Tag: Historical Fiction

The Sandcastle Girls by Chris Bohjalian

~ Jennifer @ The Relentless Reader ~ 10 Comments
I knew next to nothing about the history of the Armenian people when I started reading this book. I had no idea of the genocide of Armenians during WWI. I know about it now and I’m glad I do. (I’m more than a little concerned that this isn’t common knowledge. At least it wasn’t to me.)
The best works of historical fiction teach me something while telling me a great story and this was definitely one of those books. 
The story travels between Syria in 1915 and New York in 2012. If there was one thing I didn’t love about this book it was that it didn’t ALL take place in 1915. I love to be swept up into the history of a time and place. Whenever the narrative would switch to modern times I felt a bit jarred. 
I believe that is Chris Bohjalian’s 14th book. I’ve read a number of his other novels and he never disappoints.  I highly recommend this one.
Have you read this book? If you have I’d love to hear your thoughts. If you’ve reviewed this book leave me a link!

Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children

~ Jennifer @ The Relentless Reader ~ 16 Comments
Check it out here…
I liked this book quite a lot. Except for the parts that I didn’t like. Hmmm. The premise was great and there were parts that made me laugh out loud. There is also a giant creep out vibe that I enjoyed. I thought the author worked a bit too hard to incorporate the vintage photographs that are sprinkled throughout the book. The pictures themselves were striking and interesting but it seemed that the story bent in unnatural ways to make them fit.
All in all? I would recommend it if you’re looking for a spooky/funny/poignant read. 
Per Indie Bound:

A mysterious island.

An abandoned orphanage.

A strange collection of very curious photographs.

It all waits to be discovered in Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, an unforgettable novel that mixes fiction and photography in a thrilling reading experience. As our story opens, a horrific family tragedy sets sixteen-year-old Jacob journeying to a remote island off the coast of Wales, where he discovers the crumbling ruins of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. As Jacob explores its abandoned bedrooms and hallways, it becomes clear that the children were more than just peculiar. They may have been dangerous. They may have been quarantined on a deserted island for good reason. And somehow—impossible though it seems—they may still be alive.

A spine-tingling fantasy illustrated with haunting vintage photography, Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children will delight adults, teens, and anyone who relishes an adventure in the shadows.