The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society 
By Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
Historical Fiction 

January 1946: Writer Juliet Ashton receives a letter from a stranger, a founding member of the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. And so begins a remarkable tale of the island of Guernsey during the German Occupation, and of a society as extraordinary as its name. 

I know your first question, because it was mine when I picked up this book- what in the world is a potato peel pie? Well, I'm not telling! You'll have to read the book to find out. And it's definitely worth the read! 

I love epistolary novels, and the authors performed a masterpiece in putting the write letters in at the right times to give us the right information (how do they do that?!). I just adore the main character, Juliet. She's witty, a published author (like I wish to be), and considerate. Through her voice and those of the members of the literary society on Guernsey, I enjoyed getting to know these humble people and seeing how the occupation of the Germans affected them. 

The occupation was a large part of the book, but not overly depressing. This book treated World War II in a unique way, because, besides the uniqueness of the letters, the story was told after the war and how people are recovering from it. The book was full of hope, because healing was happening among the people and land. 

The isle of Guernsey is as full of charm as its people: rolling hills, ever-changing seas, and meadows full of wildflowers. Shaffer and Barrows could have been a bit less stingy in their descriptions of the island, but I still got a good sense of the place. 

One of my only pain points was a seemingly random character trait revealed halfway through the book about one of the main characters which felt very off and forced. Also, the person that Juliet falls for took me by surprise; I was picturing him much older than her. But perhaps this was my fault. 

Overall, I give this book a 3 out of 5 and recommend it for 16 year olds and up. 

What historical fiction novels-whether good or bad-have you read lately? 

Code Name Verity

Code Name Verity 
By Elizabeth Wein 
YA Historical Fiction 

"On October 11th, 1943, a British spy plane crashes in Nazi-occupied France. Its pilot and passenger are best friends. But just one of the girls has a chance at survival. Arrested by the Gestapo, "Verity" is given a choice: reveal her mission or face a grisly execution. They'll get the truth out of her. Only, it won't be what they expect." 

This book is a masterpiece. It's also a tear-jerker, so have a box of Kleenexes ready if you're one of those readers who melt into tears when something somber occurs. 

But veritably, Wein did an amazing job sculpting the world and characters of England and France in the 1900s. I can't fathom how much research she did, but it is (as much as I am aware of, which isn't much), spot on. Everything, from the airplanes to the scarves 'Verity' wears seems current to the time period. Her characters also make references to books and other media in thise time period. This was fascinating and definitely helped push the reader thoroughly into the characters' world, but it also sometimes was over my head, since I obviously didn't live in this era, and it frustrated me at times. 

Overall, though, this novel and the other Wein book I've read has caused my expectations of historical fiction to rise to Mt. Everest heights. Sorry, future historical fiction books I will read and historical fiction books I long to write; you just won't measure up. 

'Verity's' and Maddie's best-friend love for each other are as real and apparent as my husband's love for me. I can't believe they're not real! The characters charmed me with their British and Scottish slang, the way they played make-believe to incite their courage, and the way they fought through all the trials that confronted them. 

It did take a while for me to get used the narration style. The narrator is unreliable for an exceptionally good reason, but it did throw up barriers between her and myself. I also didn't relate to her personality as much as most characters in previous novels I've read; she's just wild. I much preferred the narration and personality of the other main character, Maddie. Too bad she didn't have much talking time! However, she features in the book, Rose Under Fire, so I'm quite excited to enter that story once I can get my hands on it. 

For all the above reasons, I give this novel a 4 out of 5. It would have been a 5 if I had not felt so left out of 'Verity's' mind. Again, it was for a good reason, but I do not enjoy the experience, nor am I used to it. 

What I learned: Writing historical fiction requires too much research! But in all seriousness, life is fleeting and short; it can leave us as easily and quickly as blowing out a candle. So what am I doing with mine? 

A Massive Gold Robbery

The Great Train Robbery 
By Michael Crichton 
Historical Fiction 

This novel is based off the true story of the Great Gold Robbery of 1855, a massive gold heist, which takes place on a train traveling through Victorian-era England. 

My husband has opened the Michael Crichton door for me, and I'm not sorry. The Great Train Robbery has a different narration than the others I've read, as it's told from an objective historical view rather than a character's perspective. It took me a while to dive into the story due to that, and I missed being in the character's heads. But once I became accustomed to the historical narration, I chugged through the story as fast as the train on the cover. 

