Historical Fiction – JP Solatorio's Book Blog

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain

I have a paperback of this book, but listened to the audiobook version while working since I don’t have a lot of time lately to read. It was an interesting book. Quite entertaining on some parts. I know this was written a long time ago but some of the language is still shocking. He has some quotable quotes that can still apply today. The humor actually reminds me of J.K. Rowling. Then again, Mark Twain must have inspired a lot of writers, probably including Rowling herself.

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Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë

Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I listened to the audiobook version of this. At first I found it boring but as the story progresses, I became a bit entertained. Some of the actions of the characters were shocking, especially if you’re like who likes to imagine the 1800’s as a time of ladies and gentlemen living in castles. The story of revenge is intriguing, and you can even compare it to a soap opera. I’m pretty sure there are a lot of symbolism in this book, as is the usual case in classic novels, but I am not one to delve into them.

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Pirate Latitudes by Michael Crichton

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

If the book wasn’t written by Michael Crichton, I wouldn’t have bought it. The theme is not really my favorite, but since 90% of the time I liked Crichton’s style, I gave this a chance. The book wasn’t bad, but it was just “ok”. If I was given this book and I didn’t know the author, I wouldn’t even say it was written by Michael Crichton. Crichton’s novel tend to have an underlying message, but this one… if there was a lesson in here, I missed it. Maybe because I found some of the parts boring? It didn’t help that even the “good” guys in the book can kill people so easily. Sure it was the old times, and maybe it was normal back then. I guess it comes back again to this being not favorite theme and me only trying it because of Michael Crichton.

If you like Crichton’s science-centered books, you may skip this one.

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The Templar Legacy by Steve Berry

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

It was an ok read. I’m not really familiar with some of the architectural terms used in the book, so my attention frequently wandered. It’s one reason it took me so long (4 months?) to finish the book. The last few chapters were a quick read, and I breezed through them and finished the book after a couple of hours.

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Alex Cross’s Trial by James Patterson and Richard DiLallo

Alex Cross’s Trial by James Patterson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is different from the usual crime novels that I like from James Patterson, but I love the story as well. I know this is fiction but I think it’s based on some truths, especially the dark history of lynchings in the US. It’s hard to believe such horrors happened in what is now the most powerful country in the world. Let us not forget such atrocities so that it may never happen again.

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The Romanov Prophecy by Steve Berry

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Finally finished the book after … 6 months? Not sure if the first half was boring or I was just too busy. Maybe a combination of both? The last few chapters were pretty good though so I kept on reading until I finished it. Subject is fascinating.

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