In the past month I have read historical fiction that has taken me from Oklahoma to Avignon, France, and to England.
Lisa Wingate’s novel, Shelterwood, finds its roots in Oklahoma history. The story has two timelines: 1909, shortly after Oklahoma became a state and 1990 when the bones of three children were found in a new national park.
Wingate weaves her fictional mystery around the true story of Kate Barnard, who was an elected commissioner of charities and corrections during the early years of Oklahoma’s statehood. I learned about the Choctaw Indian tribe and the tragedy of abandoned children.
Eleanor of Avignon is Elizabeth DeLozier’s debut novel. In the years 1347 to 1351 the plague of black death ravaged Europe. In this fictional story, Eleanor Blanchet (daughter of a gifted midwife) is the main character. She is an engaging young woman with a knowledge of medicinal herbs. In her pursuit of medical knowledge, she develops a partnership with the highly esteemed doctor who serves Pope Clement.
DeLozier’s book is a portrait of a desperate period of time and the role of a midwife.
Murder at King’s Crossing by Andrea Penrose is set in England in the early 1800s, after the upheaval caused by Napoleon’s wars in Europe. A mathematical genius has plans to improve transportation and communication throughout Europe, to benefit the common man. He is murdered and a team of independent investigators is determined to discover the murderer.
Currently I am reading A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles. The book begins in 1922, after the Russian Revolution and WWI.
For a project at home, I am learning how to make sourdough bread. My sourdough starter is in process, and I look forward to making some of the recipes in Artisan Sourdough Made Simple by Emilie Raffa.
Next on my reading list is The Apothecary’s Wife: The Hidden History of Medicine and How It Became a Commodity by Karen Bloom Gevirtz.
Many of these books are from the library. I am so thankful for our public library!
Sharing this post with Bookish Bliss Musings & More and also Sweet Tea and Friends and Tuesdays with a Twist .
I really enjoyed A Gentleman in Moscow! I have only read one or two book by Wingate but I always enjoy her books; even if they are often so heartbreaking.
I agree–this one has heartbreak.
These sound very interesting. I actually bought that very same sourdough book! I’ve tried a few things in it but need to get back at it. I’d love to be great at sourdough. 🙂 Visiting from the Bookish Bliss linkup.
I am doing a 14 day process in developing my starter. We’ll see how it turns out.
I loved A GENTLEMAN IN MOSCOW!!!
I am currently reading a wonderful book about the history of autism called IN A DIFFERENT KEY by Donvan and Zucker. PBS is streaming the video that was made from the book which we haven’t viewed as yet. For those with autistic family members this is a helpful book.
Nancy, I am enjoying A Gentleman in Moscow. The book on autism sounds good. Yesterday I listened to a doctor who has treated children with autism talk about his hope for further research.Here is a link: https://thehighwire.com/ark-videos/leading-physician-calls-for-more-science-on-childhood-illness/