Biographies & Memoirs - Best Rated Books

Adventure novel set during World War II, exploring friendship and survival.

This historical adventure novel follows the journey of a young Spanish nobleman during the Inquisition and the conquest of Mexico.

"A Lion is in the Streets" by Adria Locke Langley is a political novel that delves into the world of Louisiana politics during the early 20th century. The story follows the rise of a charismatic and ambitious politician, Willie Stark, as he navigates the complexities of power and corruption. Langley's novel explores themes of populism, ambition, and the consequences of unchecked political influence.

In a small English town just after World War I, a young woman named Mary Jocelyn falls in love with a returning soldier named Stephen Morrell. Morrell is a war hero, but he is also haunted by his experiences in the trenches. The couple's love is put to the test by Stephen's mental health issues and Mary's overbearing father.

"The Black Rose" by Thomas B. Costain is a historical novel set in the 13th century and follows the adventures of a young Englishman, Walter of Gurnie, who travels to the East and becomes involved in the Mongol Empire. The novel explores themes of exploration, cultural exchange, and personal growth. Costain's storytelling captures the spirit of the medieval world.

A love story set against the backdrop of the Nazi occupation of Paris

"The Egyptian" by Mika Waltari is a historical novel set in ancient Egypt. The story follows Sinuhe, a physician, as he navigates the political and cultural landscape of the time. The novel provides a rich and immersive portrayal of ancient Egyptian life and customs.

In turn-of-the-century New York, a young woman named Susie is taken under the wing of Mrs. Parkington, a wealthy older woman. Susie is educated and introduced to high society, but she is also expected to marry a wealthy man. When Susie falls in love with a poor artist, she must choose between love and money.

"Strange Fruit" by Lillian Smith is a Southern Gothic novel that addresses racial injustice and forbidden love in the American South. The story explores the consequences of societal norms and bigotry. The title is a reference to the anti-lynching song of the same name by Abel Meeropol.

The novel is set in the years following World War I and deals with the theme of disillusionment

Siblings Marianne and Marguerite de St. Valery are living in England with their mother when they meet and fall in love with two brothers, Lionel and Francis Courtenay. The four move to the Island of Green Dolphin Street off the coast of New Zealand, where they face tragedy and separation.

Amber St. Clare is a 17th-century English beauty who uses her looks and wit to rise from poverty to become the mistress of King Charles II.

"The Green Years" by A.J. Cronin is a coming-of-age novel that follows the life of an orphan named Robert Shannon. Set in Scotland, the story explores themes of family, education, and the journey to self-discovery.

The novel tells the story of a romance between a Jewish woman and a Gentile man in Montreal in the 1930s. The couple must overcome the prejudice of their families and society in order to be together.

"So Little Time" by John P. Marquand is a satirical novel that satirizes the upper-class society of New England during World War II. The story revolves around the character George Apley, an affluent Bostonian, and his experiences with family, societal expectations, and the changing dynamics of the time. Marquand's novel offers a witty and critical examination of social conventions.

Set in early 20th-century Brooklyn, the novel follows the coming-of-age story of a young girl named Francie Nolan. It explores themes of poverty, family, and the pursuit of education and dreams in a challenging urban environment.

In 1937 China, as the Japanese invade, a Chinese woman named Jade and her family must grapple with their country's occupation.

"The Moon Is Down" by John Steinbeck is a war novel set in a fictionalized European town occupied by an unnamed military force. The narrative explores the dynamics between occupiers and the occupied, emphasizing the resilience of individuals in the face of oppression. Steinbeck's novel, written during World War II, reflects on themes of resistance and the human spirit.

And Now Tomorrow is a 1942 book by Rachel Field. The book chronicles the life of a young woman in New England in the late 19th century. The book follows the woman as she falls in love with a doctor, becomes pregnant out of wedlock, and is forced to give up her child.

A historical novel set in ancient Rome, it follows the journey of the robe worn by Jesus before his crucifixion and its impact on those who possess it.

Mrs. Miniver is a novel by Jan Struther about a woman who is trying to keep her family together during World War II.

"Random Harvest" by James Hilton is a romantic novel that tells the story of a man suffering from amnesia and the woman who helps him rebuild his life. The novel explores themes of love, loss, and the resilience of the human spirit. Hilton's writing is characterized by its emotional depth and the exploration of profound human connections.

"This Above All" by Eric Knight is a historical novel set during World War II. The story follows the experiences of a young woman, Prudence, as she grapples with love, duty, and the moral complexities of war. The novel delves into themes of sacrifice, societal expectations, and the search for meaning.

"The Keys of the Kingdom" by A.J. Cronin is a novel that follows the life of a Catholic missionary priest, Father Francis Chisholm. The narrative spans continents and decades, exploring themes of faith, compassion, and the complexities of human relationships.

The novel is set in the late 19th century and is about a woman who seeks revenge on the man who jilted her

Historical romance novel set in 17th-century Cornwall.

"The Song of Bernadette" by Franz Werfel is a historical novel based on the life of Bernadette Soubirous, a young French girl who claimed to have witnessed apparitions of the Virgin Mary in Lourdes. The novel explores themes of faith, miracles, and the impact of religious visions on a community.

Sincerely, Willis Wayde is a novel by John P. Marquand about a man who tries to find himself after his wife leaves him.

Historical drama novel exploring the Whiteoak family saga.

The novel tells the story of a group of American soldiers who are stranded in the Libyan desert during World War II. The soldiers must find their way back to safety while being pursued by the enemy. Along the way, they find love and adventure.

Novel addressing racial discrimination and systemic injustice in America.

The novel tells the story of George Webber, a young writer who leaves his small hometown to make his way in the world. Webber finds success in New York City, but he is haunted by his past and the people he left behind.

In the 1930s, an American expatriate named Robert Jordan joins the Republican army in the Spanish Civil War to fight against the Nationalists. Jordan is assigned to blow up a bridge and must grapple with his own morality as he carries out his mission.

"Oliver Wiswell" by Kenneth Roberts is a historical novel set during the American Revolutionary War. The story follows the title character, Oliver Wiswell, as he navigates the challenges of war, loyalty, and personal identity. Roberts' novel provides a nuanced perspective on the complexities of the American Revolution, exploring the experiences of those who remained loyal to the British Crown.

Gwenda Reed arrives in England to start a new life with her husband, Malcolm. But when a series of strange events occur in their new home, she starts to believe that someone is trying to drive her insane. Could the answer lie in the house's dark past?

Set during the Great Depression, the novel follows the Joad family's journey as they face economic hardship, injustice, and societal changes. It's a powerful exploration of the human spirit and social inequality.

A romance novel depicting the life of a working-class woman

"How Green Was My Valley" by Richard Llewellyn is a novel set in a Welsh mining town during the late 19th century. The story is narrated by Huw Morgan, who reflects on his family's experiences, the challenges of industrialization, and the impact of social changes on the close-knit community. Llewellyn's novel explores themes of family, tradition, and resilience.

A book about how to improve your golf game.

A family drama set in the fictional town of Samms Point, New York.