Being able to travel to another time and place is one of the pleasures of reading. This is especially true in an engaging novel with strong characters. Beyond its great virtual events, the Arlington Public Library has a vast collection of historical fiction that brings the past to life. Spend an enjoyable afternoon in our Arlington apartments immersed in one of these novels. You can download Arlington Public Library e-books to your e-reader, or get a physical copy with the Holds Pickup service. Here are our recommendations:

City of Women 

This page-turning novel about World War II takes place in Berlin in 1943. Since all the men have gone away to fight, the city is full of women. Sigrid appears to be just another patriotic wife of a German soldier, but she has secret reasons to resist Nazi values. Her careful facade of compliance begins to crumble as new people enter her life. City of Women offers a fascinating insight into the choices people make to cope with the realities of war.

Fruit of the Drunken Tree 

It’s the 1990s and the Colombian capital of Bogota is under the grip of drug kingpin Pablo Escobar. Fruit of the Drunken Tree tells the story of Chula, a 7-year-old growing up in a gated community protected from the violence and political upheaval outside. When her family hires Petrona, a young woman from a crime-riddled slum, Chula forges a powerful bond with someone from the other side. 

If You Leave Me 

The acclaimed debut of Crystal Hana Kim, If You Leave Me begins in the 1950s during the war between North and South Korea. Haemi is a young woman forced to flee to a refugee camp with her mother and sick brother. There she meets a boy she loves and wants to spend her life with. When a desire for security causes Haemi to marry her boyfriend’s wealthy cousin instead, the choice ripples across decades. 

There are so many enjoyable ways to stay entertained at home. Whether you’re reading one of these Arlington Public Library e-books or taking a virtual yoga class, our luxury apartments in Arlington provide the perfect space to feel at home. Learn more about living at 2001 Clarendon Blvd by contacting us today.