The United States celebrates Women’s History Month in March; the month is dedicated to recognizing the many significant contributions women make in our world. In the last few years, some wonderful books about various important women have published allowing people to learn about all of these trailblazing women who had previously been lost to history. This week I am focusing on biographical fiction, historical fiction about real women, and next week I will highlight some nonfiction books.
I hope you enjoy these four historical fiction books about women who deserve to be recognized and remembered during Women’s History Month:
Follow Me to Africa by Penny Haw – This fantastic book is historical fiction inspired by the story of Mary Leakey, who carved her own path to become one of the world’s most distinguished paleoanthropologists. It is a dual timeline tale that explores the consequences of our choices, the wisdom that comes with time and reflection, and the relationships that make us who we are. The sense of place is outstanding; Haw transported me to the plains of Africa. This book is a great fit for fans of well-crafted historical fiction based on fact and biographical fiction.
Glorious Ruins by Judithe Little – Houstonian Judithe Little returns with another engrossing historical-fiction tale. In Glorious Ruins, she brings to life the relationships, heartbreaks, and antics of three powerful women whose lives intersect in Jazz Age Paris: Coco Chanel, Misia Sert, and Roussadana Mdivani. Little’s meticulous and exhaustive research is evident in the manner in which she tells their stories while also touching on themes of power, ambition, and love. The Author’s Note at the end is well worth the read. Glorious Ruins will appeal to those who like biographical fiction and tales about famous women and women lost to history.
The Last Assignment by Erika Robuck – In The Last Assignment, Robuck chronicles the life of award-winning photojournalist Georgette “Dickey” Chapelle, a woman who dedicated her life to capturing history no matter the personal cost. Dickey was one of the first female war photographers and the first one to be killed in action. She traveled to various conflicts, ending up in a prison run by Soviet secret police during the Hungarian Revolution, embedding herself with Fidel Castro in revolutionary Cuba, and covering the earliest days of the war in Vietnam. This arresting story is a testament to Dickey’s courage and determination as well as her insistence on showing the world the injustices occurring far and near. The Last Assignment is a good fit for those who like biographical fiction, stories set around the world, and tales about women lost to history.
With Love from Harlem by ReShonda Tate – Houstonian ReShonda Tate returns with another thoroughly-researched gem, this time penning a tribute to Hazel Scott – a jazz performer, film star, and civil rights activist whose legacy has been lost to history. Set primarily in 1940s Harlem and reading like a who’s who of prominent Black figures from the era, including Billie Holiday, James Baldwin, and Langston Hughes, the novel follows Hazel’s quick rise to fame, her troubled romance with Congressman Adam Clayton Powell Jr., and the many personal sacrifices she felt compelled to make to try and save her family. Scott broke barriers in music but also fiercely fought for racial equality for the people who came to her performances; she refused to perform at the University of Texas in 1949 because the audience was segregated. One small caveat is that Tate melds in some fictional elements so read the Author’s Note carefully to understand where the story occasionally diverges from what really happened. With Love from Harlem will appeal to those who like biographical fiction and tales about famous women and women lost to history.
For more book recommendations and bookish thoughts, see Cindy’s monthly Buzz Reads column, her award-winning Thoughts from a Page Podcast or follow @ThoughtsFromaPage on Instagram.
