A historical fiction novel that is NOT boring?

Question

I need to read a historical fiction novel (must be American history) and I'd really rather not read one that's completely boring. Anyone know of any good ones? Thanks.

Answer 1

Killer Angels or Band of Brothers. I'm assuming that you don't find war boring.

Answer 2

John Jakes has a lot of novels based on the civil war period. He wrote North and South, which was made into a movie and several others. Someone else mentioned Last of the Mohicans by James Fennimore Cooper but I think that was a tough read and may lose you in parts. Also that was published in 1826 originally. If you want to read an old historic book that is an entertaining read you really can't go wrong with Mark Twain. He is an excellent author and an easy read. Huckleberry Finn and the Adventures of Tom Sawyer I think you would find a hard time putting down. If there is a certain period in history you like I could probably help you better.

I actually prefer James Clavell though but his historical fiction concentrates more on the Orient with Shogun, Taipan and Gaijin.

Answer 3

Try _Thirteen Moons_ by Charles Frazier. It's a new release by the same author who wrote _Cold Mountain_. It is fictionalized but it fairly closely recounts the efforts of William Holland Thomas (aka Will Cooper in the novel) to help a group of Cherokee Indians keep their lands after the civil war. It's beautifully written with a touch of humor and sentimentality. You can also get it on audiobook. I highly recommend it.

Or... _When Legends Die_, although I'm not sure if that has enough historical references to satisfy the requirements of your assignment. If it doesn't have to have more than a few references to history's markers, you could try _Red Sky at Morning_. If you would like to email me with more details about your assignment, I'm an English teacher and I'd be happy to help you find the right book for you.

Answer 4

The Constant Princess, The Other Boelyn Girl, The Queen's Fool and The Virgin's Lover (all by Phillipa Gregory); River God (by Wilbur Smith); Nelson DeMille has some books that are historical fiction that are wonderful.

Answer 5

Try reading these "romance" or what would have been considered "racy" historical novels.
Mary Johnston-always suprising
Maude Hart Lovelace-tales of growing up in Michigan(?) in the beginning of the 21st century these are NOT boring.
CM & AM Williamson- a husband and wife team who wrote stories about turn of the century England and America.
Laura Ingalls Wilder- Little house on the Prarie p.s. NOT like the tv series.

Answer 6

well, there's the last 3 Outlander books by Diana Gabaldon, if you don't mind big books or jumping into the middle of a story. Those are set in NC for the most part, and run from about (if I remember right) 1769-1776. The earlier books are in Scotland & France 1744-46, and spottily through the 1750s. Very well researched, but definitely not for kids.
Don't be fooled that a lot of places have them categorized as romance--trust me, romance is only a part of it.

Answer 7

What about James Fenimore Cooper's "The Last of the Mohicans" set in the American frontier (later to become New York), during the French- Indian War 1757.

Answer 8

The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare

Answer 9

Crooked River by Shelley Pearsall
Trouble Don't Last by Shelley Pearsall
I would suggest reading an Ann Rinaldi novel. Many of hers are set in America, and the ones I've read...I've really enjoyed.

Answer 10

I would say Indian Captive: The Story of Mary Jemison by Lois Lenski. The Last of the Mohicans is also good, but it's a little challenging.

Answer 11

The Count of Monte' Cristo comes to mind. But as for American history, try Last of the Mohicans. Personally I perfer actual history, it's far more fasinating & informative than any novel. (but that's just my opinion)
Hope this helps.