Recently arrived historical fiction
My Name is Emilia Del Valle by Isabel Allende
Orphaned at a young age, Emilia, the daughter of Chilean aristocrats, navigates her world, grappling with political upheaval and rigid social expectations, fiercely pursuing independence and love amidst societal constraints and personal tragedies. Allende's signature blend of vivid storytelling, strong female characters, and history shine through, while Emilia's resilience and determination in the face of adversity make her a compelling protagonist. A sweeping narrative that celebrates the power of female agency and the enduring spirit of those who dare to defy convention in a changing world.
What We Tried to Bury Grows Here by Julian Zabalbeascoa
Set against the backdrop of Basque political turmoil and the personal secrets of three generations, the novel follows the family's attempts of the to bury painful memories and the inevitable ways in which the past resurfaces. Through shifting perspectives, Zabalbeascoa confronts trauma, inherited guilt, and the difficult process of confronting history to find a path toward healing and understanding within a fractured family.
My Armenian Friend by Andreï Makine
Makine tells the poignant story of a young Russian man who forms an unexpected and profound friendship with an elderly Armenian man named Armen. Set against the backdrop of a changing Russia, Armen shares his rich history, traditions, and the weight of his people's past with the narrator. Through their connection, the narrator gains a deeper understanding of resilience, cultural identity, and the enduring power of human connection across generations and backgrounds.
We Burn Daylight by Bret Anthony Johnston
In 1993 Waco, Texas, the enigmatic Lamb amasses followers anticipating the apocalypse. Teenager Jaye and her devout mother arrive at his compound, leaving California behind. Skeptical and sharp-witted, Jaye struggles to grasp her mother's faith in the former landscaper "Perry." Amidst the fervent atmosphere, Jaye encounters Roy, the local sheriff's son, and a forbidden connection sparks between them. As the Lamb's prophecies intensify and the outside world closes in, Jaye and Roy's burgeoning relationship becomes a dangerous thread in this modern-day Romeo and Juliet tale set against the backdrop of escalating religious fervor and impending violence on the Texas prairie.
In 9th century BC Assyria, orphaned Semiramis, burdened by prophecy, yearns for power to defy fate. Prince Ninus, preferring poetry to conquest, finds an awakening with the warrior Onnes. Their bond is shattered by Semiramis's arrival, igniting a fierce love triangle, and amidst the brutal empire, these three are destined to learn Babylonia's ruthless decree: shape the world to your will, or be destroyed. Babylonia will appeal to those who have enjoyed the writing of Jennifer Saint, Madeline Miller and Pat Barker.
A Map to Paradise by Susan Meissner
In 1956 Malibu, starlet Melanie Cole, blacklisted in Hollywood, finds solace in her reclusive neighbor Elwood and her housekeeper Eva, a European immigrant. When Elwood vanishes after his sister-in-law June is seen digging in his garden, Melanie and Eva investigate. Their search unravels unexpected secrets connecting the three women, forging a fragile alliance for survival. While the mystery surrounding Elwood's disappearance drives the plot, the heart of the story lies in the evolving relationships and shared vulnerabilities of Melanie, Eva, and June as they navigate societal judgment and personal trauma against the backdrop of the McCarthy-era Hollywood blacklist.
In 19th-century China, "golden lilies" – tightly bound feet – dictate a woman's worth. Little Flower, a poor girl with perfectly bound feet, is sold as a maidservant to Linjing, a privileged girl whose feet are unbound. Resentment simmers, but their fates intertwine when scandal forces them into the Celibate Sisterhood. There, Little Flower's embroidery skills attract attention, threatening her and testing the fragile bond with Linjing. The contrasting perspectives of Little Flower and Linjing offer a nuanced portrayal of their complex relationship, navigating rivalry and unexpected solidarity within a restrictive society undergoing modernization.
The Queen and the Countess by Anne O'Brien
Amidst the tumultuous Wars of the Roses Queen Margaret of Anjou and Anne Beauchamp, Countess of Warwick exist as strong powerful women in a patriarchal society. Initially on opposing sides, their paths intertwine through shifting loyalties and shared experiences of loss and political maneuvering. This burgeoning, thorny friendship across enemy lines raises questions about Anne's own power to influence history. Yet, in a world rife with betrayal and battle, the crucial question remains: can these two women truly trust each other, or will the relentless war ultimately sever their bond?
