Historical Fiction Readathon Announcement [CC]

[@spreadbookjoy]

This is so very exciting. I look forward to taking part!

[@jodihowe7274]

Very fun! I am a member of a Pickwick Book Club and we are currently re-reading A Tale of Two Cities which goes through May! However your list is so interesting to explore, I will definitely pick one more! Thank you 😊

[@MargaretPinard]

LOVE the supernatural element prompt! Just the type of niche that appeals to me too!

[@elizabethmoloney6967]

I have Kindred , Life after life & The Wonder all on my tbr pile. 3 titles sorted 👌 for this readathon

[@CharlesHeathcote]

I had hoped Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell would get mentioned when you said about historical fiction with a speculative element. I've a few historical fiction books on my shelves that I've yet to read, so this could be a great way to help me get to some of them.

[@peggymccright1358]

Oh, I love historical fiction! It’s my favorite way to learn more about other cultures and history.

[@hasteyebooks]

Oooh sounds great and love all the prompts! I'll see if I can manage a couple, but at least one to join in :)

[@wburris2007]

I will see if I can fit "When We Were Orphans" into my May reading. I also have "Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell", but that would take a whole month to read, by itself.

[@NadaOQ96]

So excited for this!! I've got so many unread historical fiction works on my shelves and it's one of my top favourite genres 😃 Fingers crossed I'll manage to narrow down my TBR to something realistic 😂

[@katiejlumsden]

My TBR is absolutely not realistic so far XD

[@Lu.G.]

This is so exciting! 📚 I have had The Luminaries on my shelf for ages, so maybe I'll finally get to it in May! 🤓 I would also love to read War & Peace... 🤔

[@MargaretPinard]

Ooh, I wish I could be considered for the 19th-century-set historical fiction round-up you do in May! Would love to get in front of your discerning viewers 🤩 But I know you've got a lot on your plate 😊

[@kathybaier1551]

I just found your video. HF is my favorite genre so can't wait to participate in your readathon! Woo hoo!!

[@katiejlumsden]

Wonderful, thanks :)

[@deborahwager5883]

I love your discussion of what historical fiction is! I think you've got it right--I'm almost 60, so 30 years ago feels like not in the past at all. I have a thought of rereading the first historical fiction I remember reading as a teenager, The Tree of Liberty by Elizabeth Page, which is about the US Revolutionary War and clocks in at over 800 pages. Maybe not. But it would hit about half the prompts...

[@GemofBooks]

Yes!! I’m in. Not sure how I’ll squeeze it in, but I will endeavour! 😄

[@laracroft1829]

I love the idea of this readathon. Count me in. Great recommendations, Katie.

[@jf8559]

Wonderful Katie! What fun. I am absolutely participating in your readathon! It is going to be fantastic to choose these books. Thanks for all the suggestions, several of which are on my TBR! 🥰📖

[@janicemacdougall1844]

I'm definitely going to give this a try!!! Thank you for all the book recommendations. :)

[@CoynieReads]

Ooh I've been thinking about doing a "My historical fiction timeline" video, where I run through each of the historical fiction books I've read in order of the year they are set. More tempted to do that video now that this readathon is coming up! 😊

[@lisainbookland]

I’ve always wanted to organise my historical fiction and even history non-fiction books like this, when I get more space am definitely going to try it out! Would like to see your video as it’s an interesting way to think about historical fiction 😊

[@katiejlumsden]

Ooo yay, would love to see that :)

[@ABearandaBeeBooks]

I’m so excited for this! I have so many on my shelves that I’d love to get to and some new ones on the way too! I would love to see a video featuring classics that are historical. Thanks for hosting!

[@katiejlumsden]

Thanks :)

[@thetinybookcase4727]

I am big Historical Fiction reader, it's probably my most read genre, so I am quite excited to give this Read-a-thon a go :D

[@debbiemurphy4971]

Historical fiction is my favorite and you showed some great possibilities; can’t wait for more videos on this Readathon. Would love to get more recommendations on HF over 500 pages - I love big books!

[@launchedathousand]

I'm so excited for this!! I have several historical fictions based on real events/persons in Canadian history that I hope to read. I'm also hoping to finally get to The Wonder.

[@jansmith9391]

Another great idea; I’m in!

[@nadeshkaholmes9511]

I would love to participate in this readathon. I've been in a reading slump lately haha but historical fiction is a genre that I love so it might get me going again 🤞 You always give such interesting recommendations by the way. Thank you!

[@bookinwithdebra]

Great readathon. I love historical fiction. It's my favourite genre. You've given so many great suggestions.

[@HamsavahiniVajraasthra]

Hello Katie 😁! This is such an exciting Readathon & I absolutely loved💜 the prompts!!!! Definitely joining in😁👍👍👍!!!

[@takingteawithcatherine]

I am happy to participate! Definitely has some TBR ideas already!

