Chapter 2 - The Secret History
A day spent at the beach can be one of rest, meditation, jumping through waves or even learning something you didn't know. That is where a good book comes in. While history books can be interesting, sometimes they are dry which doesn't go well with a wet beach and can lead to snoozing and a bad case of sunburn! Some of my favorite books are historical novels especially about well known people. Here are some novels that will keep your interest while giving you historical accuracy.
The Aviator's Wife by Melanie Benjamin - This is the account of Anne Morrow Lindbergh's life. An aviatrix, writer, mother, and wife, Anne has been overshadowed by her famous husband, Charles. Benjamin's novel follows Anne's life from the couple's first meeting through their many successes and sorrows.
The Hidden Diary of Marie Antoinette by Carolly Erickson - As she awaits her execution by guillotine, French queen, Marie Antoinette, rereads her diary reviewing her life and loves. Carolly Erickson, the author, is a historian and gets all the facts straight all the while creating an engaging and enjoyable read.
Pearl of China by Anchee Min - In Anchee Min's novel two girls meet at the close of the 19th century. One is Chinese, the daughter of a destitute family, the other is Pearl, the daughter of Christian missionaries. Pearl grows up to be Pearl Buck, prize winning author and activist. The tale of the girls' friendship is Min's love letter to Pear Buck, an author who love China more than anything in the world.
The Kitchen Boy by Robert Alexander - Alexander's novel gives a good accounting of the last days of the Romanov family in exile in Ykaterinburg. While the narrator of the story is a fictional character (although a kitchen boy was listed in documents as part of the household staff in exile), the story is mostly historically accurate.
Victoria by Daisy Goodwin - Goodwin, the author, was doing research for the screenplay for the PBS series Victoria and wrote this book from her research. The novel chronicles Victoria's first day on the throne as an immature 18 year old girl. Protected and kept apart from society, Victoria was naive and determined to do things her own way. Her headstrong attitude got her into more than a little trouble in her early years on the throne.