothing, elected politicians with anti-semitic leanings, and the renewed interest in his book, Mein Kampf. Normally I would say that it is up to the individual to decide what to read or not, but in the case of hate literature like Mein Kampf, it is not so simple. Eight million people were murdered because of Hitler's ideas- is this really a book that we should allow on our library shelves?
I had this discussion with some co-workers at the library, and one quoted a very powerful quote that I thought very applicable:
Obscenity is not a quality inherent in a book or picture, but is solely and exclusively a contribution of the reading mind, and hence cannot be defined in terms of the qualities of a book or picture. ~Theodore Schroeder
In short, Mr. Schroeder suggests that a book is powerless on its own- it is the reader that gives a novel power and validity. What frightens me is not the book itself- it is merely the ramblings of a paranoid and deluded man- but the readers who will give those beliefs power. Hitler's ideas were powerless on their own- it was the masses of people that supported him that gave him credibility and transformed those ideas into action.
Thankfully, it goes both ways. Readers also have the power to strip Hitler of power, and to replace his hatred with honour and love for his many victims. Perhaps the book can serve as a souvenir of the basest aspects of humanity. Perhaps by remembering both the victims and the perpetrators, we can ensure that we will not victimize others. We can't pretend that evil doesn't exist, and we can't erase the blights on our histories. All we can do is do our very best to ensure they don't happen again.
In short, let Hitler stay on our library shelves. There are many valid reasons to read the book that do not give power to his hate-filled spewings. But let's continue to educate ourselves and each-other so that we don't give his ideas power ever again.
My beliefs have been tested over the last couple weeks after I read an article in Macleans Magazine (to read the full article, click here: http://www2.macleans.ca/2010/04/21/the-return-of-hitler/). This article discusses the resurgence of Hitler's ideas in various countries, exemplified in Hitler-chic clothing, elected politicians with anti-semitic leanings, and the renewed interest in his book, Mein Kampf. Normally I would say that it is up to the individual to decide what to read or not, but in the case of hate literature like Mein Kampf, it is not so simple. Eight million people were murdered because of Hitler's ideas- is this really a book that we should allow on our library shelves?
I had this discussion with some co-workers at the library, and one quoted a very powerful quote that I thought very applicable:
Obscenity is not a quality inherent in a book or picture, but is solely and exclusively a contribution of the reading mind, and hence cannot be defined in terms of the qualities of a book or picture. ~Theodore Schroeder
In short, Mr. Schroeder suggests that a book is powerless on its own- it is the reader that gives a novel power and validity. What frightens me is not the book itself- it is merely the ramblings of a paranoid and deluded man- but the readers who will give those beliefs power. Hitler's ideas were powerless on their own- it was the masses of people that supported him that gave him credibility and transformed those ideas into action.
Thankfully, it goes both ways. Readers also have the power to strip Hitler of power, and to replace his hatred with honour and love for his many victims. Perhaps the book can serve as a souvenir of the basest aspects of humanity. Perhaps by remembering both the victims and the perpetrators, we can ensure that we will not victimize others. We can't pretend that evil doesn't exist, and we can't erase the blights on our histories. All we can do is do our very best to ensure they don't happen again.
In short, let Hitler stay on our library shelves. There are many valid reasons to read the book that do not give power to his hate-filled spewings. But let's continue to educate ourselves and each-other so that we don't give his ideas power ever again.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Past and Present, Intertwined
I love novels that alternate between the past and the present. When a novel like this is well done, the historical story enriches the story taking place in contemporary times. Two novels that do a brilliant job of intertwining the past and present to make one richly complex story are The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton, and The Tenth Gift by Jane Johnson.
The Forgotten Garden is a title that I instantly fell in love with. A few chapters in, I knew that I loved this novel, and the rest of the story did not disappoint. Morton beautifully weaves this story, seamlessly blending mystery, history and fairy tale together, and telling a story across several generations. I was captivated and absorbed by this book and deeply invested in the fate of each heroine. It is an exquisite story- deeply moving, acutely tragic and yet profoundly uplifting and hopeful.
