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Sara Reyes | A Short Step Back...What was old is new...
May 1, 2010
It's odd to think, but the 20th Century is really over, it's history. can you
believe it? We're in the 21st Century. Even a familiar trademarks, "20th Century
Fox" really shows its age. We've begun the second decade of the 21st century.
Wow, put that way, I just feel old. The past week our Fresh Picks
were all books set in the "World Wars" era. What exactly does that mean? For our
definition we used anything between 1910 to 1946. Arbitrary but we do need
boundaries. Many new books are being set from the early to mid 20th century:
thrillers, mysteries, romances, coming-of-age and paranormals. A plethora of
choices. But it made me think. When did what I was taught in school as "Modern
History - 1870 to current" become old? Seriously it had to be forced to change because no one I know lived in the 19th
century and very very few in the first decade of the 20th century hence we need
a different set of years for "Modern." So obviously there was a redefining of
"modern age" and I missed it! Those old German power mongers have been replaced
multiple times by other power mongers. The Russian revolution rose, flourished
and fell. The Chinese ditto. Japan expanded an empire and lost it. US became
world heroes but overplayed their role. Then there is the power of oil which
makes and breaks countries and regions on a yearly basis. It's all confusing.
And in my world, I'd like to get away from the clutter and confusion. So I
welcomed the return to a set period of time, not too far in the distance that I
couldn't see videos of it but long enough away that it was very different from
my current world. For many years, the period of the early 20th century has not been the setting
for popular books, it still isn't overwhelmingly popular but there are many
books if you look around that make great reads. And for me it's like a
homecoming of sorts. I grew up in a rural area with library books that were
published in the 40s, 50s and 60s. Lots of derring do and espionage set in
Europe or Far East. People escaping from tyrants or discovering the charm of the
Left Bank and a whole new way of living and cooking. But some of my favorite
books are the gentle tales by Dorothy Garlock of the
Depression era plains areas. And I have very fond memories of reading Helen MacInnes and Alistair MacLean. Yes, I
had a strange fascination with the Scots, at least the authors who had been
involved in espionage. So, I hope you'll add some of your favorite books set in the early to mid 20th
century, tell us what we missed or should consider. And if this is all foreign
to you, I urge you to try it out. You'd be surprised at the gems lurking 60 to
80 years in the past.  Until next time...Get
out there and READ a book...
Sara Reyes
DFW
Tea Readers Group
Join us at Readers
'n 'ritas November 12-14, 2010! with Sherrilyn Kenyon and more guests
See you on the Twitter (@FreshFiction) PS comment and you could win signed books in this weekend's blog contest. Two
WINNERS!!!
Comments
38 comments posted.
Re: Sara Reyes | A Short Step Back...What was old is new...
I can't believe that time has flown by so fast, some of my friends have grandchildren while I'm still raising my kids.
I'm more of 1800's historical reader- but I can't wait to see what comes out of our new "historical" 20th century.
(Audra Holtwick 1:50pm May 1, 2010)
Time has flown way to fast. I'm also a historical reader with a delving into futuristic,think the Harmony series by Jayne Castle. 20th century not so much possibly because this is my era and not all that intrigueing to me.
(Elizabeth Parzino 1:56pm May 1, 2010)
I still have trouble considering, the 20th century historical. The Georgian and Regency will probably always be my favorite time periods, but a good author can make me love any time.
(Marlene Breakfield 2:02pm May 1, 2010)
I love historicals and enjoy many eras... I have read a few based during wartime... need to look for more 20th century historicals...
(Colleen Conklin 2:06pm May 1, 2010)
I would love to read more 20th century novels...specifially anything prior to 70's (that's my start of the modern era :oP)
(Aemelia Manier 2:11pm May 1, 2010)
The three you mentioned were also favorites of mine - way back when! Your comments also reminded me that I have said that JD Robb's 2059 isn't that far away - soon it will be history instead of science fiction. We must suspend reality when we read stories of the other times, don't we?
