All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

 

Title: All the Light We Cannot See

Author: Anthony Doerr

Genre: Historical Fiction

Synopsis: 

"Marie-Laure lives with her father in Paris near the Museum of Natural History where he works as the master of its thousands of locks. When she is six, Marie-Laure goes blind and her father builds a perfect miniature of their neighborhood so she can memorize it by touch and navigate her way home. When she is twelve, the Nazis occupy Paris, and father and daughter flee to the walled citadel of Saint-Malo, where Marie-Laure’s reclusive great uncle lives in a tall house by the sea. With them they carry what might be the museum’s most valuable and dangerous jewel.

In a mining town in Germany, the orphan Werner grows up with his younger sister, enchanted by a crude radio they find. Werner becomes an expert at building and fixing these crucial new instruments, a talent that wins him a place at a brutal academy for Hitler Youth, then a special assignment to track the Resistance. More and more aware of the human cost of his intelligence, Werner travels through the heart of the war and, finally, into Saint-Malo, where his story and Marie-Laure’s converge." - Back Cover

 

My Thoughts

You ever think "Gee, the world is so sad and crazy right now, reading some fiction will help with that," but what you like to read is historical fiction... so you read about the sad and crazy times of fictional characters in another time period instead? 😅 Well reading this book is like that, set during the crazy and sad times of WWII. But honestly, it was so good that it was worth every single page. 

 

Now, not every page is sad. There are a lot of sweet familial moments with a young blind girl meeting her eccentric great-uncle. Unfortunately, there is also the brainwashing of a reluctant young boy into becoming a German soldier. And you feel bad for him, and want him to come out okay, but it's confusing because he works for the bad guys. So, what I'm trying to say is, this book makes you feel all the feels. I think everyone should read it. It is the best book I've read this year. Maybe the best book I've read in a couple years. 

I actually read three quarters of it pretty quickly, but then had to let it sit for a little bit because I just had a feeling the last part was going to be very sad. I just wasn't ready for that or for it to be over. Once I was brave enough to finish it, I found that I liked the ending. It was emotional, but satisfying. 

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The Paris Express by Emma Donoghue

                                                    

Title: The Paris Express

Author: Emma Donoghue

Genre: Historical Fiction

Synopsis:

"Based on an 1895 disaster that went down in history when it was captured in a series of surreal, extraordinary photographs, The Paris Express is a propulsive novel set on a train packed with a fascinating cast of characters who hail from as close as Brittany and as far as Russia, Ireland, Algeria, Pennsylvania, and Cambodia. Members of parliament hurry back to Paris to vote; a medical student suspects a girl may be dying; a secretary tries to convince her boss of the potential of moving pictures; two of the train’s crew build a life away from their wives; a young anarchist makes a terrifying plan, and much more." - Back Cover

 

My Thoughts

This book was an interesting change of pace. I love that the story is told from the different perspectives of many of the people on the train; those who work on the train, those who are traveling on the train, and at some points, even the train itself. The characters are relatable and empathy inducing and the story is filled with suspense from the beginning. It was a great read!

I received this book as a gift last Christmas, and I'm so glad to have friends who know exactly what I'll enjoy reading! 

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Alchemy by S.J. Parris

 Title: Alchemy

Author: S. J. Parris

Genre: Historical Mystery

Other books I've read by this author: Heresy, Prophecy, and Sacrilege, Treachery, Conspiracy, Execution

Synopsis:

"Prague, 1588.

A COURT IN TURMOIL

The court of the Holy Roman Emperor, Rudolf II, is a haven for scientists, astrologers and alchemists. The dream – to discover the philosopher’s stone and attain immortality. But now there are rumours of heresy.

A MURDERED ALCHEMIST

Giordano Bruno is sent to Prague as a spy for Elizabeth I. He arrives to find the palace in uproar – an alchemist has been murdered.

AN UNFORGIVING ENEMY

Ordered by the emperor to uncover the killer, Bruno must negotiate the jostling factions at court, as well as the religious tensions brewing in the city. And his hunt to track down a murderer soon proves as elusive as the elixir of life itself…" - Back Cover

My Thoughts

It was so fun traveling to the Court of Prague with Bruno, Besler, John Dee, and meeting many new characters along the way. I love this series and the 7th novel was no exception. Murder mystery, love story, strong willed women, a commentary on the religious prejudices of the time, this book hits all the marks for me. I received this and "The Dead of Winter" (a collection of short stories featuring Giordano Bruno) for Christmas. I hope there is another full Bruno novel on the way, but in the meantime, the short stories will have to hold me over.

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The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Title: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

Author: Taylor Jenkins Reid
Genre: Historical Fiction

Synopsis: "Aging and reclusive Hollywood movie icon Evelyn Hugo is finally ready to tell the truth about her glamorous and scandalous life. But when she chooses unknown magazine reporter Monique Grant for the job, no one is more astounded than Monique herself. Why her? Why now?
Monique is not exactly on top of the world. Her husband has left her, and her professional life is going nowhere. Regardless of why Evelyn has selected her to write her biography, Monique is determined to use this opportunity to jumpstart her career.

