Hi historical fiction fans and Happy Women’s History Month!
This week I’ve got two great new releases about women making the best of difficult situations as well as three historical fiction novels about incredible real women from history. What can I say? We’re all about the ladies today.
And if you’re looking for even more fascinating stories, informed takes, useful advice, and more from experts in the world of books and reading, subscribe to Book Riot’s newest newsletter, The Deep Dive. With The Deep Dive, you’ll get exclusive content delivered to your inbox from book experts twice a month. It’s a deep dive for book lovers who just can’t get enough. Subscribe and choose your membership level today at bookriot.substack.com
Bookish Goods
Daisy Book Sleeve from Birdie Q Plus Two
Get ready for spring with this lovely book sleeve covered in embroidered daisies. $21
New Releases
Dust Child by Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai (March 14, 2023)
Split between the war torn years of 1960s Việt Nam and present day, Dust Child tells the story of two sisters who left their rural village to make money romancing American GIs in Sài Gòn. The younger sister falls for a hot shot helicopter pilot, who, years later returns to Việt Nam alongside his wife to reckon with his past. Phong, meanwhile, can never escape from his past; he wears it on his skin as the son of a Black American soldier and a Vietnamese woman. Left at an orphanage, Phong longs for a better life for himself and his family. The past and the present come to a reckoning for these characters as the choices they’ve made — and been left with — become increasingly inescapable.
Eight Strings by Margaret DeRosia (March 14, 2023)
In 19th century Venice, puppeteering is a man’s game. But ever since her grandfather showed her an eight-string marionette, Francesca has dreamed of one day performing in the Minerva Theater. When her father arranges to marry Francesca off to a man, she flees her home and takes up the disguise of an orphan named Franco. Now, securing an apprenticeship is all too possible. But when someone from Franco’s past shows up, will it ruin everything — or be the start of something new?
For a more comprehensive list, check out our New Books newsletter!
Riot Recommendations
March is Women’s History Month in the U.S. so let’s celebrate with these historical fiction books based on real women who made — and changed — history.
Empress Orchid by Anchee Min
Based on the life of Empress Cixi, Empress Orchid creates a fictionalized account of a girl drawn into the court of the failing Ch’ing Dynasty as a low-level concubine. But Orchid isn’t content to stay in her place. She quickly learns the tricks of concubines and court life to work her way up in the Emperor’s eyes. Min paints a vivid portrait of courtly life in the Ch’ing Dynasty and gives a sympathetic look at an often vilified historical figure.
In the Time of the Butterflies by Julia Alvarez
In the 1960s Dominican Republic, a vicious dictator called Trujillo ruled with an iron fist. But there were some — brave men and women like the Mirabal sisters — who opposed him. Alvarez tells the story of these sisters as they grew increasingly involved in the resistance and their terror when they’re eventually discovered. It’s not a happy story, but it’s an important one. And these revolutionary sisters deserve to be remembered and celebrated.
Carolina Built by Kianna Alexander
Real estate magnate Josephine N. Leary built a name for herself, but it wasn’t always easy. From her birth on a Southern plantation, growing a family, and teaching herself to be a businesswoman, Josephine knew the only way to create the life she wanted for herself and her family was to do whatever it takes to make her dream a reality. And even as life tries to get in the way, that’s exactly what she does.
That’s it for now, folks! Stay subscribed for more stories of yesteryear.
If you want to talk books, historical or otherwise, you can find me @rachelsbrittain on Instagram, Goodreads, Litsy, and occasionally Twitter.
Right now I’m reading The Ballad of Perilous Graves by Alex Jennings. What about you?