Close-Up On Multi-Period Novels

This month’s issue of the Historical Novels Review features my article on multi-period novels. In it, I share insights from four authors who’ve written new or forthcoming books that alternate between the past and present: Chanel Cleeton, Jane Johnson, Ariel Lawhon, and James Carroll. The authors reveal the challenges they face in writing dual narrative novels and suggest reasons why readers like me devour them. Plus, my article proposes three categories into which virtually all such novels fall. 

Below, I’ve highlighted more examples of novels which fit my suggested categories. You've no doubt already read some of them, but perhaps there are a few you have not? Enjoy!

           Category #1

           Object Connects Related Characters Across Time

THE COTTINGLEY SECRET by Hazel Gaynor

THE NECKLACE by Claire McMillan

THOSE WHO SAVE US by Jenna Blum

THE PHYSICK BOOK OF DELIVERANCE DANE by Katherine Howe

STOLEN BEAUTY by Laurie Lico Albanese

THE LOST SISTERHOOD by Anne Fortier

THE GIRL WHO WROTE IN SILK by Kelli Estes

A LONG TIME GONE by Karen White

THE BOOK OF SPECULATION by Erika Swyler

THE LOST PAINTING OF SARA DEVOS by Dominic Smith

THE FORGOTTEN SEAMSTRESS by Liz Trenow

THE BOOK OF LOST AND FOUND by Lucy Foley

MRS. SINCLAIR’S SUITCASE by Louise Walters

THE LOST LETTER by Jillian Cantor

Category #2

Object Links Two Unrelated Characters

THE WEIGHT OF INK by Rachel Kadish

THE MAPMAKER’S CHILDREN by Sarah McCoy

THE GIRL YOU LEFT BEHIND by JoJo Moyes

POSSESSION by A.S. Byatt

THE SECRET HISTORY OF THE PINK CARNATION by Lauren Willig

THE WEIGHT OF WATER by Anita Shreve

ALONG THE INFINITE SEA by Beatriz Williams

THE FORTUNATE ONES by Ellen Umansky

THE HOUSE GIRL by Tara Conklin

A PARIS APARTMENT by Michelle Gable

           
           Category #3

           Character Looks Back

THE HOUSE RIVERTON by Kate Morton

CALLING ME HOME by Julie Kibler

THE NIGHTINGALE by Kristin Hannah

THE AFTER PARTY by Anton Disclafani

WATER FOR ELEPHANTS by Sara Gruen

SECRETS OF A CHARMED LIFE by Susan Meissner

THE SWANS OF FIFTH AVENUE by Melanie Benjamin

ORPHAN TRAIN by Christina Baker Kline

THE SEVEN HUSBANDS OF EVELYN HUGO by Taylor Jenkins Reid

THE WOMEN IN THE CASTLE by Jessica Shattuck

For a deeper analysis into books that fit Category #3, check out my post from November 2017. I'd love to hear from readers, too. What other novels fit these categories? Can you think of any past-and-present novels that don't?

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