“Harsh truths can breed pain and division. But so do half-truths. Healing is impossible without an honest reckoning.”
As our understanding of the past constantly evolves, books from historians stand out as the best way to keep pace with the discoveries and perspectives being unearthed. 2023 marked another stellar period for history writing, with some of the most respected names in the field guiding us through the past and helping to put the present into context. Whether delving into the lives of ancient Roman rulers or exploring the enduring impact of Mao’s Cultural Revolution, join us at What We Reading for a journey through the best history books of 2023!
Red Memory: The Afterlives of China’s Cultural Revolution – Tania Branigan
In Red Memory, Tania Branigan lifts the lid on China’s Cultural Revolution, exploring its origins and the lasting imprint this brutal and turbulent period in history has had on the country and its people.
Through the stories of individuals who lived through the madness, Branigan uncovers forty years’ worth of history, deftly chronicling how Maoist fanaticism led to two million people losing their lives for their supposed political crimes, while millions of others were hounded, ostracized, and imprisoned. She also explores how personal trauma and state-sponsored suppression have led to much of this period being skipped over. Red Memory is one of the best history books from 2023, reminding readers of the importance of remembering the past and shedding light on what happens when it is buried, exploited, and redrawn.
Revolutionary Spring: Europe Aflame and the Fight for a New World, 1848-1849 – Christopher Clark
1848 is infamous for being one of the most turbulent in European history. Known as the ‘European People’s Spring’, the continent was rocked by widespread political upheaval, shaking the conservative order that had been long-established. In his 2023 history book, Revolutionary Spring, Christopher Clark provides readers with one of the most compelling and comprehensive guides to the characters, events and significance of this era.
Clark explores why 1848 has often been overshadowed by the French Revolutions of 1789 and the Russian Revolutions of the early twentieth century by historians, despite being equally, if not more, significant. Elegantly written and meticulously researched, Revolutionary Spring is jam-packed with charismatic characters, fascinating insights, and ideals that trace the beginnings of our modern world to the past. Additionally, Clark illuminates how these political upheavals of 1848 could find echoes in our present moment.
On Savage Shores: How Indigenous Americans Discovered Europe – Caroline Dodds Pennock
Undoubtedly one of the most groundbreaking history books in recent times, Caroline Dodds Pennock dismantles the traditional Eurocentric understanding of the Age of Discovery in On Savage Shores. In this work, she dispels the myth of the ‘Old’ European world first encountering the ‘New’ world of the Americas through the stories of Aztecs, Mayans, Totonacs, Inuit, and tens of thousands of Indigenous Americans who discovered Europe.
Utilizing surviving literature and poetry, Pennock covers a range of stories, from the Brazilian king who met King Henry VIII to Inuits harpooning ducks in the Avon, and Aztecs mockingly presenting human sacrifice in the court of Charles V. The result is an eye-opening tale of abduction, loss, and cultural appropriation, as well as a sweeping account of the cultures, worldviews, and lasting impact Indigenous Americans have had on European civilization.
Shadows At Noon – Joya Chatterji
Joya Chatterji’s book, Shadows At Noon, stands as the authoritative history of South Asia in the twentieth century. Drawing on extensive scholarship, the book chronicles the transition from the British Raj through independence and partition to the forging of the nation-states of India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
What sets Chatterji’s work apart from other studies of this period is its unique focus. Rather than exclusively spotlighting politics, Shadows At Noon gives considerable attention to aspects such as food, leisure, and the household. The result is a fascinating resource that makes the cultural vibrancy and diversity of the region accessible to every reader. In a time when narratives often emphasize differences between people and cultures, this 2023 history book stands out for demonstrating how much more this region of the world shares in common.
Hitler, Stalin, Mum And Dad: A Family Memoir Of Miraculous Survival – Daniel Finkelstein
An instant New York Times bestseller and Times Book of the Year, Hitler, Stalin, Mum and Dad is a powerful memoir from renowned political columnist and commentator, Daniel Finkelstein. Deeply moving, personal, and at times harrowing, the book is dedicated to recounting the devastating experiences Finkelstein’s parents endured at the hands of Europe’s two biggest genocidal dictators: Adolf Hitler and Joseph Stalin.
Through the story of one family, readers gain an intimate understanding of the twentieth century. Not only is it one of the best history books from 2023, but it’s also a vital read for anyone looking to learn more about Hitler, Stalin, and the people whose lives were upended by them.
Emperor Of Rome: Ruling the Ancient Roman World – Mary Beard
Mary Beard, one of the world’s most acclaimed historians on ancient Rome, presents her latest work in 2023 with Emperor of Rome, sure to stand among her best. In this sweeping account of the social and political world of the Roman emperors, Beard goes beyond traditional biographies such as the ‘depraved’ Caligula or the ‘philosopher’ Marcus Aurelius, posing larger questions about these rulers.
Emperor of Rome introduces readers to the everyday roles and responsibilities of these individuals, exploring the lives of their friends, lovers, enemies, jesters, slaves, and the everyday people they served. Offering a fascinating new perspective on life in ancient Rome, the book challenges preconceived images and fantasies readers might have held about its rulers.
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Smell And The Past: Noses, Archives, Narratives – William Tullett
Enter one of the more original history books of 2023: Smell and the Past by William Tullett. In this unique work, Tullett poses an intriguing question: ‘What would happen if historians could study the past using their noses?’
This imaginative book serves as a guide on how employing our olfactory senses during research and study can enhance our understanding and communication of the past. From perfumes in botanical gardens to the scent of horse manure in the streets, Smell and the Past exemplifies how historians continue to innovate in their approaches to describing and explaining historical events.
Part-time reader, part-time rambler, and full-time Horror enthusiast, James has been writing for What We Reading since 2022. His earliest reading memories involved Historical Fiction, Fantasy and Horror tales, which he has continued to take with him to this day. James’ favourite books include The Last (Hanna Jameson), The Troop (Nick Cutter) and Chasing The Boogeyman (Richard Chizmar).
