Lose yourself in history

Amongst the piles of pap that I have skimmed for light relief in the past year, I do read the occasional good novel. Those based in historical events this year have included:

1. Under A Blood Rey Sky by Kate Furnivall - a book I have lost the last few days to, and consequenly top of my list. Set in the Russia of Five Year Plans and labour camps this book has it all. Here is another blogger talking about it.
2. Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adiche - which I found grimly educational.
3. The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsover - some more African history.
4. And, an old classic, Little Dorrit by Charles Dickens - as if you need me to tell you that.