Book Review: The Confessions of Frannie Langton
A moving historical murder mystery set initially on a slave plantation in Jamaica. Highly recommended.
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Tema Frank
Historical Fiction & Business Author, World Traveler & Speaker
Tema Frank
Historical Fiction & Business Author, World Traveler & Speaker
Category Books & Writing
Book Review: The Ambassador’s Wife
The Ambassador’s Wife by Jennifer Steil My rating: 4 of 5 stars I was gripped by this book, and the moral and ethical dilemmas it raises in an engrossing, fictional way. The protagonist is such a real, flawed but loveable…
Book Review: Yellow Wife
Yellow Wife by Sadeqa Johnson My rating: 5 of 5 stars Sadeqa Johnson wrote the book after touring a former slave jail and trading post. On one of the walls she saw a photo of the jailer, his black wife…
A Historical Novelist’s Work is Never Done
When writing a historical novel you can get buried in research and never write the book. Sometimes, though, the research discoveries make you so happy!
Read MoreA Historical Novelist’s Work is Never DoneBook Review: All My Puny Sorrows
All My Puny Sorrows by Miriam Toews My rating: 5 of 5 stars I have a lousy memory, so not many books stick with me for years, other than a general “I liked it” feeling. But this one has. It…
Book Review: The Boat People
The Boat People by Sharon Bala My rating: 5 of 5 stars A powerful look at the difficult decisions faced by people in war zones and by refugee boards. Nothing is simple. Is it better to risk admitting someone who…
Book Review: The Breakout Novel Workbook
Tema's review of Writing the Breakout Novel Workbook. Worth reading if you want to write fiction.
Read MoreBook Review: The Breakout Novel WorkbookBook Review: The Flight Portfolio
The Flight Portfolio by Julie Orringer My rating: 4 of 5 stars I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is a blend of fiction and nonfiction (troublingly so for many reviewers) based on the life of Varian Fry. Fry worked tirelessly…
Tema Frank: History Detective!
Shmuel, father of Idel, who was the father of Baruch When you hear the words “genealogical research” what comes to mind? For me, it was a little old lady sitting at her computer trying to find out about her distant…
Book Review: American Kingpin
American Kingpin: The Epic Hunt for the Criminal Mastermind Behind the Silk Road by Nick Bilton My rating: 5 of 5 stars A great example of how to do narrative nonfiction well. Luckily for the author, there were written records…