Monday, May 14, 2012

The 10 best historical novels

The Observer books editor William Skidelsky came up with a list of the ten best historical novels, including:
The Regeneration Trilogy by Pat Barker

Barker’s early 90s trilogy is the story of psychiatrist William Rivers and his pioneering treatment of various First World War soldiers - including Siegfried Sassoon and Wilfred Owen - for shell shock at the Craiglockhart war hospital near Edinburgh. Barker blends fact and make-believe to create an absorbing drama that takes in many themes besides war, including mental illness, class, homosexuality and creativity. The books were deservedly acclaimed on publication and the third, The Road Home, won the 1995 Booker prize. Barker was led to the subject by her husband, a neurologist familiar with Rivers.
Read about another entry on the list.

Also see: Andrew Miller's top ten historical novels.

--Marshal Zeringue