[jkkelley]

I love historical fiction, but I am a bit of a stickler about really feeling like the author knows the time period without it feeling like a text book. I don't care about the time period, I love reading all different ones, although I especially love fourteenth century anywhere (Sharon Penman, etc) and nineteenth century New York City (Caleb Carr, etc). Anyone have any good recs?

James Michener (Centennial, Texas, Chesapeake, Alaska, etc. consistently did a good job. Leon Uris (QB VII, Trinity, the lamentable Redemption, etc.) suffered from rather overt biases that made one question his historical takes and potential selectivity. A lot of people pan James Clavell (Tai-Pan, Gai-Jin, Shogun, etc.) over his interpretations of Asian cultures, but I'm fairly sure that's like Quebec: if you aren't from it, it's elusive to really 'get it.' I enjoyed all of Michener, some of Uris with caveats, and all of Clavell.

 

[deckard]

I finished up Peeler by Kevin McCarthy the other day.


It takes place in 1920s Ireland and is about a member of the Royal Irish Constabulary investigating a murder. Gritty and in places graphic.

Highly recommended for anyone interested in this time or in mystery/thrillers.

Deckard

 

[BRONZEAGE]

Thanks Deckard, I had been wondering about that one.

In the literary vein, try Colum McCann's Transatlantic .

 

[Ed Robinson]

I will second Michener, he is the king of historical fiction. Chesapeake and Caribbean are Classic must reads. I also highly recommend The Honor Series, by Robert Macomber. Civil War era, nautical settings. These books are superb.