Ancient & Medieval Historical Fiction discussion

April 2017 Group Read discussion thread.

All welcome to join in, even if you have already read it. Just don't give away any spoilers, or warn of spoilers ahead.

The Last of the Templars by William Watson
Book is also known as Beltran in Exile

"Following the fall of Acre in 1291 and the reconquest of the Holy Land by the Moslems, the last survivors of the Order of the Temple flee the Middle East for Europe. Among the refugees is Beltran, a native of the Holy Land, who struggles to keep the faith as his companions loyalties waver."

The blurb from this book makes it sound like a potentially fascinating storyline.

Just found a library that has it (Under Beltran in Exile, thanks for the heads up). Interlibrary loan...I love thee....

Terrific. I was wondering if people would be able to source this one.

Daniel wrote: "Just found a library that has it (Under Beltran in Exile, thanks for the heads up). Interlibrary loan...I love thee...."

Argh, seems to have fallen through. The search continues

Darn. Upwards and onwards then. No stone unturned...and all that.

Looks like this one has been simply too difficult for members to source.
A pity, as the book blurb makes it sound like an interesting read.

I have always tried to put books in the polls that should be easily sourced, but I decided this year to throw some tough ones into polls.
This may be our toughest yet.

Have reread. What really struck me this time was the melancholic atmosphere. I had finally bought a used copy.

Tell me more, Jane. Is it the style of writing? As in, the way the author writes. Or is it something intentional? The atmosphere he has intentionally created?

I have read a few books that I would use that same description for. One I can think of off the top of my head was The Crusader

Terri wrote: "Tell me more, Jane. Is it the style of writing? As in, the way the author writes. Or is it something intentional? The atmosphere he has intentionally created?

I have read a few books that I would ..."

Yes, you hit the nail on the head. That, AND, as I say in my review, the story of the passing of an era.

Disappointed that more couldn't find the book. People seem reluctant to buy books when they don't know the author and the book is obscure.
I am guilty of it myself.

Terri wrote: "Disappointed that more couldn't find the book. People seem reluctant to buy books when they don't know the author and the book is obscure.
I am guilty of it myself."

If something really intrigues me, I don't mind spending a minimal amount. There are several I did get from the library and liked so much I wanted to own them and tracked them down.

Yeah, I've done that too. There are still a select few on my to buy list that I am still to own although I read them first via the library.
Non fiction, but Arabian Sands by Wilfred Thesiger is one such book. One of my favourites and I will buy it one day soon. I have been thinkimg more and more about owning it these days. It isn't really until now that I could afford to buy books I had already read.