I have read some really interesting books recently. Lockdown has given me the opportunity to read more than usual, as golf courses are closed and my social life is severely limited. We are staying at home like most people.
This month, I have reviewed some books that reflect life during certain historical periods. The first two are set during and just after World War 2 in Poland and Russia. The third is set in 17th Century England and the final book is set in the Midlands in Ireland in the 1850s.
Have a look at my previous post on BOOKS for some other recommendations.
The weather outside was awful until a few days ago, but we have had a few day’s respite and blue skies have made me feel more optimistic.
Both of the following books tell interesting stories, but they have also caused plenty of controversy.
In fact, what the characters in these books endured make LOCKDOWN seem like a holiday.
The Tattooist of Auschwitz
This novel tells the story of how Slovakian Jew LaleSokolov fell in love with a girl he tattooed at the concentration camp. Heather Morris was told the story by Lale beginning when he was 87 following the death of his wife. The book has been criticised for many historical inaccuracies and also for misleading readers. Many people question some of the details concerning the concentration camps. But I felt that these inaccuracies did not detract from the story. One such inaccuracy relates to how the protagonist sourced penicillin. Seemingly it was not available until after the war. While it was not always an enjoyable read, it was a riveting one. It is a beautiful story of survival, optimism and love.
Cilka’s Journey
The protagonist in this novel was unlucky enough to be in Auschwitz, but having survived that she was then sent to a Soviet Gulag. This was because she was seen as a collaborator, having been forced to be the mistress of the head of the camp. Again, this has drawn the ire of historians and the family of Cilka Klein, who question the veracity of many of the facts.
Nevertheless, it is a fascinating read, particularly enlightening about life and survival in the Russian Gulags.
The next two books are not as harrowing and have received huge critical acclaim
Hamnet
Beautifully written, this novel takes you back to Elizabethan England to Shakespearean times. It is a totally fictional account of Shakespeare’s son Hamnet who died aged 11. But the novel’s central character is not Hamnet but Agnes who is based on the dramatist’s wife. She is a free spirit, a herbalist, a woman with strange powers. Incidentally, her husband is never named, but referred to as such or as ‘the Latin tutor’ or ‘the father’.
So wonderfully evocative are Maggie O’Farrell’s descriptions of the smells, sounds and sights of the town that I felt I was roaming through the streets with Agnes.
The love of a mother and her fears for her children are convincingly portrayed as are the overpowering and real feelings of grief and loss. Highly recommended.
The Wonder
Not sure if this qualifies as historical fiction, but I am including it anyway. The author was fascinated by the accounts of ‘fasting girls’ across the world between the 16th and 20th centuries. They drew doctors, scientists, religious fanatics and the plain curious to their sides.
In ‘The Wonder’, an eleven-year-old girl stops eating, but somehow stays well and alive. Is it a miracle, or is there a cover-up going on? An English nurse Lib Wright is sent into the Midlands in Ireland to investigate and discover the truth. She feels out of place and, of course, there is the normal distrust of the English from the native Irish. Lib finds an unlikely ally in a journalist sent from Dublin to get a story. Nobody is what he or she seems.
Slow moving initially, it took me a while to get involved. I felt every hour pass, watching the child with the nurse. Not a lot happens at first. But the atmosphere is intense and like Lib Wright I wanted to know the truth. Powerful description and dramatic dialogue combine to make this story totally captivating.
Happy reading.
Stay safe my friends. Take hope from this beautiful rainbow I saw a while ago over the Irish Sea on one of my walks. And yes, it was this vivid.
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Spring is coming!
Hilda xx
Thanks, Hilda – these look like great choices! Historical fiction is really my favorite…
Thanks Mary Katherine for reading x
Thanks for sharing these books Hilda. Whilst I’m not a reader I like the sound of The Tattooist of Auschwitz and will have to give it a go. I tend to read when I’m on holiday – so whenever that will be I might read it. Thanks so much Hilda. x Jacqui
Dear Hilda,
Thank you for the beautiful rainbow at the start & end of your post. What a joyful sight on your walk. Re your book recommendations, I am always avidly interested in others’ book choices. I am a total bookworm & have read THE WONDER, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I love Emma Donoghue. I actually have THE TATTOOIST OF AUSCHWITZ in my pile of books to be read. I hadn’t heard of CILKA’S JOURNEY but that is now going on my list. Historical fiction is my absolute favourite genre so I should have read HAMNET by now. My sister & several of my friends have read it and loved it but, for some reason, I haven’t been tempted to read it. Maybe it’s because I hate to hear of children dying & maybe I will read it when normal life as we knew it begins again. I alway enjoy reading your blog. Thank you for taking the trouble to write it for our delectation & information.
Regards from Fran Whyte
Fran that is such a lovely comment. Thanks for taking the time to write it. You have made my day and yes I understand why you are reluctant to read Hamnet. I was in tears. We have to try to stay positive in these challenging times. Virtual HUGS.
Terrific descriptions from yourself Hilda makes me want to dive in to each one of them…….but I’ve other fish to fry right now. Isn’t it great to be too busy in a lockdown, I’ll put them on the back burner!
Love that photo…now that’s one to paint. Its wonderful Hilda, Bravo.
Thanks Marita. Yes good to stay busy. xx
These books sound a fabulous read. Thank you so much for sharing as I’m coming to the end of my current read.
Thanks Celine. It is a wonderful escape from everything that is happening in the world now. now
Love your book reviews, I’m definitely interested in a couple of these, I’ve started using my kindle again and just so easy to download. Thank you for your posts!!
Thanks for reading xx
WHAT IS THAT ISLAND TO THE LEFT OF THE RAINBOW?
ALL THESE BOOKS SOUND LIKE A GOOD READ……….THANK YOU for sharing!
XXX
It is Lambay Island just off the East Coast. It has cattle and wallabies on it would you believe? You have to get special permission to land on it from the owners. My husband has been on it years ago, but I never have. Enjoy the books x
Thanks for sharing Hilda. I finished the Tattoist of Auschwitz last year and it really affected me. SO much pain with so much power.
But now I’ll add these others to my list!!
XOOX
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Yes some of these do not make for easy reading xxx
What a fabulous lineup Hilda. I love it when others find wonderful books for me to read.
Very welcome Rebecca x
Hilda,
I love your honest reviews about the books you have read. I love historical fiction and may read one of your recommendations.
I haven’t had the time to sit down and read as I would like but I’m going on vacation soon.
Beautiful rainbow my friend!
Ah Thanks Robin. Yes I see you have been very busy. And vacation is the time for reading.