Historical Research Rabbit Holes
It is so hard for historical novelists to stay out of research rabbit holes. But they can be so fascinating!
Tema Frank
Historical Fiction & Business Author, World Traveler & Speaker
Tema Frank
Historical Fiction & Business Author, World Traveler & Speaker
Tema
Book Review – The Smallest Man, by Frances Quinn
A page-turning story of a midget who was gifted to a lonely queen in 1600s England.
Book Review: The Sunflower House
A page-turning fictional exploration of the Nazi's program to encourage the birth of more Aryan babies.
Book Review: The Postcard, by Anne Berest
The Postcard by Anne Berest My rating: 5 of 5 stars A postcard shows up at the home of a Frenchwoman in 2003. Mailed from the biggest postal outlet in France, the Louvre post office, it lists four names: Ephraïm,…
Book Reviews & Comparison: ‘Shashenka’ by Simon Sebag Montefiore & ‘The Revolution of Marina M.’ by Janet Fitch
Both Simon Sebag Montefiore's 'Sashenka' and Janet Fitch's 'The Revolution of Marina M.' are gripping historical novels that will help you understand Russia. Similar in many ways, there are also stark differences.
Book Review: The Last Train to London
A moving reminder of the good people in the world, as well as the dangers of demonizing others.
Book Review: A Waltz with Traitors
A Waltz with Traitors by A.L. Sowards My rating: 4 of 5 stars Most people think of the Russian Civil War in terms of battles between Reds (Bolsheviks) and Whites (the deposed upper classes). In fact, though, there were many…
Book Review: Your Presence Is Mandatory
It is more important than ever that we try to understand war and its consequences. This captivating book sheds light on a surprising aspect: POWs who are victimized by their own country for having been captured.
When Words Collide 2024 – Writing Conference Notes
Since I have both a daughter and a writer-friend in Calgary, this year I decided to attend When Words Collide. This annual conference grew out of a gathering of sci-fi and fantasy writers many years ago. Now there are over…
Book Review: Hotel Cuba
An immigrant story with a twist: they left Russia aiming to get to America but landed in Cuba. I highly recommend this eminently readable story of struggle and hopes for a better life in a new land.