There are fascinating tidbits thrown into the tale, which sometimes seem a bit dull or overkill, but they're not. These historical almost-lectures are important for the reader who doesn't live in Victorian England to understand what is going on and why it's integral to the plot. Crichton definitely did his research! It's amazing how many books he wrote with all the digging around he had to do for them all. 

The plot of this novel is gripping and fast, the characters mysterious and daring, and the end even more so. If you think you know what's going to happen at the end (like I did), you're wrong! The fact that most of the events in this novel actually occurred and the characters actually lived make it even more breathtaking. 

I give this novel a 4 out of 5 and recommend it for 17 year olds and up due to one particular scene.  

What I learned: Criminals (the good kind) can be some of the most clever people alive. 

Flying through Stunts and War

Black Dove White Raven
By Elizabeth Wein
Genre: YA Historical Fiction 

"Emilia's and Teo's lives changed in a fiery, terrifying instant when a bird strike brought down the plane their stunt-pilot mothers were flying. Teo's mother died immediately, but Em's survived, determined to raise Teo according to his late mother's wishes-in a place where he won't be discriminated against because of the color of his skin. But in 1930s America, a white woman raising a black adopted son alongside a white daughter is too often seen as a threat. 

"Seeking a home where her children won't be held back by ethnicity or gender, Rhoda brings Em and Teo to Ethiopia, and all three fall in love with the beautiful, peaceful country. But that peace is shattered by the threat of war with Italy..." 

This was the first Wein book I've read, and it was wonderful. The intriguing dynamic stunt mother duo drew me in almost at once. What would it be like to have mothers who do stunt flying for a living? And during a touchy race time when you're of different races? Well, I won't ruin it, but it's both exciting and boring at times for the kids. 

I loved Emilia's character: she's snarky, brave, and terrified, sometimes all at once. She lightened up the tense, sad moments, and I wouldn't have enjoyed the novel nearly as much as I did without her brazen personality. The relationship she and Teo have is adorable, and Wein made it personal with little relational details that I won't spoil but that are so neat. 

Wein also did an excellent job of describing Ethiopia. I fell in love with the country almost as much as Em, Teo, and Rhoda did! I'm sure this was a complex story to write for many reasons, but Wein did a great job weaving and displaying the tension between the Italians and Ethiopians in a way that grips the reader and pulls them in. I can't even imagine suffering through some of the things the main characters had to deal with at their age. Wow! 

Wein pieces the tale together through different essays and stories the kids wrote, which was well done and gave me better insights into their personalities. The stories especially helped me be able to see the situations through the eyes of a child, since that is what the main characters are for the majority of the novel. The stories of Black Dove, White Raven, exhumes Teo and Em's thoughts and feelings so the reader can better see and understand what they are going through. How I miss Teo and Em! I will definitely have to visit them again in this book. 

The only problem I had with this novel was a moral decision that one of the characters makes at the end. But overall, I give it a 5 out of 5 and recommend it for 15 year olds and up. I will definitely check out some of Wein's other historical novels, so keep a sharp lookout for them here! 

What I learned: Life is about relationships and those we love. 

Secrets and Spying

The Scarlet Pimpernel
By Baroness Orczv 
Genre: Historical Fiction, Classic 

"It is 1972 and France is in the grip of a seething, bloody revolution. Mobs roam the Paris streets hunting down royalists, barricades block any chance of escape, and every day hundreds die under the blade of Madame la Guillotine. But in the hearts of the condemned nobility there remains one last vestige of hope: rescue by the elusive Scarlet Pimpernel.

"Renowed for both his unparalleled bravery and his clever disguises, the Pimpernel's identity remains as much a mystery to his sworn enemy, the ruthless French agent Chauvelin, as to his devoted admirer, the beautiful Lady Marguerite Blakeny."

I loved this book! And lately, it's been hard for me to find books that I truly love. This novel had everything a good novel should possess: love, humor, excitement, and surprises that truly widened my eyes.

From the first page, I was hunting for this elusive Scarlet Pimpernel man, and when I realized who he was, I was completely surprised and elated. And the delightful surprises did not end there, but wait toward the end of the book like little treasures the author tosses at you. I don't know much (or anything, really), about Baroness Orczv, but this novel shows how clever and witty she is.

