Historical Fiction

[Karl Henning]

Most interesting. I've opted for a free sample (so far) of The Source on my Nook.

[drogulus]

   

That he is a clunky writer. I didn't find him anything but easily comprehensible. 

      It's not a hard case to prove the guy is no stylist. I can't imagine him being capable of incomprehensibility.

      I don't think I'm being snobbish or art-cultish in classing Mitchener as a clumsy writer. His prose is utilitarian, not entirely a bad thing in a popular writer of what must be the finest series of airport best sellers any writer has produced. They certainly outclass a huge majority of the books that compete against them.

[drogulus]

     If you want historical fiction at its best read Hilary Mantel. The first book in what will be a trilogy focusing on Thomas Cromwell, the master fixer of Henry VIII, is Wolf Hall. The second volume, Bring Up The Bodies, is out now and some reviewers are saying it's even better. I've only read the first book and it's every bit as good as its reputation.

     You can read Christopher Hitchens in the Atlantic reviewing the first book here.

     
     

[vandermolen]

I am biased as I the author is a friend but would recommend 'Past Caring' by Robert Goddard. A mystery set in Edwardian England and in modern times. Everyone I have recommended it to has enjoyed.

For me also 'War and Peace' and 'A Tale of Two Cities' also 'Archangel' by Robert Harris.