I came to Alison Weir’s historical fictions after enjoying a number of her very readable non-fiction histories. The first time I came across one of her fictional books (with the seemingly mandatory cover image of a woman in period dress with her face partially obscured — what is up with that?) I was a touch amused.

I imagined Weir being at least a little put out that Philippa Gregory was selling circles around Weir’s carefully researched non-fiction works. So, why shouldn’t Weir translate her vast historical knowledge into books that would reach people who might never pick up an actual history — and sell a lot more copies in the process.

I say good for her. And good for us as well.

Enjoyable to read as well as informative, Weir’s fictions shine a light on women of history who are too often overlooked. I’ve read two of her novels now (along with about six of her histories) and look forward to reading more.

Captive Queen: A Novel of Eleanor Aquitane couldn’t be more different from Innocent Traitor: A Novel of Lady Jane Grey. But then those two women couldn’t be more unalike, either.

Lady Jane was a child pawn whose only value to her family was as a possible path to the English crown, a move that put Jane in mortal danger as a mere teen. Eleanor, on the other hand. was a ruler in her own right, who proceeded to marry two kings, produce two future kings, and exhibit so much moxie her husbands sometimes despaired of her.

Weir does justice to them both. Her Lady Jane novel depicts royal childhood in a way that may shock contemporary readers. In effect, children were treated as miniature adults, held to high standards, and beaten when they fell short. Please, don’t let that put you off — the character of Lady Jane is truly fascinating and you’ll be impressed by how she deals with what life has given her.

Eleanor, on the other hand, is quite the manipulator herself. And a hot, lusty lady as well. Dissatisfied with the attentions of her husband, the French king, she plots an annulment so she can wed the ambitious man who plans to become the king of England. Considering we’re talking about the 11th century here, that’s pretty bold.

I appreciate that Weir’s novelistic style gives room for these two polar opposites to breathe and become “real.” But even more, I value knowing that for Weir, decades of research and dedication to facts came before her foray into fiction. Okay, Gregory has studied history, too, but she hasn’t written any.

To me, that makes a world of difference.

For more about Alison Weir, her novels, and her histories, click here.

By Tom Rachman

The Short Take:

What a delight this was! Rachman uses tiny slices from his characters’ lives to reveal everything about them in this highly readable and thoroughly enjoyable book. Every character has some involvement with an international, English-language newspaper headquartered in Rome. Set in the modern day, small overlaps and an interspersed newspaper history draw everything together.

Why?

By telling the story of a declining newspaper through individual — and highly personal — stories, Rachman achieves something far more fascinating and engaging than a straight narrative. While each of his vignettes keeps a tight focus, they deliver deep insights into the subject’s personality. You also get a feel for the newspaper’s personality as well: Between each “story” are short sections that trace its history.

I will warn you that you might find the very first story depressing. Not to worry! That is not the tone of the book (okay, maybe young newspaper journalists will find the whole thing depressing). Every story evokes different emotions. One had a surprise end that knocked my socks off. Another left me misty-eyed with happiness.

I am so glad I bought this book.

A Little Plot:

Well, this is difficult. The personal stories pretty much stand on their own, though a minor player in one story may later have a tale of his/her own. The interspersed newspaper history helps you understand the relationships between the different characters as well as their relationship with the newspaper.

This book is more about understanding the characters — what drives them, worries them, etc. — than it is any particular plot. Each story obeys all the plot rules in and of itself. Putting them all together like this just makes the whole experience more rewarding.

For more about Tom Rachman has his debut novel, click here.

By Stephanie Pintoff

The Short Take:

Fans of Caleb Carr should enjoy this mystery, which has quite a bit in common, as far as setting and mystery-solving techniques, with Carr’s The Alienist. That’s a pretty good recommendation right there to me.

Why?

If you like those detective shows where they create criminal profiles, you should enjoy this mystery. However, since this book is set about 100 years ago in New York City, the science of getting into a criminal’s brain isn’t as advanced. Plus, the police are not very receptive to going there in the first place.

The plot clips along at a good pace, with some welcome twists to keep you going. In addition to the main mystery surrounding the brutal murder of a young woman, there are some veiled hints at other mysteries in the past lives of the main characters. Since Pintoff already has a second book out with at least some of the main characters, I anticipate back stories will be revealed over time.

And, I will be reading her next book.

A Little Plot:

A woman is stabbed and beaten to death while visiting friends in rural New York. It seems a totally random murder until Detective Simon Zeile receives a enigmatic note from criminologist Alistair Sinclair, who claims to know who the murderer is.

