Today’s Book Blogger Hop question is: Do you read historical fiction?
I do, although I suspect I read less than I think I do. Along with actual historical fiction, I read a decent amount of fantasy books set in magical past eras–or as I like to describe the time period of my Beyond the Tales books, in the “faux medieval” era (loosely medieval, but I never worried too much about the details).
When I read historical fiction, I like books set in the first half of the 20th century, the Victorian era, Napoleonic wars, Elizabethan…or ones that go all the way back to the Roman Empire, or ancient Greece. With occasional forays into Camelot-era (though mostly that involves fantasy!) I think the mere way I describe eras probably indicates a preference for British historical fiction. I tackled the enormous tome of London a few months ago, which pretty well covered everything of the last 2,000 years. I especially liked the Roman era, both Julius Caesar and the days of Londinium.
There’s something fascinating about very different time periods, when life was very different–and, perhaps, the same to a surprising degree too!
Do you read historical fiction? Do you have a favorite era?
I certainly do read Historical Fiction and looking at my numbers it is my most read genre this year, so far! In fact, I just finished reading Queen of the North by Anne O’Brien, which was about the proud, ambitious Elizabeth Mortimer, the great-granddaughter of Edward III and wife of Henry ‘Hotspur’ Percy, who got involved with a fair few plots against the crown during the Wars of the Roses. I particular like reading about this period and the Elizabethans, Tudors and Victorians.
Most of my knowledge of British and European history comes from novels, so I’m reliant on them getting their facts right. That said, I read them because of the stories, not because they are historical. We’re talking Sharpe (army) and Aubrey Maturin (navy) for the Napoleonic wars period, memoirs like The Hare with Amber Eyes for twentieth century run-through. Dr Syn and Jane Austen for 18th Century… I’m an old fashioned girl. The best ones are good time travel to the past 🙂
I read some historical fiction, almost all set in the WWII or WWI eras. I enjoy novels that feature strong women living during those periods. I might read more varied historical fiction, but one consequence of reading a lot on an eReader is that you receive recommendations for books like the one you’ve been reading, so one of these novels leads to others. But that’s OK. There are many good ones out there – it seems like a popular time period for historical fiction.