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Old 09-06-2010, 12:26 AM   #6
SlowRain
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Gore Vidal has written some excellent novels about key points in American history, all from a Washington perspective. Vidal is a brilliant author, but he does have an extreme bias that shows through in his portrayal of certain characters. Also, a great deal of the novels are presented in dialog at parties, so it's not exactly exciting stuff.

The General in His Labyrinth by Gabriel García Márquez is a beautiful look at the last days of Simón Bolívar, as well as some flashbacks to the major events of his life. Simply beautiful writing.

Rose by Martin Cruz Smith is an excellent historical mystery set in 19th-century Wigan, a British coal-mining town. Great atmosphere and intrigue.

Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier is about an injured American Civil War soldier abandoning the war and walking home to his true love. Language, character, and atmosphere are Frazier's strengths in this novel which, apart from some coincidences, is one of the best Historical novels out there.

The World War II espionage thrillers by Alan Furst are also quite well written, and among my personal favorites. Initially, Furst's narrative was more detailed, but, as he's mastered his craft, he's become somewhat more spare--to great effect. He's not strong on plot, but his atmosphere alone makes these worth a read. I can't recommend these enough.
That's a start, anyway.

Last edited by SlowRain; 12-03-2010 at 09:47 AM.
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