Zeile rushes to see Sinclair in New York City, but has his doubts about Sinclair’s profiling methods and his conclusions, however  – like any good cop — he pursues all leads. Those leads take him to a number of the seamier dives and dens of iniquity  in turn-of-the-century NYC. Danger lurks for both members of the crime solving team as well as potential witnesses. And, in the midst of everything, Zeile uncovers a very disturbing truth about Sinclair himself.

For more about Stefanie Pintoff and books, click here.

Christopher Moore’s novels tend to be funny, outrageous, and in general a delight to read. Strangely enough, while everyone else seems to be piling on the vampire (and zombie) band wagon, he seems to be abandoning it. While that’s a shame in some respects, he has created such a delightful little trilogy with his three books about blood suckers I wanted to spread the word.

Moore started his vampire series in 1995 with Blood Sucking Fiends. This comic love story positively bounces with quirkiness and good spirits. Boy meets red-headed vampire and, of course, love ensues. And, of course, there are obstacles to that love —  beyond the expected day vs. night shift problem. And wait till you meet the Animals — actually the stoner night stockers at a local grocery. It’s pure fun all the way.

You Suck continues the story of the young lovers. Moore waited 13 years before writing this equal (guess he saw the time was ripe for more vampire antics). I can’t tell you much without revealing too much of the first book, but wait till you meet vampire minion Abby Normal. Ha! Much of the book is “good vampires” against the “bad.” And, with any page turn, you may find yourself amazed at some new oddity Moore’s imagination creates.









The third, and I suspect final (because it ends so completely), installment is the recently released Bite Me. Not only are all the outrageous characters of the first two books still around for your entertainment, there’s also Chet — the giant shaved vampire cat who now leads a growing band of vampire kitties. Then the vampire clean-up crew comes to town and the action really starts.

Keep in mind, these are not your typical vampire stories, full of nastiness, angst, and fear. Moore’s books are filled with frolic, fun, and fearlessness in the face of impossible odds. And, as each book’s subtitle reads, they are all “a love story.”

There’s also one related story, which includes plenty of weirdness, including possibly the birth of a baby Death, as well as many of the same supporting characters: A Dirty Job. Read ‘em all and have fun!

Want to know more about Christopher Moore and his other works (including the amazing Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ’s Childhood Friend)? Click here.

By Ed O’Loughlin

The Short Take:

This is a novel, a work of fiction, but I felt like I got a realistic picture of the reckless lives of war correspondents — both on and off the job. This fascinating book had some delectable descriptions, but whenever bullets started to rain, it read with steely-eyed reporter detachment. Good thing, too. Otherwise the horror and futility of the wars in Africa would be too much to bear.

Why?

Of course I’ve never met a war correspondent. The closest I’ve come is reading old P. J. O’Rourke articles inRolling Stone. O’Loughlin actually reported from Africa and the genuineness of this work shines on every page.

There are a number of things that intrigued me about this book: The way the reporters could face horrific situations with an amazing degree of detachment, yet obviously were not truly immune. The way they cooperated, even though they were competitors. The insanity of the African wars they covered. The tragedies this war forced on everyday African families.

And then there was O’Loughlin’s use of language. Just a passing mention of “pencils of smoke rising from smokestacks” sent me into a reverie about the joys of creative use of descriptive language. O’Loughlin draws beautiful pictures. Thankfully, when it comes to actual warfare, the language is much more terse. O’Loughlin gives his readers the same emotional distance his reporters must maintain to do their jobs. That’s pretty clever in my book.

Please note that I seldom read any book having to do with war. I’m glad I made an exception here.

A Little Plot:

Owen Simmons works at the Irish newspaper he once left to be a foreign correspondent in Africa. When a disliked colleague dies, Simmons finds in his possession a picture of Simmons and his fellow reporters. The book then recreates Simmon’s African past for us, interspersed with the events happening in Simmons current life.

You’ll be glad to know the book contains love interests and brave women as well as hard-drinking, careless men. I found myself mentally casting the roles as I read along. That’s always a good sign.

For more about Ed O’Loughlin and his book (though not much more, to be honest) click here.

By Glenn Taylor

The Short Take:

This powerful and thoughtful book is a worthy successor to Taylor’s National Book Critics Circle finalist. Stretching from 1941 to 1969, it doesn’t just tell the story of a man. It reflects the turmoil of our nation. A stunning read.