It is 1913. A small child is found at the docks in Australia. The dockmaster and his wife decide to raise the child as their own, since she is unable to tell them who she is or why she is alone. As an adult, Nell sets out to solve the mystery of her past. But it is a complex, layered mystery, and it is not until after her death that her grandaughter is able to fully solve the mystery. This novel takes place at several different points in time. As you read, you slowly put the pieces together until you have a truly wonderful story. I just loved it. I have recommended this novel many times, and everyone who has read it has really enjoyed it as well. I also read Morton's A House at Riverton, and while it can't compete with The Forgotten Garden, it is an excellent read as well.
More recently, I read The Tenth Gift by Jane Johnson. This novel takes place in Cornwall, in the 17th century, and in present day. Julia is a woman in a dysfunctional relationship with her friend's husband. He breaks up with her to make amends with his wife, and he gives her an antique embroidery book. Written in the book are diary entries from 19 year old Catherine, an embroider living in Cornwall in 1625. Catherine is kidnapped from her church by pirates and brought to Morocco as a slave. Catherine writes about her terrifying experiences, and Julia journeys to Morocco to learn more about Catherine's story. As Julia encounters Catherine in her writings, she must find her own path, and perhaps her own love story as well. The Tenth Gift offers a glimpse into a different time and place, a different culture, and an oft ignored part of history.
Both novels are enchanting, and Johnson and Morton demonstrate the ways the past can enrich the present. I highly recommend them both.
The Forgotten Garden is a title that I instantly fell in love with. A few chapters in, I knew that I loved this novel, and the rest of the story did not disappoint. Morton beautifully weaves this story, seamlessly blending mystery, history and fairy tale together, and telling a story across several generations. I was captivated and absorbed by this book and deeply invested in the fate of each heroine. It is an exquisite story- deeply moving, acutely tragic and yet profoundly uplifting and hopeful.
It is 1913. A small child is found at the docks in Australia. The dockmaster and his wife decide to raise the child as their own, since she is unable to tell them who she is or why she is alone. As an adult, Nell sets out to solve the mystery of her past. But it is a complex, layered mystery, and it is not until after her death that her grandaughter is able to fully solve the mystery. This novel takes place at several different points in time. As you read, you slowly put the pieces together until you have a truly wonderful story. I just loved it. I have recommended this novel many times, and everyone who has read it has really enjoyed it as well. I also read Morton's A House at Riverton, and while it can't compete with The Forgotten Garden, it is an excellent read as well.
More recently, I read The Tenth Gift by Jane Johnson. This novel takes place in Cornwall, in the 17th century, and in present day. Julia is a woman in a dysfunctional relationship with her friend's husband. He breaks up with her to make amends with his wife, and he gives her an antique embroidery book. Written in the book are diary entries from 19 year old Catherine, an embroider living in Cornwall in 1625. Catherine is kidnapped from her church by pirates and brought to Morocco as a slave. Catherine writes about her terrifying experiences, and Julia journeys to Morocco to learn more about Catherine's story. As Julia encounters Catherine in her writings, she must find her own path, and perhaps her own love story as well. The Tenth Gift offers a glimpse into a different time and place, a different culture, and an oft ignored part of history.
Both novels are enchanting, and Johnson and Morton demonstrate the ways the past can enrich the present. I highly recommend them both.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Young Readers' Choice Awards 2010
There's just sometihng about a children's book that appeals to me. I don't know if it's the magic and innocence or the ability to escape from adult problems for a short while, but I can completely immerse myself in a juvenile or teen novel. This must be why I love the Young Readers' Choice Awards titles. I can still remember voting for my favourites back in elementary and junior high school. Now that I work as a Library Assistant, I have started reading the YRCA nominees again.
For those of you that are wondering, the YRCA nominees are chosen by kids and teens, librarians and teachers in the Pacific Northwest- Alaska, Alberta, British Columbia, Idaho, Montana and Washington. Once the final nominees have been chosen, it is up to kids to read the nominees and vote for their favourites in each category. Since the voting is now complete and the results will be out any day, I thought it would be fun to put in my two cents.
