5 Best Historical Fiction Books Set Around the World Recommended by Jane Johnson
Historical fiction has a unique power to transport readers to different times and places, providing a window into the lives and cultures of people around the world.
In this blog post, we explore the top five historical fiction books set in various corners of the globe, as recommended by Jane Johnson.
These novels offer a captivating journey through history and across continents.
1. “The Persian Boy” by Mary Renault
“The Persian Boy” is a remarkable novel that takes readers to ancient Persia during the time of Alexander the Great.
Mary Renault’s vivid storytelling offers a glimpse into the life of Bagoas, a eunuch and close companion to Alexander.
The book immerses readers in the rich and complex world of the Persian Empire and the Macedonian conquerors.
My favorite quotes from The Persian Boy
“One must live as if it would be forever, and as if one might die each moment. Always both at once.”
“To hate excellence is to hate the gods.”
“I thought, There goes my lord, whom I was born to follow. I have found a King.
And, I said to myself, looking after him as he walked away, I will have him, if I die for it.”
2. “Half of a Yellow Sun” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s “Half of a Yellow Sun” transports readers to Nigeria during the Biafran War.
Through the lives of its characters, the novel explores the personal and political upheaval of the era.
It’s a poignant and gripping portrayal of a defining moment in Nigeria’s history.
My favorite quotes from Half of a Yellow Sun
“You must never behave as if your life belongs to a man. Do you hear me?” Aunty Ifeka said. “Your life belongs to you and you alone.”
“This was love: a string of coincidences that gathered significance and became miracles.”
“There are some things that are so unforgivable that they make other things easily forgivable.”
3. “A Thousand Splendid Suns” by Khaled Hosseini
Khaled Hosseini’s “A Thousand Splendid Suns” is a powerful and heartrending novel set in Afghanistan.
It tells the story of Mariam and Laila, two women from different backgrounds whose lives become intertwined in the turbulent years of the Afghan civil war.
The book provides a profound look at the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
My favorite quotes from A Thousand Splendid Suns
“Marriage can wait, education cannot.”
“One could not count the moons that shimmer on her roofs,
Or the thousand splendid suns that hide behind her walls.”“Of all the hardships a person had to face, none was more punishing than the simple act of waiting.”
4. “The Poisonwood Bible” by Barbara Kingsolver
“The Poisonwood Bible” by Barbara Kingsolver is set in the heart of the African Congo.
The novel follows the lives of the Price family, American missionaries who journey to the Congo in the 1950s.
Through their experiences, readers are exposed to the complexities of culture, politics, and colonialism in the African context.
My favorite quotes from The Poisonwood Bible
“Don’t try to make life a mathematics problem with yourself in the center and everything coming out equal. When you’re good, bad things can still happen. And if you’re bad, you can still be lucky.”
“Everything you’re sure is right can be wrong in another place.”
“Listen. Slide the weight from your shoulders and move forward. You are afraid you might forget, but you never will. You will forgive and remember.”
5. “Pachinko” by Min Jin Lee
“Pachinko” by Min Jin Lee sweeps readers into the world of Korean immigrants in Japan.
The novel spans several generations, offering a panoramic view of the Korean diaspora and the challenges faced by a family trying to find their place in a foreign land.
It’s a moving exploration of identity, love, and sacrifice.
My favorite quotes from Pachinko
“Living everyday in the presence of those who refuse to acknowledge your humanity takes great courage.”
“You want to see a very bad man? Make an ordinary man successful beyond his imagination. Let’s see how good he is when he can do whatever he wants.”
“Learn everything. Fill your mind with knowledge — it’s the only kind of power no one can take away from you.” Hansu never told him to study, but rather to learn, and it occurred to Noa that there was a marked difference. Learning was like playing, not labor.”
Jane Johnson’s recommendations offer a diverse collection of historical novels, each providing a unique lens through which to view the world’s history and cultural tapestry. From ancient Persia to modern Japan, these books offer a captivating journey through time and place.
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