The Best Historical Fiction Novels to Read During Quarantine
Anyone else in the mood for comfort reading? In this episode, I'm revealing the two historical fiction series that’ll get you through the next phase of social distancing. What are you reading? Let me know by reviewing Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, joining the community on Instagram, and show me your TBR pile using #bribooks!
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Bri Books Best Historical Fiction Novels to Read During Quarantine (and What to Watch)
Historical literature, in a nutshell, is a piece of writing wherein the plot takes place in the past. What sets historical fiction apart is the detail the author takes to create a world that pays attention to the period being discussed. When it comes to historical fiction, you want to select an author who will ‘do right’ by the characters being created. Women write fantastic historical fiction. I’m certain former Bri Books guest Liana Rodriguez would agree!
These two historical fiction novel series have visual counterparts (like an accompanying TV series). Welcome to the Bri Books Pod Multiplatform Book Club!
Series #1: “Outlander” by Diana Gabaldon.
The origin story of the “Outlander” historical fiction novel series by Diana Gabaldon. Did you know the entire series started by accident?! According to Diana, “The ‘Outlander’ series started by accident in the late 1980s when I decided to write a novel for practice. My goals were: To learn what it took to write a novel, and To decide whether I really wanted to do that for real. I did, and I did—and here we all are, still trying to figure out what the heck you call books that nobody can describe, but that fortunately, most people seem to enjoy.” - Diana Gabaldon
Here’s the plot of “Outlander”: It’s 1946, after the Second World War a British Army nurse named Claire goes to Inverness, Scotland, with her husband Frank on a second honeymoon. Something *happens* and then she emerges in Scotland in the 1740s, and from there, an entire lifetime of adventure begins.
Series #2: “Wolf Hall” Trilogy by Hilary Mantel
“Wolf Hall” series by Hilary Mantel is my all-time favorite historical fiction collection. The series spans “Wolf Hall,” “Bring Up The Bodies,” and Mantel’s final installation “The Mirror and the Light.” I first discovered the story of King Henry VIII’s impact on history through the ‘90s kids cartoon Hysteria. (PS, if you remember Hysteria, leave a winky-eye emoji on the latest picture on the @bribookspod Instagram!)
Reading “The Mirror and the Light” by Hilary Mantel feels like riding a roller coaster. The first novel, “Wolf Hall,” traces the rise of Thomas Cromwell and the fall of Cardinal Wolsey, the Archbishop; and the impact of Anne Boleyn. “Bring Up the Bodies” traces the beginnings (and end) of Anne Boleyn, and the ushering in of Jane Seymour the third of King Henry’s queens. Oh, and a casual Protestant Reformation sweeping the nation, NBD. I highly recommend you read the entire “Wolf Hall” series, it’ll feel like a cold chill and a secret pact. To accompany your reading, watch the 2015 BBC six-part mini-series “Wolf Hall,” which traces the plots of the first two novels.
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