(Karin Tillotson 2:23pm May 1, 2010)
History must have passed me over, because now that I'm grown, I'm understanding it better than when in school. I like settings that give me the cultures of that decade.
(Alyson Widen 2:41pm May 1, 2010)
After I read your post, I thought of Mary Stewart. I loved her books such as 'This Rough Magic', 'Airs Above the Ground' and 'The Moon-Spinners'.
(Rosemary Krejsa 2:48pm May 1, 2010)
What an interesting discussion. History does it for me.
Blessings,
Marjorie
(Marjorie Carmony 3:30pm May 1, 2010)
I've never read a romance set during the World Wars era.
(Jane Cheung 4:09pm May 1, 2010)
So many Authors research their books, so it's always like going back in time. I learned a lot through the years by reading romance novels & suspense too. I look forward to reading the JD Robb series.. Remember when Star Trek was in the future??
(Pat Wilson 4:12pm May 1, 2010)
What timing...I recently finished reading Under Fire by Samantha Sommersby (Red Rose Publishing) that was set during the end of WW1. I very much enjoyed it and was thinking that I'd love to read more stories set during that time.
(Cheryl McInnis 4:14pm May 1, 2010)
I love historical novels,
anything before 1900. As far
as I'm concerned the 20th
century is current history.
Then again I have teenagers,
and they think I'm old. It
must be a generational thing.
(Tanja Haack 5:51pm May 1, 2010)
This week I attended a program on the history of the the Texas flag. There were 43 different large flags displayed that each had some ccnnection to the history of Texas. I had never dresmed that the history of Texas was so involved. I am wondering just how many books are available that use early Texas as a backgound. Texas has a truly unique history.
(Gladys Paradowski 6:34pm May 1, 2010)
Some of my favorites have always been Victoria Holt's books for settings based in oh so many exotic locals.
(Jeanine Lesperance 7:14pm May 1, 2010)
History makes for fascinating reading no matter the era. I look forward to catching up with some of the books noted.
(Mary Preston 7:25pm May 1, 2010)
As I've gotten older, I definitely enjoy the historical
fiction more. However, I'm not
ready to concede the 20th century
to the history pile yet.
(Lisa Richards 7:52pm May 1, 2010)
I just had my nephew visiting from out of state. I recall clearly when I held him in my arms that I was going to have a son one day. Today I have 2 sons (13 & 6)and he has one of each (3 & 2). I would never think this ever and it was great to see him feeling old. I love historical books and I too feel that the older you get the more you injoy and respect history.
(Cynthia Plaza-Harney 8:11pm May 1, 2010)
Hello, Please enter me in your fantastic contest. I enjoy entering and winning Contests from FreshFiction.com
Thanks and God Bless Everyone,
Cecilia
(Cecilia Dunbar Hernandez 8:24pm May 1, 2010)
I like the regency romance too, thinking of that as history--but then I have a great grandson too. But yet I love the SciFi--a future I will probably only visit in books.
(Barbara Studer 8:27pm May 1, 2010)
My preferred histories are usually pre-American/French revolution(s); so I feel disjointed at the idea of WW & WWII being the "new" history. All four grandparents spoke of WWI and my parents and uncles were all involved in WWII; so I have a strong 'you are there' feeling about much of it. The SF/SFR genre has gone from 'hard' science (Not very understandable) to more 'human interaction' based fiction, which makes for a much better read!!
(Susan Driskill 8:32pm May 1, 2010)
Helen McInnes was a favorite. Another
good one was Daphne Du Maurier.
Mary Stewart might fit into that
category also. I would put Agatha
Christie there, her books are set in the
early 1900s.
While not really fiction, James Herriot's
ALL ANIMALS GREAT AND SMALL
series is a wonderful view of the
1930's thru 1950's England.
(Patricia Barraclough 9:45pm May 1, 2010)
For me, anything 20th century is too contemporary. I prefer historicals before then.
