Historical Lit...

[aeslis]

I really go for fiction set in older societies, which is the main reason I go for fantasy, since they're often written in medieval times. But I've always been aching for fiction set in some of the other cultures and societies, as well, particularly Egypt, Greece, Rome, Constantinople, and Japan. When I go poking through Amazon, 90% of the books I find look more like history lessons than character-driven stories, even when they're novels. (Also, if it's got a lot of political focus, I tune out.)

I've also tried to find books set in harems, but they seem to be few an far between. Really? I mean, really? It seems like such a ripe topic.

Any ideas, guys? ♥

Comments

[damned_colonial]

Some very easy-to-find medieval mysteries, which most people seem to enjoy, are the Brother Cadfael mysteries by Ellis Peters. They're set in England during the civil war between Stephen and Maud, around 1120 IIRC, and the main character/detective is a monk in an abbey near Shrewsbury near the Welsh border. Any library should have them, and you don't need to read them in any particular order I don't think. (The Catherine le Vendeur ones reward reading in order, though -- the long character arcs are much stronger.)