Biographies & Memoirs > Ethnic & National - Best Rated Books

"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.

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

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.

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.

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.

"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.

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.

"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.

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

"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.

"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 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.

"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.

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

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

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.

"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?

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.

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.

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.

Historical drama novel exploring the Whiteoak family saga.

Novel addressing racial discrimination and systemic injustice in America.

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.

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

A book about how to improve your golf game.

"All This and Heaven Too" by Rachel Field is a historical novel based on true events. The story revolves around the life of Henriette Deluzy-Desportes, a governess in 19th-century France, and explores themes of love, scandal, and societal expectations. The novel was adapted into a film in 1940.

"The Yearling" by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings is a coming-of-age novel set in the Florida scrubland during the late 19th century. The story follows a young boy, Jody Baxter, and his relationship with a fawn he adopts as a pet. Rawlings' novel explores themes of family, nature, and the challenges of growing up in a rural environment. The novel won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1939.

"My Son, My Son!" by Howard Spring is a family drama that explores the complexities of relationships and the impact of war on individuals and families. The story revolves around the Hamer family and the challenges they face during World War I. Spring's novel delves into themes of love, sacrifice, and the enduring bonds that connect family members.

"Rebecca" is a Gothic novel by Daphne du Maurier that tells the story of a young bride who becomes increasingly haunted by the memory of her husband's first wife, Rebecca. The novel explores themes of identity, jealousy, and the lingering influence of the past. "Rebecca" has become a classic of 20th-century literature and has been adapted into various films and stage productions.

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

The story of a Russian grand duchess who is forced into exile after the Bolshevik Revolution.

The novel follows the life and career of a young Scottish doctor, exploring his journey through medical school, professional challenges, and ethical dilemmas. It delves into the complexities of the medical profession and social issues.

"Northwest Passage" by Kenneth Roberts is a historical novel set during the French and Indian War. The story follows the adventures of Major Robert Rogers and his Rangers as they embark on a daring expedition through the wilderness. The novel explores themes of courage, survival, and the frontier spirit.

"Stars on the Sea" by F. Van Wyck Mason is a historical novel set against the backdrop of naval warfare during the American Revolution. The story follows the adventures of a young American naval officer, providing a vivid portrayal of the challenges and dangers faced by seafarers during a pivotal period in history. Mason's novel combines action and historical drama.