10.
The Secret Countess by Eva Ibbotson
Most of Eva Ibbotson's books involve some rich person who, due to some unforseen circumstances, is now out of money. Of all of her books like this, this one is undoubtably the best. The story follows Anna, an 18 year old Russian countess who escapes the Russian revolution having lost all her fortune. She now works in London for a young Earl. As you can probably guess she ends up falling in love with this handsome man. Although the plot is fairly predictable, the characters have many dimensions. It's also an interesting read because it is almost autobiographical of Ibbotson's own life. When she was a child she fled Vienna from the Nazi's. As the novel progresses you find yourself more deeply involved in the characters and their plight and is an enchanting read.
9.
The Heretic's Daughter by Kathleen Kent
This is a truely haunting novel. It tells a story based on fact about Sarah Chapman the daughter of a herbalist. A plague breaks out in their village and the whole family is put in prison for witchcraft. This book is set in 1752 so a long time after the Salem witch trials, but it still holds the same sense of creepiness that makes every chapter captivating. I like historical novels especially ones which are accurate and this does not dissapoint.
8.
Ophelia by Lisa Klein
This re-imagining of Shakespeares Hamlet is full of twists and turns which makes the original even more compelling. Written from Ophelia's perspective it tells the story of before and after the play, filling in many gaps along the way. The language is emotive and eloquent, echoeing Shakespeares own style. The passion that the characters feel sheds new light on the imortal tradegy. I just love the vivid imagery and atmosphere that the book sets up.
7.
This is the only modern book on my list but the telling of Stella's story is compassionate and dark. A baby is taken from a cot in her street and as her mother was caught up in a similar situation many years ago the police immediately suspect her. Stella begins to ask her own questions discovering some chilling secrets about her family and past. The pace fast and you can get caught up in the racing speed of the story.
6.
Mistress Shakespeare by Karen Harper
There has also been controversy and mystery surrounding the possibility of William Shakespeare having two wives. Coincidently both wives are named Anne, but the comparrisons stop there. Anne Whately is a real historical figure that grew up in the twon where Shakespeare lived. The book, told from her perspective tells what happens to her when she is pushed aside to make room the woman a husband William got pregnant. Anne's courage makes this a very satisfying novel. The language is descriptive enough but the many twists the book takes is what makes this book stand out.
5.
The Aviary Gate by Kate Kickman
This is an extraordinary book, hugely enjoyable and with deep morals and themes. The scene is set in an Istanbul harem where we are introduced to the most exotic of characters. Paul Pinder is searching for his love lost at sea when he hears of the new golden haired muse in the Sultan's harem. He then embarks on a suspensful journey to rescue her. This is a magical read, Kickman describes in great detail the rich and colourful costumes and jewels while weaving an engrossing tale.
4.
The Red Necklace by Sally Gardner
With the backdrop of the height of the French revolution this beautiful and gripping book views the revolution from an entirely new persepctive. Most stories about this subject either deal with the very wealthy or very poor. This book focuses Sido, the unloved daughter of a Count. He rejects her because she is ugly and she grows up surrounded by affluence yet having none of it herself. There is so much detail in the words and the rich language stands out against the violence it is describing. It is sometimes hard to see where the fact ends and fantasy begins.
3.
Fools Girl by Celia Rees
This book is based loosely on Shakespeare and how he came to write Twelfth Night. Violetta and Feste are retrieving a treasure stolen by evil Malvolio. Shakespeare happens to be caught up in the action. The characters are strong and the adventures believable. It was funny at times but also powerful. By the end of the book you are willing it to go on, but the unsatisfying ending was made up for in the stunning quality of the book.
2.
Wildthorn by Jane Eagland
At number two on the list, but close to the top spot is Wildthorn. Lousia, a Victorian doctor's daughter, longs to be something more than wife and mother when she grows up. She decides to try to follow her career as a doctor herself, following in her fathers footsteps, readin and studying when she can. But, it all goes wrong for her when she finds herself in an assylum for the insane. She goes to great lengths to uravel the plot of deception that led her to be branded as a lunatic. The book follows Louisa at the present when she is in the assylum and also snipets of the past about how she came to be there. The structure of the book makes it near impossible to put down. There are so many complex relationships and conflicts withing the book that it can appeal to anyone. The subject matter is poignant and as the book progresses and you discover the treachery and deceit that was Louisa's downfall, it is hard not to feel her pain. Yet love is always prominent and she meets a permanent friend and ally, a nurse named Eliza. Eliza's bravery and her determination to see Louisa as a friend not a patient is what really drives the book. With excellant twists this book is almost at the top spot. But, not quite....
1.
On The Seas To Troy by Caroline B. Cooney
Where can I begin with this book. From the first time I read it, I knew I was going to read it again and again. The book follows Anaxandra, a young Greek girl and how she becomes caught up and torn apart inm the Trojan War. She was taken hostage as a child and forced to live as a slave girl on a remote island. After a bloodthristy raid by pirates she is the sole survivor. When King Menelaus finds her, she knows it's her chance for a new life. She takes the name of her mistress, Princess Callisto and finds herself hurled on a journey to Troy. This story is epic and the heroine is truly fearless. I was completely mesmerised by the book as the plot is so extraordinary. There are so many different turns and surprises that its almost hard to keep up with the rattling pace. Helen of Troy, portrayed as beautiful and perfect in most versions of the tale is given a new side. She is haughty and spiteful, caring only about the handsome and muscular Paris. The story explores the complex emotions Anaxandra has when she finds that she has unwittingly joined both sides of the war. She needs to discover what is more important to her, finding her way back home or finding herself. This tale of forbidden love is not only the love of the heroine but also the love that started the ferocious war. The book drags what little is truely known about the Trojan Wars and gives it a wondeful new light, making the fact as exciting as the fiction.
Well there is my list, I hope I have inspired you to go and read a few of these books. They are all amazing reads. Now I have to pick one of the many other lists I can do next. This blog stuff is more difficult than it looks.
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