In Edward Rutherfurd's epic masterpiece 'Sarum', readers are taken on an immersive journey through centuries of English history, starting from the end of the last Ice Age to the modern era. The novel intertwines the lives of various generations of families living in and around the Salisbury Plain in England, exploring themes of love, betrayal, ambition, and power. Through meticulously researched historical events and vivid characters, Rutherfurd paints a rich tapestry of the region's evolution, from ancient rituals to the construction of Stonehenge and the impact of wars and social changes. 'Sarum' is a captivating saga that illuminates the enduring spirit of a land and its people.
Edward Rutherfurd is a British author known for his epic historical fiction novels that intricately weave together the rich tapestry of different time periods and cities. Born in Salisbury, England, his meticulous research and vivid storytelling have earned him critical acclaim and a global following. Rutherfurd's notable works include 'Sarum', 'London', 'Paris', and 'New York', where he immerses readers in the captivating historical landscapes of these iconic cities. His unique ability to bring history to life through well-developed characters and sweeping narratives has solidified his place as a master of historical fiction, captivating readers and transporting them to different eras with his immersive storytelling.
by Min Jin Lee
A victorian epic transplanted to Japan, following a Korean family of immigrants through eight decades and four generations. Yeongdo, Korea 1911. In a small fishing village on the banks of the East Sea, a club-footed, cleft-lipped man marries a fifteen-year-old girl. The couple have one child, their beloved daughter Sunja. When Sunja falls pregnant by a married yakuza, the family face ruin. But then Isak, a Christian minister, offers her a chance of salvation: a new life in Japan as his wife. Following a man she barely knows to a hostile country in which she has no friends, no home, and whose language she cannot speak, Sunja's salvation is just the beginning of her story. Through eight decades and four generations, Pachinko is an epic tale of family, identity, love, death and survival.
by Lisa Wingate
Lisa Wingate's 'Before We Were Yours' is a poignant and gripping tale that delves into one of America's most heartbreaking real-life scandals. Set in two timelines, it juxtaposes the 1939 story of the Foss siblings, torn apart by an orphanage that sold poor children to wealthy families, with a modern-day investigation led by Avery Stafford, who is drawn into her family's hidden past. The novel skillfully explores themes of identity, family bonds, and the pursuit of justice. Wingate's rich character development and emotive storytelling result in a powerful narrative that captivates readers, prompting reflection on the resilience of the human spirit.
In Charles Dickens' 'A Tale of Two Cities,' the turbulent backdrop of the French Revolution sets the stage for a gripping narrative of love, sacrifice, and redemption. The novel intertwines the lives of characters from London and Paris, illustrating the stark contrasts between the two cities during a tumultuous time in history. Through intricate plots and vivid descriptions, Dickens explores themes of resurrection, oppression, and the consequences of societal injustice. As the characters navigate personal struggles and political upheaval, the story builds towards a powerful climax that resonates with themes of hope and renewal. 'A Tale of Two Cities' remains a timeless classic that captivates readers with its profound insights into human nature and the enduring power of love and sacrifice.
Set in the rich farmland of the Salinas Valley, California, this powerful, often brutal novel, follows the interwined destinies of two families - the Trasks and the Hamiltons - whose generations hopelessly re-enact the fall of Adam and Eve and the poisonous rivalry of Cain and Abel. Here Steinbeck created some of his most memorable characters and explored his most enduring themes- the mystery of indentity; the inexplicability of love, and the murderous consequences of love's absence.