[@sarawilson9155]

I’m in. Thanks for all the suggestions. I think I’ll start on them right now…

[@mitzireadsandwrites]

Oh, I'm so excited for this! I just finished Gone With the Wind which would fulfill several prompts, including the 500+ pages since it's about 1000 pages long. Thanks for these suggestions- can't wait to pull some books from my shelf for this one.

[@davebonello1944]

(Melanie here) I am listening to Jane Eyre (a re-read because I love it). I am reading Brideshead Revisited (since I am coming to England and will be visiting where it was filmed). Not sure what I will read in May but I will definitely look at the ones you mentioned.

[@lorriemerson5274]

I'm very excited to participate in this readathon! The books I already have on my historical fiction TBR fit the prompts very well! I only had to switch them from November to May.

[@davidleonard8547]

Might I suggest "The Difference Engine," by Bruce Sterling and William Gibson, the Victorian Era alternative history that reputedly created the Steampunk genera. :)

[@mariamayman8280]

You 've just given many recommendations for books of my favourite genre❤❤

[@CafeCynthia]

Oh GOODNESS! I'm so EXCITED for this read a thon!!! Thank you! Those are fantastic recommendations!!

[@katiejlumsden]

Thanks :)

[@TheRitualofReading]

Hello Katie, I have come across a mention of your Historical Fiction Readathon over on Bouquins&Books, and I went down the rabbit-whole of your channel 🙂 so now I feel I need to say "very happy to meet you !". I would like to join the readathon for this May, your mentions here are brilliant, some I have read, others are very nice discoveries, I can't wait to see what everyone will chose to read. Thank you for organising this, and see you soon 😊 Alexandra 🌷

[@katiejlumsden]

Thanks very much :)

[@lisainbookland]

I’ll definitely be taking part in this! Even if every month is a historical fiction month for me, the prompts should help me broaden out 😊

[@ibanezjackson2306]

your accent is so "catchy"! something between RP and posh English. love it !

[@naomisbookshelf]

I have been itching to read historical fiction so this could not be more perfect. I might just read through my shelves and see how many I can do. I would love to see a recommendation video about classic historical fiction.

[@ReadingwithMani]

Oh this is wonderful! I'll definitely be participating, can't wait to pick my books for this! Also, excellent recommendations as usual, I've added a few more to my TBR.

[@katiejlumsden]

Thanks!

[@novellenovels]

Oh I’m definitely in as you know historical fiction is my favourite genre.. I’m definitely going to include kindred and have ideas for the other prompts already yay 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@BookZealots]

Absolutely excellent! Count me in.

[@jackseney7906]

Well I can't wait for Ottessa Moshfegh's "Lapvona," set in the Middle Ages. Unfortunately it's not out till June 😒😾

[@kimhoot2044]

I'm looking forward to this event. Maybe I'll finally tackle Lonesome Dove for the bonus prompt. I hope at some point you'll give us a clue about the subject of next year’s readathon.

[@melissahouse1296]

Ill defo join in this one.. got loaaaads of HF on my shelves 😉 Im actually 100 pages into The Luminaries.. wow is all i can say the writing is *incredible* 😍. MIght try The Western Wind & i really *really* should get to JStrange... its been languishing so long!! Thanks for the bookish inspo Katie 😊

[@katiejlumsden]

All excellent choices - enjoy :)

[@johnsaxongitno4life588]

Count me in and my country book 📖 salt creek sounds fantastic please stay safe and enjoy your reading love your channel love your number one Australia friend John xxxx

[@antigony8178]

Thanks for the announcement and recommendations. I'm going to try Frog Music, which looks excellent. I enjoy any video recommending historical fiction, but one about books set in 19th century sounds good to me :-)

[@katiejlumsden]

Frog Music really is wonderful!

[@odilealsdorf1569]

Hello ! Glad to know that I am a historical person LOL ! All seriousness aside, I love your channel.

[@jenniferlovesbooks]

Ooh, I love the sound of this readathon!

[@reddotreads2693]

I will definitely participate! This month I’m reading Pachinko, a Laura Purcell and a Isabel Allende book, so I will just carry on reading historical fiction into May! Yay! I have recently hauled Kindred too 😊📚💙💛

[@katiejlumsden]

Kindred is amazing :)

[@bobbykeniston7240]

Have you read "Drood" by Dan Simmons? Dickens is character in it, and Wilkie Collins narrates the story. I have heard it is a good read. I may try that in May--- it has been sitting on my bookshelf for too long.

[@katiejlumsden]

I haven't, but I have heard good things!

[@soniajohnson8878]

What a great readathon. Definitely got a few on my shelves to meet some of the prompts and looking forward to reading everyone else's suggestions.