For the junior division (grades 4-6), my favourite is The Candy Shop War by Brandon Mull, author of the wonderful Fablehaven series. Candy that is both delicious and magical- what could be better? But a group of kids soon learn that the grandmotherly owner of the new candy shop is hiding something more sinister. My second place vote goes to The Mysterious Benedict Society. In this novel, gifted children are handpicked to join said society to help save the world. Think of this one like a clever combination of Harry Potter and Lemoney Snicket, though it certainly has standing power on its own.
For the intermediate division (grades 7-9), two books have my vote for first place. Michael Scott's The Alchemyst: The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel is a delightful blend of magic, fantasy and history. In this fun read, a brother and sister help Nicholas Flamel keep his secrets of immortality out of the wrong hands. Book of a Thousand Days by Shannon Hale reads like an exotic fairy tale- a girl and her maid are locked into a tower for refusing a cruel suitor. As the days go by and the supplies dwindle, they wonder if they will even survive, let alone find true love.
I read almost all of the books in the Senior division (grades 10-12), and only two books really stood out. My vote for first place goes to Caroline B. Cooney's Enter Three Witches. Whether you enjoy Shakespeare's MacBeth or not, you will enjoy this novel that tells the story through a young girl's eyes. In second place is Laurie Halse Anderson's Twisted. I first encountered Ms. Anderson when I read her stunning novel Speak, and this one packs almost as much of a punch. Like Speak, Twisted tackles some tough teen issues, but from a male perspective.
The nominees for the 2011 nominees have recently been released, and I've read several of them already. Some of my favourites so far? Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson, A Curse Dark as Gold by Elizabeth C. Bunce, The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, and Found by Margaret Peterson Haddix. For more information on the YRCA nominees, go to http://www.pnla.org/yrca/index.htm
In the meantime, happy reading!
For those of you that are wondering, the YRCA nominees are chosen by kids and teens, librarians and teachers in the Pacific Northwest- Alaska, Alberta, British Columbia, Idaho, Montana and Washington. Once the final nominees have been chosen, it is up to kids to read the nominees and vote for their favourites in each category. Since the voting is now complete and the results will be out any day, I thought it would be fun to put in my two cents.
For the junior division (grades 4-6), my favourite is The Candy Shop War by Brandon Mull, author of the wonderful Fablehaven series. Candy that is both delicious and magical- what could be better? But a group of kids soon learn that the grandmotherly owner of the new candy shop is hiding something more sinister. My second place vote goes to The Mysterious Benedict Society. In this novel, gifted children are handpicked to join said society to help save the world. Think of this one like a clever combination of Harry Potter and Lemoney Snicket, though it certainly has standing power on its own.
For the intermediate division (grades 7-9), two books have my vote for first place. Michael Scott's The Alchemyst: The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel is a delightful blend of magic, fantasy and history. In this fun read, a brother and sister help Nicholas Flamel keep his secrets of immortality out of the wrong hands. Book of a Thousand Days by Shannon Hale reads like an exotic fairy tale- a girl and her maid are locked into a tower for refusing a cruel suitor. As the days go by and the supplies dwindle, they wonder if they will even survive, let alone find true love.
I read almost all of the books in the Senior division (grades 10-12), and only two books really stood out. My vote for first place goes to Caroline B. Cooney's Enter Three Witches. Whether you enjoy Shakespeare's MacBeth or not, you will enjoy this novel that tells the story through a young girl's eyes. In second place is Laurie Halse Anderson's Twisted. I first encountered Ms. Anderson when I read her stunning novel Speak, and this one packs almost as much of a punch. Like Speak, Twisted tackles some tough teen issues, but from a male perspective.
The nominees for the 2011 nominees have recently been released, and I've read several of them already. Some of my favourites so far? Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson, A Curse Dark as Gold by Elizabeth C. Bunce, The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, and Found by Margaret Peterson Haddix. For more information on the YRCA nominees, go to http://www.pnla.org/yrca/index.htm
In the meantime, happy reading!
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