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Tuesday 2 February 2016

Top Ten Tuesday: Favourite Historical Settings

I looooooove history. I mean, I majored in it, and I still read a lot of history books for pleasure. I also like historical fiction, but I am super picky about inaccuracies, so I am frequently disappointed. Today at Top Ten Tuesday, the topic is favourite historical settings OR settings you'd like to read more of. I'm doing a little bit of both.

Favourite Settings
1. Nineteenth Century Russia: No surprise for here, given I'm a die-hard russophile. Actually, I'd extend this back into the eighteenth century too, since I am fascinated by Catherine the Great.

2. Mid-twentieth Century USSR: I'm thinking the 30s to the 50s. There was so much going on in this period, like intrigues, purges, war, but also art and literature.

3. World War II: Predominantly in Europe, but I'm fascinated by WWII and will read books about many contexts including China (Shanghai Girls), Malaysia (Breaking the Tongue), and Kenya (Nowhere in Africa - a fabulous film by the way).

4. Tudor England: When I was a kid, I was obsessed with Queen Elizabeth I, and that interest has never died.

5. 1960s North America: It was definitely an era of change, and I find it fascinating.

6. Victorian England: I'm not sure why. Maybe it's the fashion...

7. Ancient Rome: I've never been a classics scholar, but books that take place in this time period really draw me in. One of my favourites is the Mark of the Lion series by Francine Rivers.

Settings I'd Like to Read More of:
8. Historical India: I've read a few books, but not nearly enough.

9. Australia and New Zealand: Sadly, I know very little about the history of these countries, even though we are culturally so similar. Last year, I read Swords and Crowns and Rings on a friend's recommendation, and it was really interesting, so hopefully I'll get to more Australian historical fiction at some point.

10. Pre-Columbus Americas: I don't know that I've read anything that falls into this category, but I would love to find books that fit the bill.

What about you, readers? What are your favourite historical settings?

7 comments:

  1. Love your list! Yay for all things set in Russia =D I too would love to read more novels set in Australia and New Zealand, I may have only read one or two novels to date set in either of those places...

    My TTT

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  2. I've seen Australian historical fiction mentioned a few times today, and I don't think I've ever even seen a book set in historical Australia. Botany Bay has always fascinated me, ever since my deep obsession with Kate Rusby, so it would be interesting to read a book set there!

    My TTT.

    Also, feel free to check out our giveaway.

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    Replies
    1. Oh, cool! Thanks for letting me know about the giveaway!

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  3. I feel like I'm the odd one out for this Top Ten Tuesday!! I usually try to stick to book that take place in present day. So I cheated this week!
    My TTT! :)
    The Art Of Not Breathing by Sarah Alexander.

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  4. I love WWII fiction, so many great books set in that period!
    My TTT: https://jjbookblog.wordpress.com/2016/02/02/top-ten-tuesday-42/

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  5. great list!! I tried to think of some books in your last 3 categories and sadly drew a blank on all. My TTT

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  6. I need to read more about Russia in general. Great picks!

    Check out my TTT.

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