This month, for Blogger Book Nook it is all about historical fiction.Histrioical fiction is within my top 3 favourite genre's so I was excited to pick a book to fit in with the prompt. Some of my favourite historical fiction include books such as The book thief and All the light we cannot see to name a few.
1.If you could time travel either to the past or the future, which would you pick and why?
Definitely has to be the past. I'd love to be able to visit some of the places mentioned in books I've read. This way I could see them for myself rather than rely on what my imagination comes up with. This also applies to situations as well as the places featured in historical fiction.
2.Historical novels aren’t always accurate in their details - is this something that bothers you? Why / why not?
Yes and no. Most of the time it doesn't really bother me as of course I'm reading fiction. Other times I like that some of the information to be accurate. I think it really depends on the book I am reading and what the storyline is about.
3.Is there one specific historical era that especially interests you? What novels set in that time would you recommend?
It has to be around the war time as I love reading the experiences of what it was like during them times. It also makes me feel thankful for what life is like for us today compared to back then. My favourite has to be book theif I liked the film too.
4.Which historical figure (fictional or real!) would you most like to have dinner with?
This is a tough one and a question I'll have to come back to at some point.
5. Do you find historical fiction an appealing genre? Why / why not?
Yes however It does depend on the era and the story I tend to enjoy books based in the 1900's.
First of all this is the first book I've read by Jessie Burton as I've yet to read her first book The Miniaturist.
On a hot July day in 1967, Odelle Bastien climbs the stone steps of the Skelton gallery in London, knowing that her life is about to change forever. Having struggled to find her place in the city since she arrived from Trinidad five years ago, she has been offered a job as a typist under the tutelage of the glamorous and enigmatic Marjorie Quick. But though Quick takes Odelle into her confidence, and unlocks a potential she didn't know she had, she remains a mystery - no more so than when a lost masterpiece with a secret history is delivered to the gallery.
The truth about the painting lies in 1936 and a large house in rural Spain, where Olive Schloss, the daughter of a renowned art dealer, is harbouring ambitions of her own. Into this fragile paradise come artist and revolutionary Isaac Robles and his half-sister Teresa, who immediately insinuate themselves into the Schloss family, with explosive and devastating consequences .
I had high hopes for this book as it sounded a great read for historical fiction however I was disappointed. The book goes between the story of Odelle in 1967 and Olive in 1936 which I liked the idea of. Unfortunately I struggled to get into it as I found it a slow starter. I did get into the story eventually however as much as it was an ok book it's definitely not one I'll be reading again. I think it's a book that seems to have mixed views, so if you have given it a read I'd love to know your thoughts.