All articles tagged with #historical fiction
The Washington Post’s review of Bridgerton Season 4 finds Benedict Bridgerton’s romance with Sophie Baek, a maid played by Luke Thompson and-series newcomer Yerin Ha, charming but constrained by the show’s fairy-tale setting, delivering an entertaining yet predictably Cinderella-like season.
Book Riot highlights 2026's top historical-fiction releases, including Vanessa Riley’s Fire Sword and Sea (a seafaring tale about lady pirates), June Hur’s Behind Five Willows (a Pride-and-Prejudice-inspired Joseon-era romance with censorship and book transcription), The Seven Daughters of Dupree by Nikesha Elise Williams (multi-generational Alabama/1917 secrets starting in 1995), Sunyi Dean’s The Girl With a Thousand Faces (Hong Kong-set historical dark fantasy about a ghost talker), and Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s The Intrigue (1940s Veracruz noir-styled boardinghouse caper). The lineup promises diverse settings and compelling premises for fans of historical fiction in 2026.
Seventeen years after his sensational debut, Daniyal Mueenuddin returns with a collection of interlinked novellas set in Pakistan’s feudal society; Porter Shreve lauds the depth of structure, prose, and sense of place, calling the volume worth the long wait and likening it to Tolstoy and Edward P. Jones.
Thomas Pynchon's first novel in 12 years, Shadow Ticket, is a noir mystery set in 1930s Wisconsin that explores themes of rising fascism, conspiracy, and chaos, linking past and present through a complex, wide-ranging narrative filled with genre references and social commentary.
Stuff Your Kindle Day, taking place from August 12-16, offers free downloads of historical fiction and contemporary books for Kindle and other e-readers, with no limit on the number of books and the ability to keep them forever, making it a great opportunity for readers to expand their libraries at no cost.
"Gladiator II," directed by Ridley Scott, is a sequel that offers moderate entertainment with its mix of chaotic action sequences and digital effects. Set 16 years after the original, it follows Lucius, played by Paul Mescal, seeking revenge in a narrative intertwined with the past. Despite a strong cast including Denzel Washington and Pedro Pascal, the film struggles with an uneven script and visual execution, resulting in a spectacle that is both engaging and frustrating.
Ridley Scott's Gladiator II attempts to surpass its predecessor with grander set pieces and complex political plots but ultimately feels like a tired retread. The film focuses on Lucius, the nephew of the original's villain, as he navigates a Rome ruled by tyrannical siblings. Despite its visual spectacle, the sequel lacks the original's engaging storytelling and emotional depth, leaving audiences feeling more exhausted than entertained.
Caleb Carr, the author best known for his 1994 best-selling novel "The Alienist," died at 68 from cancer. His work, driven by his own dark history of childhood abuse, explored the roots of violence through meticulously researched historical fiction. Carr's novel, set in 19th-century Manhattan, used forensic psychiatry to solve murders and featured historical figures like Theodore Roosevelt.
Guy Ritchie's "The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare" is criticized for being a bro-historic, action-packed World War II film that lacks meaningful storytelling and character development, instead relying on slick, cool-guy tropes and borrowed elements from classic war films. The movie follows a ragtag squad of lethal and photogenic heroes on a covert 1942 mission, but fails to capture the real heroism of the Special Operations Executive (SEO) during the war. While the film features impressive production design and action sequences, it ultimately falls short in delivering a compelling retelling of history.
The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare is Guy Ritchie's take on a sort-of-true World War II story, blending spy game thrills with action sequences as Henry Cavill leads a band of merry misbehavers to war against Nazis. The film's pacing stumbles at times, and storytelling can be familiar, but it's a solid and entertaining production that gleefully slaughters Nazis with a skip in its step.
FX is reviving the historical fiction novel "Shogun" as a 10-episode limited series, aiming to retell the epic tale in a meaningful new way. The show, set in 1600 Japan, features all Japanese dialogue subtitled, providing a deeper understanding of the characters and their perspectives. The series addresses the challenge of adapting a story about a white European arriving in Japan, aiming to disperse the point of view and subvert the traditional narrative. With a focus on authenticity, the production spared no expense in creating a convincing portrayal of feudal Japan, involving Japanese experts and consultants. The series aims to reflect the clash of cultures and serve as a model for cross-cultural collaboration.
"Freud's Last Session" is a film adaptation of Mark St. Germain's play, featuring Anthony Hopkins as Sigmund Freud and Matthew Goode as C.S. Lewis. The movie explores a fictional meeting between the two intellectuals as they debate the existence of God. Set against the backdrop of a world on the brink of war, the film delves into the personal lives and experiences of Freud and Lewis. Hopkins delivers a captivating performance, supported by Goode's nuanced portrayal. Director Matthew Brown successfully balances the intellectual dialogue with visually engaging elements. The film offers thought-provoking insights into belief systems and the importance of open dialogue.
Bestselling author Ken Follett discusses the final book in his "Kingsbridge" series, which began with "Pillars of Earth." With over 170 million books sold worldwide, Follett is renowned for his meticulously researched historical fiction. In a first-ever broadcast interview from inside his home, Jeff Glor delves into the author's writing process and the conclusion of the beloved series.
Author Lauren Groff, known for her new book "The Vaster Wilds," discusses her prepper tendencies and the importance of having a go bag and enough food to last at least two weeks. Groff's novel is set in 1610 Jamestown during the starving time, where the protagonist, a young girl, questions the narratives about the supposedly murderous inhabitants of the new world. Groff explores themes of loss of faith, feminism, and the physicality of survival. She aims to challenge hero narratives and democratize history through her historical fiction.
"The Vaster Wilds" by Lauren Groff is a novel set in an unnamed 17th-century colonial settlement, following the journey of a servant known as "the girl" who escapes into the wilderness to avoid a wretched death. The book explores themes of hunger, survival, and the pioneering spirit, as the girl navigates the harsh landscape and encounters various challenges. Groff's lyrical prose and attention to detail create a vivid portrayal of the girl's solitary struggle, making for a compelling and introspective read.