Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




Best Fiction of 2012: Historical Fiction


Cover art for ILLUMINATIONS
FICTION
Released: Oct. 9, 2012

"The ideal companion to the elevation of Hildegard by the pontiff who rebuked American nuns for their outspokenness, an irony the saint herself might have relished."
A fictionalized biography of medieval mystic Hildegard von Bingen. Its publication will coincide with her appointment as a Doctor of the Church by Pope Benedict. Read full book review >
Cover art for SOMETHING RED
FICTION
Released: Sept. 18, 2012

"A hauntingly affecting historical novel with a touch of magic."
Award-winning poet Nicholas (Iron Rose, 2010, etc.) treks into the wilds of medieval England in his first novel, a saga vibrant with artful description. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE KINGMAKER'S DAUGHTER
FICTION
Released: Aug. 14, 2012

"Although their fates are known, Gregory creates suspense by raising intriguing questions about whether her characters will transcend their historical reputations."
The latest of Gregory's Cousins' War series debunks--mostly--the disparaging myths surrounding Richard III and his marriage to Anne Neville. Read full book review >
Cover art for CITY OF WOMEN
FICTION
Released: Aug. 7, 2012

"World War II Germany may be familiar ground, but Gillham's novel—vividly cinematic yet subtle and full of moral ambiguity, not to mention riveting characters—is as impossible to put down as it is to forget."
In his debut about 1943 Berlin, Gillham uses elements common to the many previous movies and books about World War II—from vicious Nazis to black marketeers to Jewish children hiding in attics to beautiful blond German women hiding their sexuality inside drab coats—yet manages to make the story fresh. Read full book review >
Cover art for A VIOLET SEASON
FICTION
Released: July 10, 2012

"An excellent debut."
A mother and daughter discover empathy, courage and autonomy in this powerful first novel by Czepiel. Read full book review >
Cover art for BRING UP THE BODIES
FICTION
Released: May 22, 2012

"The inventiveness of Mantel's language is the chief draw here; the plot, as such, will engage only the most determined of Tudor enthusiasts."
Second in Mantel's trilogy charting the Machiavellian trajectory of Thomas Cromwell. Read full book review >