I have always been drawn to tales of high adventure on the high seas, ever since I was a young boy devouring the classic pirate stories of Robert Louis Stevenson and J.M. Barrie. There’s just something so alluring about the romantic notion of sailing the open waters, engaging in daring raids and naval battles, and … Read more
The Hunchback of Notre-Dame: A Timeless Tale of Love, Compassion, and Social Injustice It was a rainy Sunday afternoon when I found myself wandering aimlessly through the aisles of a quaint secondhand bookstore. As an avid reader, I was always on the hunt for hidden literary gems, and that’s when a tattered copy of Victor … Read more
I first picked up Wolf Hall on the enthusiastic recommendation of a close friend whose literary tastes I deeply trust. As someone who has always been fascinated by the Tudor period but often intimidated by dense historical tomes, I was intrigued by the prospect of exploring this era through the lens of a well-crafted novel. … Read more
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