LJ’s first preview of historical fiction shows the genre is flourishing with a myriad of forthcoming titles. Surveying the next seven months, World War II stories still dominate the offerings. But more titles set during World War I are entering the fray, as are Cold War–set novels and stories starring librarians as spies. Beyond these time frames, titles set in ancient periods through the 1960s also appear, often containing strong elements of mystery or romance. Other findings to note: a wide range of viewpoints offer new takes on history; iconic literary characters and historical figures appear in many books; and the use of dual time lines connecting past and present is prevalent.
By Jennifer Winberry, Neal Wyatt, and Alison Zaya The Woman in the Library, by Sulari Gentill (Poisoned Pen; LJ starred review), is the top holds title of the week (6/6/22). LibraryReads and Library Journal offer read-alikes for patrons waiting to read this buzziest book.
Author Vanessa Riley’s new historical novel probes Haitian history and fictionalizes the lives of two women who figured prominently in the Haitian revolution: Abdaraya “Gran” Toya, a woman warrior who was part of the fight for freedom against the island’s French enslavers; and Marie-Claire Heureuse Félicité Bonheur, a free woman of color who would become Empress of Haiti, ruling with Jean-Jacques Dessalines. LJ asked Riley about the inspiration for Sister Mother Warrior.
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