Monday, February 12, 2018

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 CarrollThe 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


STOLEN BEAUTY by Laurie Lico Albanese

THE LOST SISTERHOOD by Anne Fortier


A LONG TIME GONE by Karen White

THE BOOK OF SPECULATION by Erika Swyler




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



POSSESSION by A.S. Byatt


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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2 comments:

  1. Ms. Johnson,

    I read your article in the HNS review and loved it. I was delighted to see it as two time period novels are my version of dark chocolate.

    I’ve written one such novel, The Bruges Tapestry, under the name PA Staes, available on Amazon.

    One of my favorite novels set in two time periods is Michael Gruber’s The Forgery of Venus. Mr. Gruber is so gifted he can go between time periods within the same sentence!!!

    Pat

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  2. Thank you for the kind words about the article. And, I too loved Gruber's novel! I'll have to check your book as well:) Tori

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