Sizzling Summer Reading

5 Historical novels you really need to read this summer ...

If you’re anything like me, as we start the summer season you might have begun thinking about what you’d like to read as you and kick back and relax, preferably over a cocktail/mocktail, or two. I adore historical fiction, and I love nothing more than taking some time off to sit outdoors and lose myself in the pages of a novel. I have too many favourites to mention, but I thought I’d share just a few of those I’ve read and enjoyed recently with you …

1. The Pretender - Jo Harkin

This was recommended to me and it didn’t disappoint. If you’re interested in the mystery of the Princes in the Tower (and let’s face it, aren’t we all?) then this is definitely one for you. This follows the story of Lambert Simnel and his journey as he was pushed from obscurity to become a rival claimant to Henry VII’s throne. Based on a true story but with a really pacy narrative, The Pretender is vibrant, witty, and incredibly immersive.

2. The Glassmaker - Tracy Chevalier

I think this is one of my favourite historical novels of all time - it’s truly magnificent. I read this whilst on holiday in Greece, and I could barely put it down. It’s set on the island of Murano and follows the story of Orsola, who secretly perfects her craft of making glass beads to help her family. The book spans a period of 500 years and is beautifully written, with a whole cast of engaging characters who remain at the very centre of the book. Time flows differently in Venice, but Tracy Chevalier makes it all seem so effortless. Lively, engaging, and a truly stunning read.

3. Hera - Jennifer Saint

Greek mythology has fascinated me since I was a child, so when I discovered Jennifer Saint’s collection of novels I knew I’d love them. Hera is the first of Saint’s books I’ve read, but I’m already hooked. It tells the story of the queen of Mount Olympus, and Hera is a woman of many sides. She is powerful, vengeful, kind, loving, mysterious, and this character of many layers was one of the things I loved most about the book. It had depth whilst remaining deliciously readable, and it was action packed from beginning to end. I’ll be picking up another of Saint’s novels this summer for sure.

4. The House of Wolf - Tony Robinson

I actually read this book at the end of last year, and I was totally gripped from start to finish! Tony Robinson’s debut novel is extraordinary, and most especially for its ability to transport readers into the world of the Anglo Saxons - I felt like I could see the sites and smell the feasts Robinson wrote about so eloquently. The characters in this book are fantastic, and they all have their own witty tales to tell. In essence, the story is about Alfred the Great and his fractious family. There are power struggles galore, as well as intrigues and betrayals at every corner. I never knew what was coming next, and as a reader there’s nothing more gripping.

5. The Bookseller of Inverness - S.G. Maclean

I picked this up because I’m huge fan of Outlander, and I wondered if this might be a similar kind of vibe. It’s set in the aftermath of the Battle of Culloden, where the central character, Iain MacGillivray, having survived the battle, sets himself up as a bookseller. But his life changes when he discovers a dead stranger in his shop - he’s been murdered. This is a true historical thriller, and one that has been expertly written.