Summoned to Evelyn’s luxurious apartment, Monique listens in fascination as the actress tells her story. From making her way to Los Angeles in the 1950s to her decision to leave show business in the ‘80s, and, of course, the seven husbands along the way, Evelyn unspools a tale of ruthless ambition, unexpected friendship, and a great forbidden love. Monique begins to feel a very real connection to the legendary star, but as Evelyn’s story nears its conclusion, it becomes clear that her life intersects with Monique’s own in tragic and irreversible ways." - Back Cover

My Thoughts

This novel was not at all what I was expecting. I haven't read something this engaging in a while. Old Hollywood, complicated relationships, unexpected twists, this one is just *chef's kiss*.  The way the author creates characters that are relatable and likeable, who you want to root for, but are also human and flawed... it keeps the reader wanting more, dying to know what happens next. The storytelling and suspense build at just the perfect pace. It doesn't get dull, but it also isn't overwhelming. Sometimes I'm dubious of really popular best sellers like this one, but this one deserves the accolades. I'll be recommending this novel to anyone who asks me what they should read next.

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The Cardinal: A Novel of Love and Power by Alison Weir

Title: The Cardinal: A Novel of Love and Power

Author: Alison Weir
Genre: Historical Fiction

Other books I've read by this author: Innocent Traitor, Queen Isabella

Synopsis: "Cardinal Thomas Wolsey enjoyed one of the most meteoric careers in history. His rise from humble beginnings coincided with young Henry VIII's ascension to the throne in 1509. The two grew to be cherished friends, and by 1515 Wolsey, now a cardinal, had become the controlling figure in all matters of church and state.

Wolsey operated on an international stage and worked hard to broker universal peace. All was going dazzlingly well until Henry fell in love with Anne Boleyn--the woman whom Wolsey would one day call "the night crow"--and sought to end his marriage to his first wife, Katherine of Aragon. Swept up in the maelstrom of "the Divorce," Wolsey, who had successfully given his master everything he wanted, found himself in an impossible situation. As he drew the ire of the future queen, the cardinal found his privileged life and his relationship with Henry crumbling around him." - Back Cover

My Thoughts

I've read both fiction and nonfiction works by Alison Weir, and I have to say that this is my favorite so far! I was so excited to receive this novel as a Christmas gift, I knew it had to be the first book I read this year. I've read A LOT of historical fiction featuring the Tudors, many from the perspective of women during the period (see all my reviews of Philippa Gregory's novels). It was refreshing to get a new point of view on Henry VIII and learn more about the personal life of Thomas Wolsey. This novel has ambition, love, loss, corruption, and coming of age all wrapped into one engaging story. It was such an enjoyable read, and I recommend it to anyone looking for a fresh perspective on the Tudors.

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The Nurse's Secret by Amanda Skenandore

 

Title: The Nurse's Secret

Author: Amanda Skenandore

Genre: Historical Fiction

Synopsis: "Based on Florence Nightingale’s nursing principles, Bellevue is the first school of its kind in the country. Where once nurses were assumed to be ignorant and unskilled, Bellevue prizes discipline, intellect, and moral character, and only young women of good breeding need apply. At first, Una balks at her prim classmates and the doctors’ endless commands. Yet life on the streets has prepared her for the horrors of injury and disease found on the wards, and she slowly gains friendship and self-respect.
Just as she finds her footing, Una’s suspicions about a patient’s death put her at risk of exposure, and will force her to choose between her instinct for self-preservation, and exposing her identity in order to save others." - Back Cover

My Thoughts

My mom bought this for me last Christmas; it was not on my list, but she knows my taste in books perfectly. This book has a little bit of everything: from rags to riches, murder mystery, coming of age, strong female friendships, and a love story. Una is flawed and so likeable, her life tragic and transforming. She has to learn to allow others to help and care for her after always looking out for herself. Her journey from thief to nurse is endearing, and her detective work to uncover a murderer, heroic. I'd recommend adding this to your reading list in the new year!

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Our Last Days in Barcelona by Chanel Cleeton

 Title: Our Last Days in Barcelona

Author: Chanel Cleeton

Genre: Historical Fiction

Other books I've read by this author: Next Year in Havana, When We Left Cuba, The Cuban Heiress , The Last Train to Key West

Synopsis: "Barcelona, 1964. Exiled from Cuba after the revolution, Isabel Perez has learned to guard her heart and protect her family at all costs. After Isabel’s sister Beatriz disappears in Barcelona, Isabel goes to Spain in search of her. Joining forces with an unlikely ally thrusts Isabel into her sister’s dangerous world of espionage, but it’s an unearthed piece of family history that transforms Isabel’s life.

Barcelona, 1936. Alicia Perez arrives in Barcelona after a difficult voyage from Cuba, her marriage in jeopardy and her young daughter Isabel in tow. Violence brews in Spain, the country on the brink of civil war, the rise of fascism threatening the world. When Cubans journey to Spain to join the International Brigades, Alicia’s past comes back to haunt her as she is unexpectedly reunited with the man who once held her heart.

Alicia and Isabel’s lives intertwine, and the past and present collide, as a mother and daughter are forced to choose between their family’s expectations and following their hearts." - Back Cover

My Thoughts

As always, I loved the family dynamics that Chanel Cleeton has created for the Perez sisters. I was engaged and intrigued for the entire story. I'm sure by now you all know that I love a generational story with multiple timelines. This was no exception. I felt this story gave insight and context into Alicia's motives and behavior in the previous novels, allowing the reader to better relate to her. This novel also features a few twists that I have come to expect from Cleeton's work. Somehow, I am still surprised when they pop up. I look forward to reading more her books in 2026!

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To see more from the author, visit the website linked above