Why?

This book made me nervous for all the right reasons. When a book encompasses everything from the horrors of Guadalcanal in WWII to the hopes and dangers of the Civil Rights Movement, you anticipate terrible things happening to your main characters. This tension underlies every page of what is actually an uplifting story about the transformation of one man, those he draws to him, and those who would stop him.

Taylor’s solid research shows in the believability of every scene, even though this book also features a ribbon of magical realism. He gives you a fine sense of place as well as creating memorable characters. In fact, my one quibble is that some characters fade from the narrative well before I want them to.

And, boy, did the ending really, really surprise me. In a good way.

A Little Plot:

The attack on Pearl Harbor leads a young Loyal Ledford to enlist in the Marines. Soon, he is immersed in all the horrors of Guadalcanal — horrors that threaten to ruin his life afterwards as he struggles to find meaning and purpose.

Seeking help, he finds a life-changing friend and the inspiration for a dramatic change. Loyal builds a marble (the round glass kind) company where people can work and live together in peace and mutual respect. He is joined by African-Americans and others who are downtrodden. But his small community is not popular with many of his neighbors in West Virginia.

I couldn’t find a website for Glenn Taylor, but to read an interesting recent interview, click here.

By Hilary Mantel

The Short Take:

This interesting novel is built around the early career of Thomas Cromwell as an advisor King Henry VIII. It received the 2009 Man Booker Prize and is certainly worthy of your time, but this book is not necessarily for everyone.

Why?

Like many, I’m fascinated by the Tudor era of English history (but not because of the HBO series, which I didn’t care for). What intrigues me is not so much all those wives as it is the religious turmoil of the time. A lot of this novel focuses on that turmoil and the gradually growing influence of Protestant thinking under Henry. It’s hard today to accept you could be burned at the stake just for having a Bible written in English. That was the case as this book opens, though by the end you could just as easily be condemned to death for not recognizing Henry as the head of the Church in England.

If the subtleties of religious thought intrigue you, you’ll find the discussions between Cromwell and Cardinal Wolsey (Cromwell’s original employer in the King’s service) and, later, with Thomas More fascinating indeed. Of course, you have all the intrigues and mechanizations of Ann Boleyn and her family to entertain you as well.

The book’s greatest success is as a rich character study of Cromwell. He really lives and breathes.

So why am I hesitating to give Wolf Hall a full endorsement? A lot of it comes down to the pronoun “he.” Mantel uses it as a literary tool when referring to Cromwell. When you’re accustomed to having “he” refer to the last male mentioned, her device can cause a bit of confusion as to who is doing/saying/thinking what. I guess I’m just not sharp enough to get it, because I found it irritating from start to finish. Sorry.

Otherwise, it’s a fascinating read for those with interest in the Protestant Reformation, Henry VIII, Ann Boleyn, Wolsey, More, or  – especially — Cromwell.

A Little Plot:

The book basically follows the arc of Ann Boleyn’s influence in Henry VIII’s court, though the focus is always  squarely on how she impacts Cromwell’s position. As the assistant to her perceived enemy, Cardinal Wolsey, he is in dire danger. Gradually he improves his position to the point that he is the most trusted advisor of Henry and Ann.

The book ends far earlier in Cromwell’s career than I would have expected. He is just beginning the dissolution of the monasteries and has yet to reach the full height of his influence. Guess what — there’s going to be sequel. But, Mantel did end her novel at a satisfying way.

To read a recent interview with Hilary Mantel, click here.

By Simon Lelic

The Short Take:

Lelic has built a masterful book around the insidiousness of bullying in modern society. Revolving around a tragic school shooting, with a teacher as the gunman, it holds up a mirror to our collective tendency to accept easy answers instead of responsibility. It can be painful to read at times, but that’s as it should be.

Why?

There’s a lot of misery in this book: both as the cause and effect of the school shooting and on the part of the investigator tasked with closing the case as quickly and cleanly as possible. While the story unfolds in a truly fascinating way, it’s like being fascinated by a deadly dangerous snake. One line in particular sums up much of this novel’s message: “Why were the weak obliged to be so brave when the strong had license to behave like such cowards?”

Chapters alternate between forwarding the narrative and presenting witness statements recorded by the chief investigator, a woman herself bullied at work. Lelic does a good job of capturing the immediacy of the recorded interviews as well as the different voices of the subjects. In fact, I was so put off by the first chapter, with the mindless mental wanderings of a student cutting class, that I considered giving this book a pass. Actually that was just a first taste of the distinct personalities yet to come: the preening PE teacher, the gossipy secretary, the bewildered parents of a beaten child, and many more.

