5 Best Medieval Historical Fiction Books Recommended by Marion Turner
Medieval historical fiction has long captivated readers with its vivid depictions of a bygone era, replete with knights, castles, and intrigue.
Marion Turner, an accomplished scholar of medieval literature, offers her expert recommendations for the 5 best medieval historical fiction books.
These selections promise to transport you to the fascinating world of the Middle Ages, blending history and imagination in a way that only masterful authors can.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply seeking a captivating story, this list has something for everyone.
1. “The Buried Giant” by Kazuo Ishiguro
Kazuo Ishiguro, known for his Nobel Prize-winning novel “Never Let Me Go,” takes readers on a mesmerizing journey into a mythical and dreamlike medieval Britain.
“The Buried Giant” explores themes of memory, love, and forgetfulness in a land where a mysterious mist has shrouded the past.
The novel masterfully blends elements of Arthurian legend with Ishiguro’s trademark prose, making it a unique and thought-provoking medieval historical fiction choice.
My favorite quotes from
“But then again I wonder if what we feel in our hearts today isn’t like these raindrops still falling on us from the soaked leaves above, even though the sky itself long stopped raining. I’m wondering if without our memories, there’s nothing for it but for our love to fade and die.”
“When it was too late for rescue, it was still early enough for revenge.”
“But God will know the slow tread of an old couple’s love for each other, and understand how black shadows make part of its whole.”
2. “Pilgrims” by Matthew Kneale
Matthew Kneale’s “Pilgrims” provides an intimate and detailed portrayal of the medieval world through the lives of an assortment of pilgrims traveling to the holy city of Santiago de Compostela in Spain.
Set against the backdrop of the 13th century, this novel delves into the diverse characters, their hopes, and their interconnected stories.
Kneale’s writing brings the past to life, making “Pilgrims” a must-read for those interested in the religious and social aspects of medieval Europe.
My favorite quotes from
“you never knew how things might go on Judgment Day.”
3. “The Name of the Rose” by Umberto Eco
“The Name of the Rose” is a classic in the historical fiction genre, penned by the erudite Italian author Umberto Eco.
This intricate and suspenseful novel is set in an Italian monastery in the 14th century and follows the investigation of a series of mysterious deaths. Brother William of Baskerville, a Franciscan friar, and his novice, Adso, must unravel the mysteries and uncover the dark secrets hidden within the monastery’s walls.
Eco’s intellectual depth and vivid storytelling make “The Name of the Rose” an enduring favorite for history enthusiasts.
My favorite quotes from
“Books are not made to be believed, but to be subjected to inquiry. When we consider a book, we mustn’t ask ourselves what it says but what it means…”
“What is love? There is nothing in the world, neither man nor Devil nor any thing, that I hold as suspect as love, for it penetrates the soul more than any other thing. Nothing exists that so fills and binds the heart as love does. Therefore, unless you have those weapons that subdue it, the soul plunges through love into an immense abyss.”
4. “The Western Wind: A Novel” by Samantha Harvey
Samantha Harvey’s “The Western Wind” transports readers to the 15th century English village of Oakham, where the community is grappling with the inexplicable drowning of their priest.
The novel is narrated in reverse chronological order, revealing the intricate layers of secrets and desires of the village’s inhabitants.
Harvey’s writing captures the essence of a medieval rural community and its struggles, making “The Western Wind” a compelling and atmospheric read.
My favorite quotes from
“Why can’t time go backwards as well as forward? If time’s not a river but a circle, and if you can travel round a circle one way or another and end up where you started, why can’t it go this way and that?”
“She paused; her speech was ever thus. Spirals of deepening particulars, then pauses when she saw she’d strayed from the point.”
“Places you know can seem like foreign lands when your mind’s lost itself to the dark.”
5. “The Invention of Fire” by Bruce Holsinger
Bruce Holsinger, a medievalist by training, offers a thrilling medieval historical fiction experience in “The Invention of Fire.”
Set in the 14th century, the novel follows John Gower, a poet and amateur detective, as he investigates a series of gruesome murders in London.
Holsinger’s deep knowledge of the era is evident in the rich historical detail, and his storytelling prowess keeps readers on the edge of their seats, making “The Invention of Fire” a gripping addition to the genre.
My favorite quotes from
“Man is ever blind to his own faults, but fox-quick at perceiving those of others.”
“poet should not be some sweet-singing bird in a trap, feasting on the meat while blind to the net. The net is the meat, all those entanglements and snares and iron claws that hobble us and prevent our escape from the limits of our weak and fallen flesh.”
Marion Turner’s list of the 5 best medieval historical fiction books provides a diverse array of captivating tales, each offering a unique and immersive journey into the past. Whether you’re drawn to the magic of Kazuo Ishiguro’s “The Buried Giant” or the intellectual depth of Umberto Eco’s “The Name of the Rose,” there’s something for every reader’s taste.
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