Another great month for historical fiction with 33 reviews on 18 books written by 19 authors.

Our most reviewed titles for August:

The Collaborator by Diane Armstrong with 4 reviews

A Lifetime of Impossible Days by Tabitha Bird with 4 reviews

The Burnt Country by Joy Rhoades with 3 reviews and 1 interview

The Boy with Blue Trousers by Carol Jones with 2 reviews

Heart of the Cross by Emily Madden with 2 reviews

Singapore Sapphire by A.M. Stuart with 2 reviews

The Land Girls by Victoria Purman with 2 reviews

Spotlighting lesser known titles:

I always like to give some airtime to the lessor known titles that pop up in our database. This month we have one published by a small press and one that was self-published. Both were rated highly by our regular reviewers.

What Empty Things are These by J.L. Crozier (reviewed by me over at Theresa Smith Writes)

Written as though it were a 19th century classic, the words elegantly strung together to create an authentically rendered Victorian atmosphere, precariously balanced between grim and decadent. Adelaide is a bold young woman, emerging from her gilded cage with intelligence and insight. Her observations on the oppression of her fellow women and the masculine toxicity of her withering husband are sharp and on point. What Empty Things Are These is a powerful story of female emancipation, and I highly recommend it.

The Quarantine Station by Michelle Montebello (Reviewed by Mrs B’s Book Reviews)

The historical setting did absolute wonders for me personally. I have a special interest in the Great War years and it was a special treat to be able to read a novel that looks at the Australian experience of this time. Before this novel, I had no previous knowledge of the Quarantine Station in Sydney, but it sent me off on a little research trip, which I lapped up! It also had me thinking a little off on my own tangent about the West Australian quarantine issues during this time and I know when I have more time on my hands, I’ll definitely be investigating this area further. The Quarantine Station sequences are incredibly vivid and provide the reader with an accurate, as well as a detailed picture of life in this fixture during the historical period. I took in all this storyline had to offer, from the influx of the Spanish Flu, to the racial and class segregation issues and the strict rules imposed on the staff working tirelessly on the station. It was an eye opening, as well as an unforgettable read.

Until next month!


The Historical Novel Society of Australasia is once again holding a conference. If this sounds like something you’re interested in, visit their conference webpage here.


Theresa Smith Historical Fiction Roundup EditorAbout Theresa: Writer, avid reader, keen reviewer, book collector, drinker of all tea blends originating from Earl Grey, and modern history enthusiast. I enjoy reading many genres but have a particular interest in historical fiction. You can find me and all of my book related news and reviews at Theresa Smith Writes, Facebook, Goodreads and Twitter @TessSmithWrites.