All articles tagged with #historical fiction
Originally Published 3 months ago — by The Guardian
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.
Originally Published 5 months ago — by Mashable
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.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Chicago Tribune
"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.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by The A.V. Club
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.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by The New York Times
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.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by The Washington Post
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.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by IGN
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.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by The Ringer
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.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Deadline
"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.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by CBS News
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.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by NPR
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.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by The New York Times
"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.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by NPR
Acclaimed author Zadie Smith discusses her new novel, The Fraud, which is based on the real-life Victorian Era Tichborne trial and explores the history of plantation slavery in Jamaica. Smith reflects on her personal connection to the subject matter, her views on progress and freedom, and the importance of understanding history together. She also shares insights into her writing process and the impact of money on identity.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Winter is Coming
MGM+ is turning Bernard Cornwell's historical fiction series, The Warlord Chronicles, into a TV series called The Winter King. The series, which imagines the lives of King Arthur and other characters from the Arthurian legend, stars Iain De Caestecker as Arthur and Stuart Campbell as Derfel. The trailer has been released, and the show is set to premiere on MGM+ on August 20.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Giant Freakin Robot
Millie Bobby Brown, known for her role in Stranger Things, shared a photo on Instagram of herself in a white string bikini while promoting her upcoming debut novel, Nineteen Steps. The historical fiction book, set in World War 2, is inspired by her own family's experiences during the war and follows the story of a young woman in London. Brown's marketing strategy cleverly combines a bikini photo with a book, generating interest in her writing career beyond her acting fame.