Five Historical Novels Inspired By Invincible Women

Belle da Costa Greene was not only a middle-class woman who managed the affairs of a world presided over by some of the world’s wealthiest men, but she was also compelled to hide the fact that she was black. Belle was driven to follow her dreams against all odds. Hers is an extraordinary story of ambition and sacrifice, and a story I probably wouldn’t have known if not for this book.

Do you know who Dora Maar was? I didn’t until I read The Paris Muse. It’s the fictionalized retelling of the love story of Dora, who was a French photographer, painter and poet and Spanish artist Pablo Picasso, and is as compelling as it is disturbing. It’s a timeous story of obsessive passion, narcissism, and self-discovery. I was intrigued and moved by the beautiful melding of fact and fiction, and pleased to have been introduced to Dora, who is so much more than Picasso’s “weeping woman.”

I’m interested in business people and entrepreneurs, how they came up with ideas, what drove them to establish businesses, and how they overcame challenges. A Beautiful Rival tells the story of cosmetic dynasts Elizabeth Arden and Helena Rubinstein, who not only endured personal hardships to establish the first global beauty brands but were also embroiled in an all-consuming rivalry that spanned decades. Their tales are brought to life by Gill Paul’s meticulous research, detailed eye, and lively storytelling.

Based on the true story of the librarians at the American Library in Paris during World War II, this book is a poignant and memorable celebration of libraries, books, and the people who fought to protect them against all odds. I loved the dual timeline and how the author took me on two beautiful and equally intriguing stories, which slowly and cleverly came together.

The stories of Daisy and her great-great-aunt Violet are inspirational tales of love and hope lost and found as they courageously ascend paths unknown and welcome the unexpected. The Sky Beneath us is an adventure story too, taking readers from Kathmandu to Edinburgh to Phortse and the north-west Highlands of Scotland. It is superbly researched (the author undertook the hike in Nepal and stayed in a Sherpa village) and beautifully written with fascinating detail about botany, the Sherpa people and Nepal. It’s worth watching the film Fiona Valpy made about her research trip after you’ve read the book. You’ll find it on her website.