Historical Fiction
November 2025

Recent Releases
Venetian Vespers
by John Banville

In Booker Prize winner John Banville's atmospheric latest, newlyweds Evelyn and Laura, who don't know each other very well, visit 1899 Venice. Struggling British writer Evelyn, who narrates, has been pulled to the city by his recently disinherited American wife, and there he meets a man claiming to know him. Though Evelyn doesn't remember the man, he quickly falls for his sister, which leads to violence and a disappearance. For another view of Venice, try: Alyssa Palombo's The Assassin of Venice.
Circle of Days
by Ken Follett

Exploring the creation of Stonehenge, Circle of Days follows Seft, a flint miner who's physically abused by his widowed father. Falling for Neen, he's embraced by her herding family and ends up helping Neen's priestess sister bring her vision for a massive stone circle to life while facing weather issues, tribal conflicts, and logistical problems in this intricately plotted epic with a large cast of characters. Try this next: Conn Iggulden's The Abbot's Tale.
Amity
by Nathan Harris

In 1866 Louisiana, formerly enslaved siblings Coleman and June continue to work for the Harper family after the war. When Mr. Harper heads to Mexico hoping to get rich via silver mines, he takes June with him. Soon Mrs. Harper, her adult daughter, bookish Coleman, and a dog follow them, but no one's journey is smooth in this incisive, intricately plotted western. For fans of: Paulette Jiles' Chenneville; Chris Bohjalian's The Jackal's Mistress.
Bad Bad Girl
by Gish Jen

Based on the life of the author’s mother, this “heartbreaking and stunning” (Library Journal) story follows Loo Shu-hsin, from her privileged but abusive childhood in Shanghai to 1947 Chicago, where she studies for an advanced degree. Marrying a fellow immigrant, she settles in New York, but she isn’t happy and mistreats her eldest daughter. Try this next: Wendy Chen’s Their Divine Fires.
The Wayfinder
by Adam Johnson

This well-researched, richly layered historical saga from the author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning The Orphan Master’s Son takes place in an evocative South Pacific setting. It depicts what happens when teenage Kōrero, who wants to be her small island’s storyteller, meets two brothers, a navigator and a poet, who are part of the Tongan empire. Try this next: Minsoo Kang’s The Melancholy of Untold History.
Whatever Happened to Lori Lovely?
by Sarah McCoy

In 1991, college student Lu Tibbott writes her senior thesis about her Aunt Lori, a 1960s movie starlet who left Hollywood to become a nun. While Lori has never discussed her abrupt decision before, she agrees to be interviewed by Lu. This compelling dual timeline novel puts the spotlight on ambition, love, faith, and secrets as readers follow Lu and Lori's paths. For fans of: Taylor Jenkins Reid's The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo; or Meg Waite Clayton's Typewriter Beach.
I Am You
by Victoria Redel

Imagining the life of Dutch Golden Age painter Maria van Oosterwijck and her servant Gerta Pieters, this richly detailed, character-driven story follows the two over the course of their lives together, as they move from friendship to artistic partners and lovers in a time when women weren't taken seriously by the art world. Try this next: Nell Stevens' The Original.
One of Them
by Kitty Zeldis

Just after World War II, Anne Bishop attends Vassar, but doesn't tell her new friends she's Jewish, even when they make offensive comments. Fellow student Delia Goldhush, a Jewish girl with style and self-assurance, fled France during the war and faces antisemitism head-on. While Anne and Delia become secret friends, their connection is put to the test. Later, both end up in Europe, where they meet again. For fans of: thought-provoking books; novels that examine friendship, belonging, and identity.
Library Programs
The Young Storytellers Publishing Workshop Applications
Saturday, November 29, 9:00am
Edmond
Does your child love to tell stories? If your 2nd through 8th grader has a story to tell, we are accepting applications for PICTURE BOOK STORIES written by children through December 21st. Our selection committee will invite the authors of the TOP TEN selections to a ten-week writers' workshop on Sunday afternoons from January 4th through March 8th. There, they will receive the guidance and support to develop their draft into a finished work that will be published by the Metropolitan Library System and added to our collection.
Holiday Card Take Home Kit
Monday, December 1, 9:00am
Warr Acres
Create your very own holiday cards! Use washable paint to decorate the blank cards with festive colors, patterns, and designs. Add snowflakes, trees, stars, or anything that feels joyful. When you’re finished, share your handmade holiday card to spread cheer to someone special! **Available while supplies last**
S.O. Animation Society
Thursday, December 4, 4:30pm
Southern Oaks
Love animation, or manga TV or Movies? Join us for The S.O. Animation Society, as we hang out, do a craft, and watch different genres of animation or manga. A cool space to talk, watch, and have fun! This program is for ages TWELVE and up. All content will meet library standards. Some snacks will be provided. Meet every first Thursday of the month.
Hot Cocoa And Coffee for Cowboy Christmas
Saturday, December 6, 9:00am
Stockyards City Library
Warm up at Metropolitan Library System's most historic library before and after the Stockyards City Cowboy Christmas Parade. Stop in and bring the family for a cup of hot chocolate or coffee on us! While you're here, you can also peruse and checkout available materials, get a library card, or use our computers or free Wi-Fi. Come and check us out!
Oklahoma County Clerk Mobile Office
Tuesday, December 9, 1:30pm
Edmond
The Oklahoma County Clerk’s Lien Alert System will provide you with an automated alert whenever any document affecting the registered account is filed in the County Clerk's office. A representative from the County Clerks office will be available to help you learn more.
Library Resources
Cypress Resume
Create professional resumes, cover letters and reference lists in minutes by simply entering basic information about yourself.
HelpNow
HelpNow is a homework help and skills building service that offers live online tutoring for students in elementary school up through college. HelpNow also offers a writing lab, practice tests, skills building lessons, a flashcard generator, and virtual study rooms.
LinkedIn Learning
LinkedIn Learning (formerly known as Lynda.com) contains thousands of self-paced online courses that you can use to learn more about business, CAD, design, education, hardware and software, technology, video, web design and much more. NOTE: To sign in, use your last name as your PIN.
NoveList Plus
Expert reading recommendations from NoveList make finding your next book easier than ever. NoveList includes fiction titles for all ages.
JobNow
JobNow features job and career resources such as chatting with a live job coaching expert, resume and cover letter templates, interview tips, expert resume review, and more.
Contact your librarian for more great books!