Tuesday’s post was on building a TBR list. Today’s post looks at two of four novels I’ve read in the last few weeks, each of them chosen because (a) I’ve read and thoroughly enjoyed the authors before, and (b) three of the authors have appeared in my series on The Writing Journey.
The Glassmaker by Tracy Chevalier
Tracy Chevalier’s novels explore unique times, places, and characters. The Glassmaker features a woman whose family has been making glass for generations on an island called Murano just a short boat ride away from Venice. The story begins in 1486. Family is a central theme as is the gender divide – men blow glass, women look after the home. But the central character Orsola Rosso is fascinated by the glassmaking process and inspired to learn the craft. She is also acutely aware that her eldest brother, who took over the business when their father died, lacks the artistry and management skills to keep the business profitable. Slowly, Orsola learns to make glass beads earning additional money to help the family survive. She works in secret, knowing her creations must be perfect to be accepted by men.
What follows is a multi-century tale – yes, a fantastical and highly effective twist – as Orsola creates a lasting legacy within the world of glassmaking. Venice is also featured in all its splendour and glory. The novels themes of love, family, art, and passion spoke to me. Chevalier’s writing style is superb.
Tracy Chevalier’s Writing Journey can be found here.
Lionheart by Ben Kane
Who doesn’t love the story of Richard Lionheart, son of King Henry II and Eleanor of Acquitaine, famed warrior, embattled by the betrayal of his family? Other authors have written his story – the highly regarded author Sharon Kay Penman for example – but for me Ben Kane’s version stands out for its depiction of the treachery of Richard’s brothers, the drama of the battlefield, and the interweaving of two narrators, each of whom bring a unique perspective to the story. One narrator is Ferdia (also called Rufus for his red hair) who is the son of an Irish nobleman held hostage because of his father’s rebellion against the English. Ferdia admires Richard’s leadership qualities, military prowess, and personal charisma and serves him faithfully throughout the story.
The other narrator is the famous knight William Marshal who serves Richard’s brother Henry – known as the Young King since he is the named successor – and then the ailing King Henry II. Through Marshal we also see the turbulent relationships within the Royal family but through the seasoned eye of an experienced warrior and leader.
Ben Kane’s Lionheart is a story full of adventure, action, and intrigue that transports a reader in time and place. And guess what? There are two more in the series 🙂
Ben Kane’s Writing Journey can be found here.
Two more coming up in another post: The Master Jeweler by Weina Dai Randel and The Queens of Crime by Marie Benedict.
FOR MORE ON READING & WRITING HISTORICAL FICTION FOLLOW A WRITER OF HISTORY. There’s a SUBSCRIBE function on the right hand side of the page.
M.K. Tod writes historical fiction. Her latest novel THAT WAS THEN is a contemporary thriller. Mary’s other novels, THE ADMIRAL’S WIFE, PARIS IN RUINS, TIME AND REGRET, LIES TOLD IN SILENCE and UNRAVELLED are available from Amazon, Nook, Kobo, Google Play and iTunes. She can be contacted on Facebook or on her website www.mktod.com.