(Raelena Pavey 10:05pm May 1, 2010)
It's strange that while I like movies about
that period of time, I'm not that
interested in books about the same
period.
(Sue Ahn 10:14pm May 1, 2010)
Wow... I've missed a whole bunchof great books it seems. I really haven't read many of the books from this era, because I've always thought of historicals as being from a much older era. Now I have a bunch of books to add to my wanted list.
(Donna Holmberg 10:20pm May 1, 2010)
I love historical books, weither is prehistoricric native americans, prehistoric neanderthals, or 4000 B.C. or as recent as the 1800, I like victorian/depression era historicals as well.. It will be interesting to see what comes out....
(Brandy Blake 11:40pm May 1, 2010)
I can't honestly think of a book I have read that took place in during either of the world wars. Hmm, I might have to look for some.
(Laurie B 12:41pm May 2, 2010)
My favorite book based on a story in the 20th century is The Bronze Horseman along with it's 2 sequels. They are Absolutely the Best Romance Historical Novels based in the WW2 era (and beyond) that I have ever read!!!
For those that like the Outlander Series by Diana Gabaldon, they should give these a try. Very Very Good Novels!!!
(Mitzi Hinkey 1:58am May 2, 2010)
Have not read many current stories set in last 100 years. Prefer Regency or old west right now.
(Lindsey Ekland 6:15am May 2, 2010)
Hi,
I am a contemp gal, so I really cannot answer this question. Do read occasional historical romances and like them very much. So I guess that would qualify me and Linda Lael Miller writes some very nice ones. Beleive I have read almost all of them. And I would LOOOOVE to win one of your bundle of books. Keep hoping. LOL.
(Pat Lieberman 9:31am May 2, 2010)
I too like L L Miller books and Nora Roberts too. I especially like the Regency and futuristic but funnily enough not so much any based around 1950@s. Not sure why?
(Barbara Hanson 11:18am May 2, 2010)
I really enjoyed Jill Barnett's
Sentimental Journey, which is set in
WWII. I'm usually more of a 12th
century highlands fan or regency
England (no wigs please), but I really
enjoyed this book. I wish she wrote
more!
(Molly Wilsbacher 2:37pm May 2, 2010)
Well I just finished Amanda Quick's Burning Lamp and I've read all her other historical books, she's worth reading in any of her time frames.
(Diane Sadler 5:45pm May 2, 2010)
One of my favorite authors is Diana Gabaldon and I find I always learn something new from her books (or forgot, or wasn't paying attention to in class while the subject was talked about,lol). I cannot imagine the amount of research she has to do for her books. And they range from 1700's up until recent. I love historicals but I sure will be curious about what future generations will think of the 20th and 21st centuries (when they are considered historicals).
(Kate Mobley 5:55pm May 2, 2010)
I prefer more contemporary novels but forwarded all the WW1 WW2 books on to my sister. She loves reading about that time period.
(Elizabeth Mitchell 7:36pm May 2, 2010)
I love all time periods...I am a bookaholic and would rather read than go to a movie or watch tv!
Your statement that we are into the 2nd decade of the 21st century blew me away..Boy do I feel old now.LOL My daughter is 20 and just commented last night that she wishes she was back in high school- time was passing too fast! I replied- just wait it speeds up the older you get! It seems like it was just January yesterday to me.
I love reading, no matter what genre, the authors today make sure that their writing is accurate and I have found that while I read mainly fiction - I have learned many facts about history and life.
(Kimberley Coover 9:18pm May 2, 2010)
I love Dorothy Garlock books. Some of my favorites are Yesteryear (love this book & reread many times), The Listening Sky, Midnight Blue, and Annie Lash.
(Summer Sharp 10:44pm May 2, 2010)
I prefer father back in time i do not think 20Th century is far enuff back for me.
(Stacey Smith 1:40am May 3, 2010)
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