One of the few things I didn't particularly like about this novel was that the end seemed a bit brief. Don't worry, everything is tied up well, but I felt like with all that happens throughout the story, it wouldn't have hurt to elaborate on some of the events at the end. It seems like the Baroness (how fun to say that title) was just ready to be done spinning her tale.

Also, I wanted more interaction between the two characters, mostly at the end, for there was more to be said/done between them to my satisfaction. But, overall, this was a fantastic read, and I rate it a 4 out of 5. I recommend it for 15 year olds and up.

What I learned: Don't judge people, for you never know what's truly going on with them. The most likely costume/disguise is often the one that works best.

Readers who enjoyed this novel might also like:  The Count of Monte Cristo,  Legend, and The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes.

Ted Dekker and Historical Fiction

A.D. 30
By Ted Dekker
Genre: Historical Fiction
#1 in the A.D. 30 series

"The outcast daughter of one of the most powerful Bedouin sheikhs in Arabia, Maviah is called on to protect the very people who rejected her. When their enemies launch a sudden attack with devastating consequences, Maviah escapes with the help of two of her father's warriors-Saba, who speaks more with his sword than his voice, and Judah, a Jew who comes from a tribe that can read the stars. Their journey will be fraught with terrible danger. If they can survive the vast forbidding sands of a desert that is deadly to most, they will reach a brutal world subjugated by kings and emperors. There Maviah must secure an unlikely alliance with King Herod of the Jews.

"But Maviah's path leads her unexpectedly to another man. An enigmatic teacher who speaks of a way in this life that offers greater power than any kingdom. His name is Yeshua, and his words turn everything known on its head. Though following him may present even greater danger, his may be the only way for Maviah to save her people-and herself."

I'm usually leery about reading books with Jesus in them that aren't the Bible, since I believe the Bible is the primary way God reveals Himself to us. However, in A.D. 30, all the words Yeshua (Jesus) says are from the New Testament, except for some words he specifically to Maviah and another woman and some words he tells her in a dream. The way the reader is able to get into the people's heads and see their culture as close as possible without going to Israel helped me better understand the Jewish culture and see Jesus' words in a whole new light.

I was also surprised at the accuracy of it as well. Obviously it's fiction, and there was not a woman called Maviah who did all of the things in the novel, but there really was a suppression in Sepphoris by Varus and Aretas's army of Bedu, and other events and people that I can't say or it will give too much away. I love when authors use real events and people in their novels; sometimes real life is crazier than fiction.

Although I enjoyed the characters and plot, I couldn't get into this book very well. I wasn't very eager to read it, and I'm not sure why. Perhaps because the world wasn't truly new to me or because I longed to spend more time with Yeshua, and couldn't, or could just read the Scriptures to hear from Him. It was a good break from Dekker's sci-fi thrillers. He mastered this genre as well as those, if not better at times.

Due to all of this, I give this book a 3.5 and recommend it for 16 year olds and up.

What I learned: Everyone is precious to God. Forgiveness is more powerful than rage.

Ale or Mead?

It's always important to do research for a novel, especially for a historical novel. A few weeks ago, in one of my writing classes, my professor was reading a chapter of my current writing project, a YA novel that takes place in a medieval-type world.

My professor noticed that I had said that my main character took a swig of mead, and kindly informed me that more than a few sips of mead would knock a normal person out. Who would have thunk? Not me apparently, because I don't live in the middle ages, and didn't do enough research. Since I didn't want my character to get drunk, (it is YA, after all :), I changed the mead to ale. I probably have more cultural oddities like this in in my novel, but now I'm on the hunt to get everything right, even the drinks, because readers will catch it, and then will want to kill me!

Some other interesting things I learned while researching/editing parts of this novel:
    -They don't say 'okay' or 'alright' in the middle ages. What else can you use for those expressions?!
    -People back then used animal skins (bladders) to hold water while traveling. Yum
    -Peasant houses were made from straw and mud.
    -Nobles didn't eat raw fruit; it was seen as unhealthy and unsanitary. No wonder they didn't live long...
    -The crossbow was invented in the early-ish middle ages period.
    -"You dried neat's-tongue" is an insult Shakespeare used. Your guess is as good as mine of what it means.