I just finished The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon and was captivated by the 18th century, the midwifery aspect, and the biographical fiction element to it. I am now looking for a new book to read. I love Kristin Hannah (The Nightingale, The Great Alone, The Four Winds were my favorites. I liked The Women but the others were better for me), and find that I gravitate towards books in which the setting is like a character in the story.
Overall, I want a book that is historical fiction (or biographical fiction) that is set between 1700-1980, has a strong female character, and the setting is interwoven deeply within the story. I prefer when the problem of the story goes hand-in-hand with the era. I do enjoy war books in which female characters are critical. I also like to learn something about the era as I’m reading.
Already checking out Lady Tan’s Circle of Women but would love more recommendations and a list I can come back to. Thank you!
by snoolrita
21 Comments
Code Name Helene is my favorite of Lawhon’s books.
All of Lisa See’s books are fantastic; definitely read Lady Tan.
The Girl in His Shadow – set in England at a time when women surgeons were illegal. Not sure of exact time frame but I think it should be in the time frame you’re looking for.
Not the right time frame but The Earth’s Children series by Auel has a very strong female character. It’s set in prehistoric times.
The Birth House by Ami McKay is a beautifully written book set around WW1. The main character is a midwives apprentice during the infiltration of obstetrics in North America.
Another recommendation (but it isn’t set in the time frame you listed), The Book of Longings by Sue Monk Kidd is such a good read. Historical fiction through a women’s lens set in the time of Jesus.
Hild, by Nicola Griffith is a thousand years too early for you but it’s a fantastic book. You get a real feel for Anglo Saxon England and a female who became strong because she worked hard at it.
Most of Tracy Chevalier’s books have strong female characters.
Outlander is pretty good. Fits your timeline, strong female characters, lots of info and historical facts. The books are much better than the show (although I admit, by the latest book you will be thinking that any family who gets kidnapped by that many pirates isn’t living right, lol)
The Winter Palace by Eva Stachniak
Empress Orchid by Anchee Min
The Century Trilogy by Ken Follett
City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert
Le Assaggiatrici by Rosella Postorino
Orphan Monster Spy by Matt Killen
“My Name is Resolute” by Nancy E. Turner. Based on a recommendation I saw here a while back, I read this book and loved it.
Kate Quinn is your girl for this!!
***Where the Lost Wander***, by Amy Harmon (historical fiction, traveling on the Oregon Trail, 1850s)
Miss Benson’s Beetle is a beautiful story about platonic love between women, adventure, and the amazing lengths they had to overcome to be taken seriously not too long ago.
I KNOW it’s not a book, but reading your request for 19thc Historical bent, strong female lead, the first thing that came to mind was the series Godless on Netflix. I looked and hoped but unfortunately it wasn’t based on a book. Still I will recommend it. Stars Michelle Dockery from Downton Abbey.
As Bright as Heaven by Susan Meissner
Moloka’i
by Alan Brennert
The Wolf Den by Elodie Harper, it is a Trilogy, but very good. It’s based around the eruption of Pompeii.
Jamaica Inn by Daphne du Maurier
New Orleans Legacy by Alexandra Ripley
The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough
The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd
True story about Sarah Grimke interspersed with fictional story of her slave. Sarah was an abolitionist and an early women’s rights advocate.
Flight of the Sparrow by Amy Belding Brown set in colonial America. So good