Book Riot's Read Harder Challenge discussion
2016 Read Harder Challenge
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Task 15: Read a Book of Historical Fiction Set Before 1900


I would definitely say yes, since it took place during the Civil War and then Reconstruction.


That's an interesting question actually, because technically, it's historic, and it's fiction, but I would say it's more of a classic novel, than historical fiction. I personally believe historical fiction, is somewhat recently written, but takes place in the past. Robinson Crusoe was written in the 1700s and takes place in the 1700s - so at the time, it was simply "fiction." I'd be interested to hear others' thoughts on this. On a side note: Robison Crusoe was the first book I actually stopped reading, and never picked up again. There are very few books that I started, and didn't finish because I didn't care to finish, and this was the first.

That's an interesting question actually, because technically, it's historic, and it's fiction, but I would..."
That is interesting. I think also they claim that is was written in the early 1700s starting at year 1651. . . So that gap of 50 years makes it historical fiction. Defoe was writing a book about a time period many years prior to his current year.

Ah! That's a good point. So in that case it's historic, historic fiction!


I've read (and 5 star rated) The Road and No Country For Old Men by Cormac McCarthy. I really don't know why I haven't read any of his others before now; so taking the opportunity to correct that now.

GR readers have listed it as non-fiction, as history, as politics, and as biography. None of them list it as fiction.

Thank you, Bea! I admit I was being a bit of a smart aleck because of my feelings toward the Fox News host Brian Kilmeade - we don't agree on anything ideologically, so I don't have high hopes for this book - but hey, part of the point of book clubs is to read new things, right?

Gee, Courtney, I missed that reference entirely. I do not watch Fox except O'Reilly who my husband likes so I do not know most of the hosts.

I might read: Clara and Mr. Tiffany first though.

These books are great selections for this challenge along with the middle grade challenge or read aloud to someone.


I loved The White Queen. It's part of her bigger series The Cousin Wars. I would highly suggest reading all of them or even just The Lady of the Rivers.

I might read: Clara and Mr. Tiffany first though."
Lauren Under the Wide and Starry Sky sounds amazing! I think I'm going read it too.
I was going to read Sisi: Empress on Her Own I''m slightly obsessed with the author atm.



Jennifer, I'm right there with ya! I asked a similar question a week or so ago but didn't get any responses. I say we go for it! Steampunk is one of my fave genres, and some ofthe stories can be quite "historic" despite the "fiction".






Read Wolf Hall for the book/movie task, then read Bring up the Bodies for this task ;)

And then you could watch the movie! Count it as two spots.

I just readA Spy in the House! I was going to count it as my first book in a series by a POC, but I really enjoyed it, so I think I'll be reading The Body at the Tower for this task too. :)


I'm on the sixth book of the series (I ordered the books from England) and it never gets less readable. It's kept me up many nights.






Looking forward to your review. I want to read it, but my lord its a biggun!

I'm on the sixth book of the series (I ordered the books from..."
I've been wanting to read those as well! I have a different one (The Winter Palace: A Novel of Catherine the Great ) in mind for this challenge, but apparently I need to find those. I've also been thinking of trying to watch the show, I'm a fan of Aiden Turner. Thoughts?

I'm on the sixth book of the series (I ordered..."
I like the new show (I'm rewatching it since it is free for Amazon Prime members), but I'll always think the books are better.


I know a play like that if you're still looking:
Boston Marriageby David Mamet.
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I really enjoyed that book, too.