historical non-fiction
seattle. chicago. the world.
I don’t read too much in this genre and actually, two of these I read many years ago now. But, I enjoy learning new things and prefer if the medium is in a narrative form so perhaps I should add a few more in this vein to my library queue. I like my historical fiction to be intensely character focused so I can enter the time period through someone’s specific experience and connect emotionally to the historical events. Especially since the endings are usually a google away, character is vital to my enjoyment of a historical non-fiction book. Don’t come at me with a dry list of facts, figures and a few sepia toned photos and expect the privilege of my attention. Give me a fascinating character overcoming (or succumbing) to the wider historical environment within their deeply personal context and I’m in. Usually. Or at least, it’s more likely. Got any suggestions?
All three of these follow intriguing personalities fighting their demons, overcoming odds and making choices that sometimes had immense ramifications on the world.
Put on your dressing gown, grab your spectacles and pipe and do some armchair time traveling with one of these.
THE DEVIL IN THE WHITE CITY by Erik Larson
The 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago is a backdrop for innovation, marvel and murder as we follow two men, architect Daniel H. Burnham who created “The White City” for fairgoers and H.H. Holmes, the serial killer stalking said fairgoers. Alternating between the two men’s very different journeys, Larson shares the reach their intellect, ambition and mission had on the community of Chicago, the world and history.
I lived in Chicago for 3 years before the cold shoved me across the country to Seattle. I read this while living there before I even started keeping track of my reads 1 so while I don’t remember too many details of the writing, I do remember being consistently veryyyyy creeped out, because this all happened right in my backyard. Not literally obviously, I mean who has a backyard in Chicago? This is for readers who are into the building of ferris wheels and murder rooms, along with the scientific and technological advances of the late 19th century all framed within a truly grotesque murder spree.
EIGHTY DAYS by Matthew Goodman
New York City, November 14, 1889. Two female journalists depart heading opposite directions around the globe in an attempt to beat Jules Verne's fictional Phileas Fogg2 and each other. Nellie Bly and Elizabeth Bisland were writers eager to declare their rightful place in the newspaper world3 and their ambition led them to undertake this globe trotting contest. Basically Victorian bloggers, they sent on-the-go missives back to their readers while continually crashing through expectations and limits aided by their intrepid natures, a naked desire to make history and the newfangled4 technologies of the time.
I read this one many years ago now, and I can’t honestly say I remember much about its particular writing style so don’t @ me if it’s not great. I just remember that I enjoyed it and was irritated on multiple points:5 A) that I hadn’t heard of the intrepid and fascinating Nellie Bly 6 before this and secondtively that there wasn’t an epic movie or miniseries either about her or this story. Rude. Its got: Adventure! Suspense! World travels! Corporate intrigue! Women persisting! Dead ends and clever saves! The end of the race was down to the wire and I remember that section had me at the edge of my seat, because I’d never heard of this event before so had no idea how it would end. It’s post-contest wrap-up is bittersweet as it shares that the women’s post-globe trotting life wasn’t always as sensational as their headlines. Real life I guess. Give it a read or at least a skim so you learn more about the tenacity of these women who were pioneers for investigative journalism and deserve to be more well known.7
I hate this cover. Its a miracle I gave it a chance with a cover like that.
THE BOYS IN THE BOAT by Daniel James Brown
Seattle, 1936. On the eve of World War II, the University of Washington’s eight person crew team competed at the Berlin Olympics with much more at stake than a gold medal. The story follows the team members, their coach and their boat builder but concentrates primarily on rower Joe Rantz. We follow him and the crew over the years; their childhood, recruitment, training and competitions as well the ever shifting economic, political, geographic, atmospheric8 and emotional world around them. A true sports underdog story with memorable characters, teamwork building montages and some thrilling instances of “fuck off Hitler” 9energy. Who doesn’t want to witness that?
It took me a while to start this because, again, this isn’t a genre I naturally gravitate towards. However, when all of my (albeit small) immediate circle 10 sang its praises multiple times, I finally succumbed to peer pressure 11 . I was not disappointed and it made me view some of my local Seattle spots with a keener eye since they played a big part in the story. Supremely compelling, I was in hand wringing suspense during every race description, which I applaud the author for as I imagine it was difficult to differentiate them. All the details of the boat, weather, health, setting and character’s internal turmoil created such immense stakes and tension that I was gripped and as invested in the results as any real time spectator.
Like many of its genre, it can sometimes feel bogged down in detailed information and occasionally slow, but I can’t deny that all those details served to paint a more complete story so I came around to thinking that I forgive its meandering pace. All that rich context grew the dramatic tension to an emotionally cathartic ending. The characterizations were thorough, often heartbreakingly so, which made the story all the more poignant- not just at the climax but all throughout the unfolding story.
Extra Credit: A movie version came out last year, directed by George Clooney12. I haven’t seen it yet but its trailer looked fairly generic. Anyone seen it and have thoughts to share?
that started in 2012. i keep my lists on pinterest cause i like to look at the covers
Around the World in 80 Days published in 1872
the literal lengths women must go sometimes
love this word. it makes me think of the american girl doll samantha for some reason…
this is a common combination
do yourself a favor and give her wikipedia page a once over
nellie’s time undercover in a 19th century madhouse is the stuff of nightmares and legends
weather plays a big role here
hive mind 4 eva
which i rarely do
of espresso and tequila fame
I also would like suggestions for this genre - I struggle with non-fiction for similar reasons. I usually read one heavy-duty historical nonfiction book a year, which seems very low?
BITB was so freaking compelling and well written; even though I read it years ago I remember how extremely emotionally invested I was in those boys (and said boat).
Genuinely lol at that last footnote. 🤣
Boys in the Boat film was excellent and riveting. During the trials ( which you can google) the result was no less suspenseful. Character’s were authentic and period based. The sound of the rowing was both crisp and focused, driving one to the finish.
Loved it . even if my blood pressure didn’t.