My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A few years ago I was reading allot of fiction about historical women. The book that opened the door to what I call my "female centric phase" was The Red Tent by Anita Diamant.
I want to put in a caveat right here that while I really enjoyed this book, it is not for everyone. Some people can't get past the first couple of chapters. There are many graphic depictions of physical and health related issues that are common to all women - cycles, pregnancy, birth.
Aside from the fact that I felt the writing was engaging I enjoyed the perspective this book gave me on what it meant in the past to be part of a community of women. Through the eyes of Jacob's daughter Dinah this novel takes the reader into the real lives that lay behind the book of Genesis. Reading between the lines Anita Diamant embraces the truth of the bible, mixes in some real history, and invents characters and events that reflect the common issues and experiences of modern women. The book made me laugh and cry - but in ways I didn't really expect. It made me cringe, and it also made me want to embrace my womanhood in a new way.
I would not recommend this book for men, anyone with a weak stomache, or anyone who wants a really fast paced plot.
This is a great book for people who are interested in biblical history, women's issues, or enjoyes novels that depict the intricate dramas of daily life.
See more of my bookshelf at Goodreads.com
Review: The Red Tent by Anita Diamant
Review: Peony in Love by Lisa See
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this novel. Well written, this poignant account of love and longing is actually a story within a story. Peony is a young girl who is betrothed to a man she has never met when she meets and falls in love with the boy next door. Cloistered within the walls of her father's home and constrained by the values of her society she sees no way out of her situation and becomes consumed by an epic love poem. When she literally dies of heartache the plot takes a fascinating turn into supernatural realms.
Fast paced and multi-dimensional this book left me feeling more emotions than I could keep track of. I recommend it as a good love story, a good ghost story, and a fascinating insight into the history of Chinese society and women.
See my entire bookshelf on Goodreads.com
Review: An Unholy Alliance by Susanna Gregory
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I picked this novel up from the library at random and really enjoyed it. Part murder mystery and part historical fiction this fast paced plot kept me interested from cover to cover. The author painted a thrilling and dynamic picture of life in the post-plague eta, and managed to include elements of horror and suspense without becoming gruesome or banal.
I am thrilled to find that it is part of a series and can not wait to find out what sort of trouble Matthew Bartholomew finds himself in next!
See more of my reviews and ratings on Goodreads.com
Review: The Red Queen by Philippa Gregory
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
As much as I enjoy Philippa Gregory's rich depiction of historical scenes and vibrant characters, this is not among my favorites in her collection.
I felt that the portrayal of Margaret Beaufort was inconsistent in that she had vastly differing opinions of herself as the plot progressed. I'm not sure if this was in an attempt to represent real vacillations in her character, or if it was pure invention, but the result was that the story felt a little disjointed and left me with no real protagonist to root for. Normally I can find something compelling in even the darkest of Gregory's character inventions, but this time I was lost.
The book is still a good read, and I would recommend it to others who have a love of Tudor history - although I would suggest reading the White Queen first as it is, to my mind, a better novel overall.
See more of my reviews and ratings on Goodreads.com
Review: 1421: The year China Discovered America by Gavin Menzies
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This fascinating collection of information from Gavin Menzies challenged my perception of history as it was written when I was in school. The collection of information that he shares in this heavy paperback is somewhat speculative, but definitely insightful. Many of the stories seem to have at least a strong chance of being true.
While I realize that many of the assertions he makes are challenged by expert historians the overall context of his theory makes sense to me, and I look forward to future research.
I would tell other potential readers that this book was heavy and at times cumbersome in language and concept, but well worth the journey. Even if you don't agree with the premise, you can't help but be excited and inspired by the possibilities!
See more of my reviews and ratings on Goodreads.com
Review: The Girl with Glass Feet by Ali Shaw
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Ali Shaw manages to surprise and delight with an ending that you both anticipate and fear in a heartwarming and emotionally shattering story about the true value of love and life.
The girl with glass feet was a really insightful look into what makes a relationship valuable. Almost afraid to turn the page for fear of its ending, the story gently touches upon secret dreams and fears as it explores the last days of a woman who knows she is doomed.
I would tell potential readers that the pace was a bit slow in the beginning, but the main characters were intriguing enough to keep me interested as the plot developed. It's worth the read, especially if you are a lover of deep and transcendent characters.
See more of my reviews and ratings on Goodreads.com
