As the nation celebrates its 250th anniversary by forgetting its entire history, why not turn away from the parades and dive into a well-researched historical novel instead? Historical fiction is looking more and more to be one of the preserves of real history, as stories continue to remind us of what has occurred, while reafirming the basic humanity of those caught in the harsh currents of the past. These novels also, unfortunately, serve as mirrors to our own time, our own struggles, and bear witness to the ups-and-downs of history, in direct contrast to the pretend parabola of progress.Article continues after advertisement
Paul Brous, The Undying Lamb
(Rising Action, October 6)
Setting: Italian states, 1230
When a book starts with a glossary featuring words from several now-dead languages, you just know that it’s going to be impeccably researched. In Paul Brous’ medieval-set thriller, an Albigensian assassin and an English knight must protect a child with an inconvenient lineage, as a vast array of forces attempt to eliminate their vulnerable charge. Perfect for those who enjoyed Conclave, but wish it had been set waaaay further back in history.