[@katiejlumsden]

Thanks :)

[@BlatantlyBookish]

You already know how excited I am for this! I can't wait!!! I wonder what I'll end up reading. Maybe Natasha Pulley's new book? Maybe the miniaturist? Yea, I have way too many historical fiction books I'm excited for right now (not to mention how we'll be starting The Mirror and the Light in May for the #WolfHallAlong).

[@katiejlumsden]

I've also said this on Voxer too but I think you'll like The Miniaturist :)

[@BlatantlyBookish]

Yay! I really should get around to reading it then. I'll listen to your voxer message sometime this week hopefully

[@adrienne4028]

Brilliant idea Katie. I love this genre and have just started War and Peace which I will continue to read through May. 😀

[@katiejlumsden]

Enjoy :)

[@miriamelizabethreads]

So excited for this readathon!!! I haven't been reading as much historical fiction as I would have liked in the last few months... Here are the books I'm hoping to get to! They're in the order that the prompts are written... - Letters Across the Sea (takes place in Canada) - The Muse OR Once Upon a River (takes place outside my home country) - Powder and Patch (regency era = my fav time period to read about) - Pillars of the Earth (set in a period I'm less familiar with + fits the bonus prompt) - Shadowy Horses (speculative element) - Lady of the Rivers (about a real historical figure) - The Three Musketeers (classic historical fiction)

[@katiejlumsden]

Exciting options! I'd recommend Once Upon a River over The Muse. And I hadn't thought of The Three Musketeers but perhaps that ought to be on my list too . . .

[@miriamelizabethreads]

@@katiejlumsden I’ll read Once Upon a River then! I really enjoyed The Thirteenth Tale by the author so I trust I’ll enjoy this one as well.

[@lorenreads]

I'm excited to participate in this 😊

[@scallydandlingaboutthebooks]

Now here's a readathon I can't miss. I love historical fiction but sometimes it gets pushed aside by shiny contemporary stuff Now I need to look at my backlog of historical fiction books I really want to read and pick a few. Homegoing might be top of the list, along with The Magician by Colm Toibin.

[@katiejlumsden]

I think you'll really enjoy Homegoing, Ros.

[@staceydarlington5205]

Historical Fiction is my favorite. I just started I Must Betray You by Ruta Sepetys.

[@CarolynsReadingRamblings]

I saw the title and got so excited! This is perfect because a friend and I are reading World Without End by Ken Follett together in May. I also have been looking for an excuse to listen to the narration of War and Peace narrated by Thandiwe Newton and this could be it ! Other possibilities are rereading Dragonfly in Amber by Diana Gabaldon and Ross Poldark by Winston Graham but all 4 is a little overly ambitious so we'll see 🤣. So excited for this Katie!

[@DebMcDonald]

I am on book 9 of 17 of W&P narrated by Thandiwe Newton and love it. I intended to listen and read but I missed listening to the audio. She’s brilliant. I’m listening to it and skimming the book on my kindle to make sure I don’t miss anything. I bought the complete Poldark at a very cheap price a couple of years ago but haven’t read any yet. Great idea Katie, bring it on!

[@CarolynsReadingRamblings]

@@DebMcDonald oh wonderful! I've had the giant Pevear/Volokhonsky translation of War and Peace for several years now and I feel years ago I got 300 pages in and loved it but it was so cumbersome and sadly there is no audio for that translation and right now audio is my main form of reading so I've decided to try this audio and go back to the Pevear/Volokhonsky one later. I love Thandiwe Newton's acting from the few roles I've seen of hers and I LOVED her narration of Jane Eyre so really excited about this. I really like the Poldark books. I have read the first 5 but it's been so long since I read the 5th book that I decided to start from the beginning before I move on. I've seen up to season 4 of the show but I am waiting until I've caught up in the books to watch season 5. I hope you like the books!

[@katiejlumsden]

Thanks Carolyn :) War and Peace is great, but oh so long!

[@CarolynsReadingRamblings]

@@katiejlumsden yes! I got 1/4th of the way through my physical copy but it is so giant so I could never take it anywhere and for at least a year I tried to find an audio version of the same translation (Pevear/Volokhonsky) but sadly no luck so now I've finally decided to listen to this other translation and hope I love it and just return to the physical copy the next time I read it.

[@julinapril]

😍😍😍 Count me in!

[@readknitwithcheryl]

OOh! I will take part in this, for sure. I read Washington Black in 2020 and it was my favorite book that year. I think it deserves a reread, lol. I love historical fiction and have really gotten into it the last few years. My favorite author of this genre, so far, is probably Pam Jenoff. Can't wait to pick out the books for this readathon!

[@katiejlumsden]

Washington Black is so great. Definitely also recommend Half-Blood Blues too if you haven't read it yet.

