Best of the Year: Into the Past
At the end of each year, Toronto Public Library staff members select their favourite reading experiences of the past 12 months. There are so many great responses that we end up with a series of blog posts.
"The power of historical fiction for bad and for good can be immense in shaping consciousness of the past."
Antony Beevor
Historical fiction allows readers to travel in time to see ancient civilizations, visit historical figures or experience a different era through the eyes of a fictional character. Our favourite historical fiction books in 2017 take us into the distant past and also to more recent times.
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Before We Sleep by Jeffrey Lent Jim recommends this "beautifully written story about a 1960s Vermont family and a 16-year-old girl who embarks on a search for her biological father." As Katey searches, her mother Ruth tells her own story involving two young soldiers traumatized by their World War II service. |
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The Chilbury Ladies' Choir by Jennifer Ryan This World War II drama told in letters from various characters was a hit among a number of staff members including Laura and Jane who call the book "very moving". Jane recommends listening to the e-audiobook. Regular Print |
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Days without End by Sebastian Barry Viveca describes it as "a gorgeously lyrical, yet brutal western set during the Civil War with characters so rich, you feel personally invested in their survival." Regular Print |
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The Half Drowned King by Linnea Hartsuyka The first book in a planned trilogy about King Harald of Norway is a gripping story of 9th century life. Recommended by Sephora who says that "anyone who enjoys reading about Viking culture should enjoy this (hopefully!)." Regular Print |
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The Invisible Fortress by Jason Rekulak Revisit the recent past with this charming trip to the late 1980s as 14-year-old Billy works on becoming a computer game programmer, falls in love and embarks on a quest to acquire a copy of Playboy magazine. Staff member M says "don't be put off by the part about Playboy. It's a lovely book that will make you laugh, break your heart and remind you about the awesomeness of early computer games." Regular Print |
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The Last Ballad by Wiley Cash Based on the true and little known story of activist Ella May Wiggins who was a textile factory worker, union organizer and balladeer in 1920s North Carolina. |
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The Neopolitan Novels Series by Elena Ferrante
Despina highly recommends this entire series about a complicated relationship between two lifelong friends set in 1950s Naples, Italy.
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The Untold by Courtney Collins The life of Jessie Hickman, circus performer, horse thief and fugitive (among other things) is depicted in this novel that our staff member Donna calls "powerful". |
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