I have to admit, when I first picked up Wilbur Smith’s “The Sunbird,” I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. I had heard of Smith’s reputation as a master storyteller of historical adventures set in Africa, but I had never read any of his works before. Little did I know that I was in for … Read more
It was the summer after my sophomore year of college when I first picked up Shogun. I had just finished binge-watching a Japanese historical drama series and found myself captivated by the rich culture and traditions of feudal Japan. Naturally, when a friend recommended James Clavell’s epic novel as a must-read exploration of that era, … Read more
A Poignant Journey Through Beauty, Honor and Resilience It was a dreary, rainy afternoon when I first picked up The Samurai’s Garden by Gail Tsukiyama. Stuck indoors due to the weather, I was looking for an engrossing read to transport me somewhere new. Little did I know that this unassuming novel would take me on … Read more
It was a lazy Sunday afternoon when I first picked up The Harafish by Naguib Mahfouz. I had been meaning to read something by the renowned Egyptian novelist for a while, having heard so much about his literary prowess and profound insights into human nature. As I settled into my favorite reading nook, little did … Read more
I have always been fascinated by stories that transport me to different eras and cultures, allowing me to vicariously experience the lives of those who came before us. So when a friend recommended Noah Gordon’s “The Physician,” a sweeping historical novel set in the 11th century, I knew I had to read it. Little did … Read more
As an avid reader of historical fiction, I’m always on the lookout for captivating stories that transport me to another time and place. When I stumbled upon “The Constant Princess” by Philippa Gregory, I knew I had to dive in. The Tudor period has always fascinated me, and the opportunity to explore the life of … Read more
I have to admit, when I first picked up The Caxtons by Edward Bulwer-Lytton, I didn’t quite know what to expect. It’s a Victorian novel that doesn’t seem to get as much attention as the literary giants of that era like Dickens, Eliot, or the Brontë sisters. But I’m always intrigued by family sagas and … Read more
A Captivating Journey Through the Turbulent Life of Richard III It was a rainy Sunday afternoon when I stumbled upon Sharon Kay Penman’s “The Sunne in Splendour” at the local bookstore. As an avid reader of historical fiction, I was immediately drawn to the book’s intriguing premise – a retelling of the life of Richard … Read more
The Pillars of the Earth – A Towering Literary Masterpiece It was a dreary Sunday afternoon when I first picked up Ken Follett’s epic novel The Pillars of the Earth. Rain pattered against the windows, and the gloomy weather seemed to perfectly suit diving into a sweeping historical saga. Little did I know that opening … Read more
You know that feeling when you finish a book and it leaves you utterly spellbound, your mind buzzing with thoughts and questions? That’s exactly how I felt after devouring Umberto Eco’s masterpiece, The Name of the Rose. This novel has been on my radar for years, recommended by friends and literary critics alike, but I’ll … Read more