Though not an actual mystery (there’s no doubt who did it) this book slowly pulls back one veil after another to give you the full picture. And, even though the propelling action took place before the book starts, it still builds to a dramatic climax.

Reading A Thousand Cuts may make you cringe at time, because haven’t we all stood by at least once when bullying took place? But it may make you act differently the next time. And, if enough people read it, it could change countless lives for the better.

A Little Plot:

A quiet and socially awkward history teacher, Samuel Szajkowski, walks into a school assembly and guns down three students and another teacher before fatally shooting himself. Detective Inspector Lucia May uncovers disturbing things about the school and its attitude towards bullying during her investigation but is pressured to stick to the simple report the public — and her superiors — want.

At the same time, Lucia faces her own bully at work. Can she stand up to the forces against her? Should she?

I found a short interview of the writer on YouTube. If you’re interested, click here. Note that this book was called Rupture in England, where it was first published.

By Fernanda Ederstadt

The Short Take:

Life is messy and sweet and frustrating for the child (and teen) heroine of this enjoyable book. Eberstadt has brought the classic “journey of discovery” into the 21st century with style, substance, and outstanding readability.

Why?

I suspect most American parents will be outright shocked by the freedom of movement and lack of hands-on parenting Celia Bonnet, aka Rat, receives in Eberstadt’s book. I also suspect that’s the writer’s main point. There is certainly a huge contrast between the self-sufficient Rat and the weak and irritating, yet highly pampered, kid that appears late in this novel.

Rat could be seen as a coming of age book, but it does not follow the stereotypical sexual awakening path. Rat is both more subtle and more complex. Celia’s transformation is driven more by her brain than her body; and shaped just as much by her relationships with others as her own secret longings.

All in all this is a fascinating story with unexpected characters and their unexpected actions. I’m glad I got to meet Rat. We need more kids like her.

A Little Plot:

Rat is the product of a one-night stand between a beautiful bohemian French woman and an English artist. Her poverty, haphazard upbringing, and deep attachment to her erratic mother sound like a recipe for disaster. Nope. Rat accepts and loves her world, even when it brings what are at first unwelcome changes. But then one change brings danger to someone she loves and Rat begins to seriously think of her absent father as the rescuer she needs.

For more about Rat, Fernanda Eberstadt, and her other books, click here.

By Joseph Boyden

The Short Take:

Boyden’s second novel is a worthy successor to his marvelous Three Day Road. This mesmerizing journey through the lives and dreams of two Canadian Crees is rich and rewarding. I wish I’d gotten my hands on it when it first came out (March, 2009). I hope you’ll make the effort to find it now.

Why?

Two narrators — a Cree bush pilot in a coma and his beautiful niece — alternate narrative chapters in this haunting novel. In his dreams, he tells her of the journey of his life. At his bedside, she whispers to him about her journey through the glittering world of clubs and glamour.

Infused with fascinating details about Northern Crees who live closer to a traditional lifestyle, both narratives are really about the journey to find one’s self. But this is no mere moody tale, it’s filled with genuine suspense alongside surprising flashes of humor.

Boyden creates characters you believe in and really care about. While bush pilot Will Bird is more complex and thoughtful than his niece, Annie, that makes perfect sense considering her young years. By the same token, Will’s personal torments and genuine fears have a depth that Anne’s hollow sojourn in New York cannot achieve.

The way these two narratives balance and compliment each other really works. Boyden is a very gifted and convincing writer. His first novel made a huge impression on me. And this one did not disappoint.

A Little Plot:

Cree Bush pilot, Will Bird, lies in a coma. His niece, Annie, visits him daily. In his mind, he is telling her the story of his three plane crashes as well as his struggle against a local thug who is out to kill him (we don’t know why he is in a coma until the end, and there is more than one possibility).

Because a nurse claims talking may help Will, Annie whispers stories about what happens to her in Toronto and why it sent her to New York in search for her now missing sister, Suzanne, a once rising fashion model.

Will’s tale encompasses enduring friendships and heart-breaking loss, along with very real fear of his ruthless and powerful enemy. Annie’s story reflects the emptiness and capriciousness of the world of what’s in and who’s out. But she faces danger, too. And the danger both her and her uncle face are both wrapped up with the missing and elusive Suzanne.

To learn more about this book and Joseph Boyden, click here.