Author of Historical Fiction and Mysteries
Lucrezia Borgia continues to be the subject of biographies, a hit TV series (sadly cancelled before its time), and historical novels, including the recent Vatican Princess that probes the depths of depravity that the infamous papal dynasty of the early 16th century sank into, engulfing everyone within its orbit. As an illegitimate but beloved daughter... Continue Reading →
Fools and Mortals is a significant departure from Bernard Cornwell's usual theme of medieval warfare and political intrigue. So much so that I would never have guessed he was the one who wrote it. Maybe that's why I was not riveted by it as much as I was by 1356 or his Saxon Stories. This... Continue Reading →
I have confessed on this blog to being conservative when it comes to my historical fiction: I prefer it realistic and serious, no fantasy, parody, alternative histories, etc. Then I came across a synopsis of The Scribe of Siena by Melodie Winawer. The setting of the novel – medieval Siena – had me sit up... Continue Reading →
This novel is packed with information about religious practices and the political intrigues of 12th century Europe . . . yet the plot moves along at a sprightly pace. The author emphasizes a young woman’s determination to use her intelligence and talent while negotiating already-outmoded medical and religious practices. - Paula Butterfield, author of La... Continue Reading →
Anchoresses were medieval women who chose to pursue a particularly demanding form of monastic life, namely complete isolation from the world. Once enclosed, they would typically live out their lives in a small cell, servants delivering their food and the priest hearing their confession being the only people with whom they would have contact. So... Continue Reading →
Jessica Keener’s Strangers in Budapest may not *technically* be historical fiction, which is defined as taking place in a period before the author’s birth. Nonetheless, it is of considerable historical interest. It is set in the mid-1990s Hungary at the time of the transition from communism to capitalism, a process that is largely complete in... Continue Reading →
I had thought I was over the story of The Phantom of the Opera. I had seen the musical no less than three times on Broadway, watched the movie at least twice on TV, and went through several (as in ten, but more like fifteen) years of regular benders listening to the CD on repeat.... Continue Reading →
The first time I heard about Lizzie Borden was on a trip to Salem, a charming Massachusetts town whose violent history keeps visitors coming year-round. Most of it has to do with the witch trials, but one shop had a display that did not feature broomsticks and love potions. Instead, it was about Lizzie, who... Continue Reading →
As Christmas 1843 approaches the weather is unseasonably warm and Charles Dickens's career has stalled. Martin Chuzzlewit's reception has been lukewarm and his publishers are hounding him for a new and marketable book, though he is suffering from an acute case of a writer's block. To make matters worse, his wife is about to throw... Continue Reading →
