A dozen books that are based on true events
Books based on true events have appeal and often raise the question, "Which parts of this story are actually true and which are made up?". The good thing is, Google is your friend and if the Author's Notes don't clarify details for you, Google will.
Here's my recommendation list of a dozen random books that I've enjoyed that are based on true. As usual, most are back list titles. While I appreciate a shiny new publication as much as the next reader, I also enjoy finding books that have been around a while but are new to me.
Loving Frank by Nancy Horan
Genre: Historical Fiction
Published 2007, 384 pages
The well-written story of the married woman who fell in love with Frank Lloyd Wright and their long-term, difficult relationship.
The Lost Girls of Paris by Pam Jenoff
Genre: Historical Fiction
Published 2019, 359 pages
An important story about the unacknowledged, behind-the-scene British women that formed an underground messaging system during WWII. Engrossing and well told.
The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd
Genre: Historical Fiction
Published 2014, 384 pages
This amazing book is based on the lives of two wealthy white women and their efforts against slavery, starting from their childhood. It's told in alternating voices - the white woman and her slave.
The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson
Genre: Historical Fiction
Published 2019, 320 pages
This popular book is an excellent telling of a little known group of dedicated women in rural Kentucky, determined to provide books to the far flung residents. reviewed here
Two for one: Telling the same story but in a very different way is The Giver of Stars by JoJo Moyes reviewed here
Paths of Glory by Jeffrey Archer
Genre: Historical Fiction
Published 2009, 384 pages
A based-on-true story about a man's efforts to climb Mt. Everest.
Celine by Peter Heller
Genre: Fiction
Published 2017, 334 pages
Based on his mom's life, author Peter Heller writes about his well-to-do and feisty mom taking on investigative cases to help those she feels need her. This story of a 60-something woman and husband hunting for a missing person is excellent.
Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts
Genre: General Fiction
Published 2003, 936 pages
Looking for a longer, engrossing, epic tale? This book is loosely based on the author's life of a criminal trying to settle and live in the slums of India. I couldn't put it down.
The Many Lives and Secret Sorrows of Josephine B #1 by Sandra Gulland
Genre: Historical Fiction
Published 1995, 448 pages
Another well-researched book very evocative of the time, this story is about Josephine's life and path to Napoleon.
Tales of Passion, Tales of Woe #2 by Sandra Gulland
Genre: Historical Fiction
Published 1998, 385 pages
This second book is written as journal entries describing Josephine's life as wife to Napoleon. SO well researched and written; the best kind of historical fiction.
The Twentieth Wife by Indu Sundaresan
Genre: Historical Fiction
Published 2002, 380 pages
Set in the 1600s, this is the sweeping tale of India's legendary empress blending accurate historical elements with an almost fairy tale like storytelling style. reviewed here
The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris
Genre: Historical Fiction
Published 2018, 262 pages
This is the true story of a Jewish man in Auschwitz as told to the author. The story details his life from arrival at the camp, the hardships and atrocities of camp life, and the way he found love in spite of it all. reviewed here
The Stars are Fire by Anita Shreve
Genre: Historical Fiction
Published 2017, 256 pages
A depiction of the devastating fires along the Maine coast in 1947 follows wife and mother, Grace as she struggles to survive and take care of her kids while her husband is fighting the fires. Particularly evocative of the era and the tragedy of the fire, it also has a bit of romance.
Which of these have you read? What based-on-true book have you read and loved? Let me know so I can give it a try.