[@JulianTheRanger]

I just bought The Dictionary of Lost Words (thanks to your enthusiasm about it!), so I'll try and read that in May then! To anyone looking for recommendations for history with SFF elements - I highly recommend the author Guy Gavriel Kay! He has lots of books set in an alternate version of our world that are really historical fiction, just on a slightly different Earth with some very light magic.

[@katiejlumsden]

Hope you like The Dictionary of Lost Words, it's wonderful!

[@MilenaReads]

Ooh so fun! I love the challenges as well.

[@katiejlumsden]

Thanks Milena :)

[@kathleencraine7335]

Great idea for a readathon. Question for you: I've never read Sir Walter Scott, and this could be the month to try. What's a good place to start?

[@katiejlumsden]

I've never read any Walter Scott either, I'm afraid! Maybe this May . . .

[@kathleencraine7335]

@@katiejlumsden Well, now I don't feel so bad that I've neglected him! The shortest one I have is The Talisman, I think. I might start there.

[@meggo329]

To complete all challenges including the 8th challenge all I have to do is re read echo in the bone by Diana Gabaldon(I'm from Canada and part of this book is there so works for me) I also can't remember much of it and continue on in my North and South trilogy by John Jakes written in the 1980's about the civil war we have real historical figures interacting with my beloved fictional characters. I think I will give girl in the pearl earring a go as well

[@GenWivern2]

Huh! Just as I've decided to make a rare foray into the 20th century and dive into Faulkner as an antidote to Jane Austen. Mind you, all of them are about history, after a fashion. “The past is never dead. It's not even past” ... and all that. :-)

[@amazonbook1666]

📗 The Tao For Now by Eugene F Bator III 👉 Order here: amzn.to/3xqi4uu

[@zuzanka1981]

Great idea! I wanted to read a couple of historical fiction books in May, so I might add a couple more and join the readathon. Any other ideas for prompt no. 7? I have already read all the classics Katie mentioned in the video.

[@soniajohnson8878]

I am thinking of reading The Rebecca Rioter by Amy Dillwyn for this prompt.

[@zuzanka1981]

@@soniajohnson8878 Thanks for the suggestion, Sonia. I have never heard of this author before. I'll check her out on Goodreads. Just not sure if she fits in with my personal definition of classic - IMO it should be a well-known author or a well-known work or if not well-known then at least acclaimed in literary circles (taught about in uni courses or recipient of literary awards). EDIT: I'll probably read The Hunchback of Notre-Dame by Victor Hugo. Though I'm still looking for other options.

[@kimhoot2044]

I'm trying to decide between La Vendée by Anthony Trollope (I think it takes place 57 years before publication - 1850) or Mutiny on the Bounty by Charles Bernard Nordhoff (1932). I'm also considering Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys (1966) and Picnic at Hanging Rock by Joan Lindsay (1967)

[@lorriemerson5274]

Sir Walter Scott "invented" the historical novel, so any of his novels. Victorian author suggestions: Charlotte Bronte's Shirley, Mrs. Gaskell's Sylvia's Lovers, or George Eliot's Romola. Also, In the late 19th century, G. A. Henty wrote over 100 works of historical fiction for readers aged 10 and up and many are on Project Gutenberg.

[@zuzanka1981]

@@kimhoot2044 Kim, I really enjoyed Nordhoff's Bounty trilogy - it's a fun YA adventure series. Thanks for mentioning Wide Sargasso Sea, I love Jane Eyre and this book is on my long term TBR. Might be a good time to read it.

[@inanimatecarbongod]

I'm 47, so the idea of something set only 30 years ago being "historical" is... disconcerting?

[@larrymilliken288]

Hi Katie! Your brain must work overtime coming up with different ways to make reading more enjoyable. For this historical readathon I've been considering The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner-have you read it? Any thoughts?

[@katiejlumsden]

I haven't read it, no, I'm afraid.

[@larrymilliken288]

@@katiejlumsden That's alright, I may give it a go and let you know how I like it.

[@gabrielcardoso8512]

Very nice 😀

[@LinnaAP]

I guess the universe is telling me to continue/go back reading jonathan strange and mr norell and it's not like I wasnt liking it (I was actually surprised by how much I was enjoyng it bc it's not usually what I read) it's just that it's a big boy so it's too easy to put others before it bc I can finish them first and more easily, but now let's hope this and tome topple before it will help!

[@katiejlumsden]

I do recommend Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrel - it's so good, and despite the length it is very, very worth it.

[@LinnaAP]

@@katiejlumsden Yes! I just continued yesterday bc of the video and all I can I think about after almost each line is: this has no right to be so good! help! ksksk

[@meggo329]

I would highly recommend John Jakes north and south also the tv mini series which has every major celebrity from the 80's forest Whitaker, Patrick Swayze, Kirsty ally, ect. This is a link to see what the trilogy is about (north and south book one, love and war is book two and heaven and hell) it follows two family's which become friends before, during and after the civil war. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_and_South_(trilogy)