A Tale of Two Cities

Contributed by Dilan, gr. 12, Jan. 2019

This is a beautifully written historical novel that takes place in London and Paris of 1789 during the French Revolution. It tells the story of a French Doctor, Doctor Manette, and his reunion with his daughter, Lucie Manette. After their reunion the father and daughter experience a series of events which add more characters to the story. A few pages into the story the spark of the French Revolution begins; that spark becomes a fire that pulls all of the characters together.

I recommend this novel to Grade 12 students and adults since it has a fairly complex writing style. On the other hand it’s a classic novel that everybody should try to read at some point in life.

A Farewell to Arms

Contributed by Dilan, gr. 12, Jan. 2019

A Farewell To Arms is a historical fiction novel that portrays the life of a soldier during and after World War I. The story takes place during the Italian campaign, and the main character is lieutenant Frederick Henry who falls in love with an English nurse, Catherine Barkley. However, everything starts to change after Catherine gives the news of her pregnancy.
 

I found  this novel to be a great combination of mystery, war and love with a clear and engaging narrative. The target audience will likely be  from Grade 10 to 12 as it has a fairly mature writing style. This novel could also be a good choice for readers who enjoy historical fiction.

The Poisonwood Bible

 

Contributed by Ida, gr. 12, Jan. 2019

The Poisonwood Bible is historical fiction that connects to 1960’s colonialism and the Congo’s fight for Independence from Belgium. It is the story of a Baptist missionary named Nathan who takes his family for a one year mission in Kilanga village in Congo, Africa. The story is narrated by Orleanna, his wife, and their four daughters, Rachel, the twins Leah and Adah, and the youngest one, Ruth May. Upon their arrival to Africa, they face some obstacles: cultural differences and prejudices against their skin color.

 I enjoyed looking at the different points of view from the five narrators. The book portrays the different personalities, thoughts and feelings of each character. The reader is shown a piece of the African culture and allowed to experience a variety of adventures. The characters will take you through their laughs and tears, tell you their secrets and insecurities and share with you their tragic and joyful moments. You will also be able to watch the characters grow and change throughout the years.

 I found this book relatable to some of my own life experiences, and I was able to connect with some of the characters as well. I would recommend this book to more mature audiences as it deals with themes such as religion, colonialism, and politics. If you want to explore another country, ignite your imagination, and feel part of the experiences of these characters ,then flip through its remarkable pages.

Memoirs of a Geisha

 

Contributed by Ida, gr. 12, Jan. 2019

I absolutely loved reading the book Memoirs of a Geisha, and it is by far one of my favorite books not only because of the truly remarkable story but also because of the writing style and word choice. The book lured me with its breathtaking descriptions, and I found it hard to put down.

This is historical fiction about a nine year old, blue-eyed Japanese girl named Chiyo Sakamoto. Chiyo lives in the poverty-stricken village of Yoroido during World War II with her fisherman father, her sick mother, and her older sister Satsu. A small accident on her lip leads her to meet the man who would change her life forever. Chiyo and her sister are sent to become geishas in the city of Gion, separated from their family and from each other. There they are introduced to a geisha school, and they enter the world of dancing, singing, tea parties, storytelling and dressing in kimonos. Competition, cruelty and jealousy are some of the obstacles that Chiyo faces throughout her life.

 I would recommend Memoirs of a Geisha to anyone who wants to explore more about Japanese culture and discover the unique and beautiful story of Chiyo. The book is also rich with descriptions and images that will inspire your imagination. In addition, the way the story is written allows you to connect with the character and become a part of the story experiencing every event as a movie in your brain. If you want to be amazed, and explore the truly amazing world of Chiyo, then flip through its astounding pages and be prepared to be taken away by its beauty.