Hello, hello,
We are kicking off our annual countdown of the 'Favourite Books of 2021' series with a genre that is, usually, engaging and interesting- historical fiction. Who doesn't like a trip down memory lane or to a past that one has not lived through? Who doesn't enjoy reading about people navigating ordinary and extraordinary life and global events during an era that one has only read about in history books? Historical fiction as a genre is so interesting to me and I usually tend to pick up several books of this genre in any given year. This year I bring to you 5 of my absolutely favourite historical fiction books. These books are set across different eras and in different parts of the world. They will take you on a journey of love, longing, loss and so much more!
Let's get into the list, shall we?
1. Still Life by Sarah Winman tells the story of multiple characters through the almost 30-year span between the end of World War II to the mid-1970s. It is a stunning tale about what it is to be human, to form your own community, to find love, to cope with loss- all of this set against the backdrop of beautiful Florence. Full review of this book can be found here.
2. The Queen of Jasmine Country by Sharanya Manivannan is a fictionalised biography of the Tamil devotional poet Andal. A beautifully written book about a controversial figure in devotional poetry. Andal's poems are considered sensuous as they are filled with love and intense longing for Lord Vishnu. Highly, highly recommend this beautifully written book!
3. China Room by Sunjeev Sahota was long-listed for the Booker Prize and with good reason too! It tells the story of the inner world of married women in rural Punjab in the 1920s. Of their sequestered, hardworking lives, their total lack of normal intimacy with their husbands and how these things lead to an incident that destroys many lives. Full review can be found here.
4. The Secret Keeper of Jaipur by Alka Joshi is the sequel to her popular and successful book- The Henna Artist. The book continues Lakshmi's journey and focuses on Malik- her little protege- who has now moved to Jaipur to gain some work experience. The drama and palace politics along with Lakshmi's grit to save her family make this book a compelling read. Full review can be found here.
5. The City of Palaces (aka The Sleeping Dictionary) by Sujata Massey tells the story of a young girl, who was orphaned during a typhoon in the 1920s Bengal. Her journey into adulthood, the challenges she has to overcome to make a place for herself in the world, her love for learning and education make this a very interesting read. It also shines a light on the not oft talked about aspect of colonialism- the Anglo-Indian community and their lack of place in the Indian or British social hierarchy. Full review can be found here.
Hope this list provides you with a few good books to add to your TBR! :)
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