Tag: Historical Fiction & Mythology

The Covenant Of Water

Posted on | By Sachin Agrawal | No comments
The Covenant Of Water | Book Review | Abraham Verghese
Title:
The Covenant Of Water
Series:
NA
Genre:
Historical Fiction
Publisher:
Grove Press UK
Release Date:
Format:
Kindle
Pages:
794
Source:
BookForums Book Review Blog 2023

The Covenant Of Water is a story that spans 77 years and 3 generations of a South Indian family. Set in the village of Parambil in Kerala, the story endears you with this little girl – all of 12 years of age – being taken by her uncle & widowed mother to Parambil to marry her off to a much older man of an affluent family. The innocence of the child alongside inherent fears and sadness of separation from her mother comes across beautifully in the initial part of the book.

How the girl finds a mother and confidant in Thankamma – who eases her into the new household – is lovable. The story draws you effortlessly as …

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The Antiquity Affair

Posted on | By Sachin Agrawal | No comments
The Antiquity Affair | Book Review
Title:
The Antiquity Affair
Series:
NA
Genre:
Historical Fiction
Publisher:
Harper Muse
Release Date:
Format:
Kindle
Pages:
412
Source:
BookForums Book Review Blog 2023

Set in 1907, The Antiquity Affair is a historical fiction novel full of adventure, puzzles, decoding ancient texts and Egyptian History/Myth. As is evident, it promises to be an excellent premise offering insight to ancient legends & myths as well as the excitement that accompanies the Dan Brown style codes and their decoding.

The story revolves around two sisters – Tess & Lila – The Fearless Fords as they call themselves, but both with contrasting personalities. Their father, Warren Ford is an archaeologist. The centre of all focus (and the cause of all that follows) is an ancient Egyptian relic The Serpent’s Crown which is believed to possess supernatural powers that enables it’s owner to control …

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Silver Nitrate

Posted on | By Sachin Agrawal | No comments
Title:
Silver Nitrate
Series:
NA
Genre:
Historical Fiction; Horror
Publisher:
Jo Fletcher Books
Release Date:
Format:
Kindle
Pages:
337
Source:
BookForums Book Review Blog 2023

Silver Nitrate is one of those books whose title entices you to pick it. It piqued my curiosity when I first stumbled upon it and I had been waiting to read it.

The main characters of the book are Montserrate – a sound editor at Antares who is struggling with an underpaying job and her childhood friend Tristan Abascal – a mostly forgotten actor/model trying to resurrect his career. The two of them chance upon an unfinished, rare film from decades ago which is supposedly cursed and had brought bad luck to everyone associated with it back then. Upon the earnest pleas of it’s producer, they unwittingly become party to completing & dubbing the remaining of the film in …

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The London Séance Society

Posted on | By Sachin Agrawal | No comments
The London Séance Society | Book Review | Sarah Penner
Title:
The London Séance Society
Series:
NA
Genre:
Historical Fiction; Mystery
Publisher:
Legend Press
Release Date:
Format:
Kindle
Pages:
347
Source:
BookForums 2023

A much anticipated read from the author of the runaway success The Lost Apothecary, this book had a lot to live up to. Getting straight to the point, though I hate to say so, it has been a disappointment. There are several reasons for it which we shall see as below.

The London Séance Society is set in 1873, with Sarah Penner sticking to the historical fiction genre – which she completely owned in her debut novel. The book here bases it’s theme around séances & communicating with the dead, in the process trying to uncover the mysteries behind their death. To start with, it is an intriguing subject with dark, gothic vibes which draws you in. But sadly, …

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The Song Of Achilles

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The Song Of Achilles I Book Review | Madeline Miller

First Published: 2011; Pros: A strong storyline, based on Greek mythology & legends, evokes strong emotions, a meaningful read.

The Song Of Achilles is a riveting tale of love, pride, war, betrayal & loyalty that comes true as a modern day classic in a most deserved way. It is a compelling read with a captivating narration of the legend of the Trojan War and the characters & events surrounding it.

Prominent Characters

The principal characters of this intense saga from Madeline Miller include – the celebrated warrior Achilles – the prince of Phthia. He is the son of King Peleus & Thetis (a sea nymph). He is later engaged by the Greek allies in the battle of Troy as being indispensable to their cause. Patroclus – son of King Menoitius – is exiled to Phthia after he accidentally kills a boy over a fight for dice. And it is there …

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Ashton Hall: A Haunting Historical Thriller

Posted on | By Sachin Agrawal | 1 Comment
Ashton Hall | Book Review | Lauren Belfer

There are some usual suspects. Ones you foresee impressing you, backed by past reputation. And then, there are some you call unexpected winners. Low profile, no hype, very less talked about. They come and floor you as a big pleasant surprise, just out of nowhere. And that is what Ashton Hall was!

I was in the midst of a mental block so to say, just being unable to settle on a book. I read and rejected samples of at least 8 books, loosing interest or just not having the patience to carry on for some reason. And then I chanced upon Lauren Belfer’s Ashton Hall. And lucky I was to do so.

Ashton Hall is historical fiction in the form that I like best. Fictional characters and their lives set in the past – centuries back. And our protagonist from the present day deducing links and putting them together …

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