Hi, historical fiction fans!
I got to enjoy some gorgeous weather this past weekend, and I took full advantage with a picnic with friends and lots of time outside. I’m definitely ready for sunnier spring weather to break me out of my winter blues. Spring has always been one of my favorite seasons—probably for that very reason. But while we wait for the first signs of spring, at least we have books to keep us company!
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Bookish Goods
Vintage Book Cover Art from Lit Lover Merch
I’m not swooning over this gorgeous wall art collage of vintage book covers; you are. No, but seriously, I’m in love with how these Anne of Green Gables, Jane Eyre, Pride and Prejudice, and Little Women book covers look together. $20
New Releases
Inside the Mirror by Parul Kapur (March 1, 2024)
Sisters in 1950s Bombay face the dual pressures of society and their father’s expectations as they work to satisfy his desires for them to become a doctor and a schoolteacher with their own artistic ambitions. When Jaya leaves home to pursue her art, her reputation as an unmarried woman is shattered, and her relationship with her sister is shaken. Inside the Mirror is a beautiful portrait of womanhood, family, and times of jarring political change.
Can’t We Be Friends by Eliza Knight and Denny S. Bryce (March 5, 2024)
Can’t We Be Friends is the story of the enduring friendship between a rising star of Hollywood and a renowned singer held back only by society’s racist limitations. Marilyn Monroe and Ella Fitzgerald’s friendship came as a surprise to everyone but the two of them; both women were underestimated by all those around them and determined to succeed in spite of that. It’s a beautiful story of the divides friendship can cross and the determination and endurance of two incredible women.
For a more comprehensive list of new releases, check out our New Books newsletter.
Riot Recommendations
When I noticed a theme of women enduring turbulent times and difficult conditions in the two new releases featured this week, I knew I wanted to highlight even more books featuring those themes. So, let’s continue to celebrate women enduring and overcoming throughout history this week!
Mademoiselle Revolution by Zoe Sivak
After surviving—and escaping—the Haitian revolution, Sylvie de Rosiers flees to France with her brother. But despite their intentions, they haven’t managed to leave the revolution behind. A revolutionary fervor is growing in Paris, too, and soon Sylvie is caught up in it herself, torn between the radical ambitions of Robespierre and the equally compelling love and understanding of his mistress, Cornélie Duplay.
Woman of Light by Kali Fajardo-Anstine
Luz begins seeing visions of her ancestors, five generations of Chicano women forced from their Indigenous land in the American West, come to light. Now, she must fight to preserve their stories from disappearing in the ever-changing landscape of 1930s Denver.
That’s it for now, folks! Stay subscribed for more stories of yesteryear.
If you want to talk books, historical or otherwise, you can find me @rachelsbrittain on various social media platforms.
Right now, I’m reading You Dreamed of Empires by Álvaro Enrigue, translated by Natasha Wimmer. What about you?