| The Jackal's Mistress by Chris BohjalianWith her Confederate husband in a Union prison, Libby Steadman continues to run their gristmill in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley. Her only helpers include her 12-year-old niece, a 60-year-old freedman, and his freed wife. Libby faces many dangers as war surrounds her, especially when she hides an injured Union officer. If you enjoy this fast-paced book, which is based on a true story, try Charles Frazier's Cold Mountain or Robert Hicks' The Orphan Mother. |
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| The Sable Cloak by Gail Milissa GrantThis moving saga takes place in the first half of the 20th century in
South Carolina and St. Louis, Missouri. The story follows different members of a powerful Black family as they get involved in politics,
run a funeral parlor, and face tragedies. This posthumously published debut novel is based on the family history of author and diplomat Gail Milissa Grant, whose story is "delivered with style and heart" (Publishers Weekly) . Also try Kim Coleman Foote's Coleman Hill. |
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| The English Problem by Beena KamlaniIn this thought-provoking debut, Mahatma Gandhi sponsors 18-year-old Shiv Advani to study British law to aid Indian independence. Shiv arrives in 1931 London ready to do what's asked of him, but he changes over the years. He finds himself torn between what he is promised and what he desires. He also faces racism and learns about love, literature, and himself before returning home ten years later. Also try Rishi Reddi's Passage West. |
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| The Umbrella Maker's Son by Tod LendingNazi Germany invades Poland, forcing 17-year-old Reuven's family to give up their artisan umbrella shop, leave their home, and perform
hard labor. Even as things continue to get worse, Reuven is always desperately seeking his missing girlfriend. Written by an award-winning filmmaker, this moving debut ponders the power of love but doesn't hide the horrors of the Holocaust. Read-alikes include historical fiction by Georgia Hunter and Heather Morris. |
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| Harlem Rhapsody by Victoria Christopher MurrayIn 1919, Jessie Redmon Fauset becomes the first Black woman literary editor of The Crisis magazine, which puts her at the forefront of Harlem's cultural renaissance. She soon discovers talents such as Langston Hughes and Nella Larsen, but her ambitions and a secret affair with W.E.B. Du Bois threaten her position. Also try Piper Huguley's By Her Own Design and Tia Williams' A Love Song for Ricki Wilde. |
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| The Ghosts of Rome by Joseph O'ConnorWith the Nazis in control of Rome, Monsignor Hugh O'Flaherty (who is based on a real person) leads a secret group. The Choir is a covert network made up of an Italian countess, a British diplomat, an Irish medical student, and others. As the Gestapo desperately try to stop them, the Choir helps Allied soldiers and Jewish people escape Italy. Though this is the stirring sequel to My Father's House, readers can
start here. You may also like From These Broken Streets by Roland Merullo; Shanghai by Joseph Kanon. |
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| The Café With No Name by Robert SeethalerIn 1966 Vienna, Austria, 31-year-old laborer Robert Simon takes a leap and signs a lease for a café. His café comes to be a neighborhood hub, where patrons navigate life and love together. Fans of evocative, character-driven stories will love this "gem of a novel" (Kirkus Reviews). For a more contemporary novel about found family, pick up Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop by Hwang Bo-Reum. |
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| Grace of the Empire State by Gemma TizzardThe Great Depression has caused many to lose their jobs in 1930 New York, including dancer and former circus performer Grace O'Connell.
Her Irish American family needs her income---especially when her twin breaks his arm working on the Empire State Building. While her brother recovers, Grace bravely impersonates her brother and takes his place
on the job. You may also like Ella by Diane Richards. |
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| The Riveter by Jack WangBarred from military service in 1942 due to his race, Chinese Canadian Josiah Chang works in a Vancouver shipyard where he
meets white Poppy Miller, but her parents take exception to their relationship. Trying to prove himself, Josiah goes to Toronto where he's allowed to join the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion headed to Europe. Read-alikes include Adriana Allegri's The Sunflower House; Jamie
Ford's Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet. |
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| Mutual Interest by Olivia Wolfgang-SmithTold by a witty omniscient narrator, Mutual Interest follows three
secretly queer people in turn-of-the-20th-century New York City. Vivian Lesperance, who was treated poorly by her parents, reinvents herself
as a sought-after party guest and makes a lavender marriage with shy businessman Oscar Schmidt. When Oscar falls for his eccentric rival, New York blueblood Squire Clancey, the trio end up living and working together. You may also like The Paragon Hotel by Lyndsay
Faye. |
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Contact your librarian for more great books!
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