“Desire’s not deviant. It’s human nature.”
Looking for a nostalgic trip back to the rock and roll heydays of the 1970s? Look no further than Groupies, the debut novel by the talented Sarah Priscus. With its grungy, glittery vibe and unforgettable protagonist Faun Novak, this page-turner is both a coming-of-age tale and a deep dive into the world of fame, media and desire. Get ready for a drug-fueled ride through the music scene, as you follow Faun on her journey of self-discovery. And if you’re a fan of this 2022 release, be sure to check out What We Reading for 6 other historical fiction books like Groupies.
Margot – Wendell Steavenson
In the mid-1950s, Margot Thornsen’s life is split between her family’s lavish Oyster Bay estate and a Park Avenue apartment in New York. As the presumed heir to her grandfather’s vast fortune, Margot’s path has been determined by her overbearing mother, who pushes her to marry well and sacrifice her education.
However, with the cultural revolution of the 1960s on the horizon, Margot sees a chance to embrace the intellectual, cultural, and sexual freedoms she has always craved – and Radcliffe College is her ticket to that new life. Marg, a beautifully-constructed novel by Wendell Steavenson, explores the pressures and obstacles faced by women of that era while telling a captivating story of one woman’s passion for science.
This Other Eden – Paul Harding
The Other Eden is a poignant historical fiction novel from Pulitzer Prize-winning author Paul Harding, inspired by the true story of the racially integrated Malaga Island off the coast of Maine. The novel takes place on this eerie and mysterious island and follows its inhabitants, who have maintained their traditions since the first settlers arrived in 1792.
However, their peaceful existence is disrupted when modern civilization arrives in the form of eugenics-focused state officials who seek to “purify” the island. This powerful story of hope and happiness provides a breathtaking insight into the devastating consequences when those in power believe they have the right to take land from others. The Other Eden is a must-read for anyone interested in history and social justice.
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Stealing – Margaret Verble
In Margaret Verble’s Stealing, readers are drawn into the story of Kit Crockett, a Cherokee child taken from her family and sent to a Christian school in small-town America in the 1950s. This gripping tale sheds light on the prejudices that plagued that era and take us on a journey with Kit as she struggles to come to terms with her new reality.
Following the loss of her mother, Kit befriends the beautiful Bella, but tragedy soon strikes and Kit is forcibly enrolled in the white Christian Ashley Lordard boarding school. Stripped of her heritage and history, Kit must find a way back to her family, and with Verble’s remarkable writing, readers can feel the young heroine’s determination to keep a record of her past and plot her return home. Stealing is a powerful and emotional story that will leave readers rooting for Kit every step of the way.
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Mustique Island – Sarah McCoy
In Mustique Island, New York Times and USA Bestselling author Sarah McCoy takes readers on a luxurious journey to a sun-soaked tropical paradise in the 1970s. The book follows Willy May Michael, a wealthy divorcee and her two daughters, seeking a fresh start after the death of her ex-husband.
On the same island where celebrities like Mick Jagger and Princess Margaret once escaped the press, readers are treated to a perfect summer read full of glitz, glamour, and high-stakes family drama. McCoy’s writing transports readers to a world of luxury and beauty, making Mustique Island an ideal choice for anyone looking for an escape from the ordinary.
Songs In Ursa Major – Emma Brodie
Set in the late 1960s, Emma Brodie’s Songs in Ursa Major is a thrilling historical fiction novel that embraces the cool music scene of the era. The story follows enigmatic artist Jesse Reid, who dominates the setlist on the eve of the Bayleen Island Folk Fest in 1969. However, a near-fatal accident leads to local artist Jane Quinn taking her place at the concert.
As the two musicians strike up a friendship, they find themselves falling into a deeper, more emotionally-bound connection. Brodie masterfully tackles the sexist attitudes of the music industry, taking readers on a whirlwind ride through the lore and icons of the 1970s. Songs in Ursa Major is a captivating story of sacrifice, love, and the power of music that readers won’t be able to put down.
Such A Pretty Girl – T. Greenwood
T. Greenwood masterfully weaves together the past and present in a riveting drama that explores the blurred line between womanhood and girlhood. The story centres around former child actor Ryan Flannigan and her tumultuous relationship with her mother, Fiona. When a disturbing photograph from Ryan’s past resurfaces, depicting her as a preteen with a wealthy older man and a note from her mother on the back, Ryan is thrust back into the seedy world of her youth.
As she confronts the painful realities of her past, she must grapple with the complicated feelings she has towards her mother, ultimately leading her to a new understanding of their relationship. Set against the backdrop of the mid-1970s and the present day, this multi-perspective novel will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.
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).
