Guest post written by author Sara Goodman Confino
Sara Goodman Confino teaches high school English and journalism in Montgomery County, Maryland, where she lives with her husband, two sons, and miniature schnauzer, Sandy. When she’s not writing or working out, she can be found on the beach or at a Bruce Springsteen show, sometimes even dancing onstage. For more information visit saraconfino.com. She’s Up To No Good is now available for purchase.
Dual timeline novels have a certain magic to them. They allow readers to travel through time and space without needing a Delorean. And discovering that the older characters we know and love were just as feisty in an era we tend to think of as prim and proper adds an extra special layer of fun. So, without further ado, here are five dual-timeline novels starring a main character that will have you shaking your head and saying, “she’s up to no good” in the best possible way.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
I know, I know, it’s everywhere these days. But there’s a reason TikTok and Bookstagram are obsessed with Evelyn’s secrets. Calling to mind the exploits of Elizabeth Taylor and Marilyn Monroe in their heydays, Evelyn Hugo’s story is a lot more than the tabloids talked about and more than Monique, whom Evelyn has chosen to record her story, has bargained for. And the double twist at the end? *Chef’s kiss*
Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Café by Fannie Flagg
You’ve probably seen the movie, which glossed heavily over the LGBTQ themes in this one, so if you haven’t read the book, it’s worth revisiting. And Idgie is up to no good in the best of all possible ways, fighting stereotypes and feeding the poor in a southern town. Ninny’s stories of the Threadgood family give modern-day Evelyn Couch the courage she needs to start really living her own life to the fullest. (Have tissues on hand for this one!)
Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood by Rebecca Wells
Another movie you’ve probably seen (helloooo Sandra Bullock!), but movies never quite capture all of the nuances. And Sidda’s memories of her childhood lack the context of Vivi’s life experience to make sense of it all, which is where the Ya-Yas come into play, showing Sidda the full picture. And it’s quite a picture. Sprinkled with humor, this tackles some pretty heavy topics. But the Ya-Yas are squad goals from an era before hashtags existed. TW: abuse, alcoholism, mental-health struggles
Next Year in Havana by Chanel Cleeton
It’s a good thing the borders are open now, because this book is going to make you want to pack up and head to Cuba. Well—maybe 1958 Cuba. Marisol grew up on the romanticized stories her grandmother, Elisa, told her about her life in Cuba. But when it’s time to go there to spread her grandmother’s ashes, the bigger picture comes into play. The dual timeline format beautifully shows the contrasts between the past, the present, and the stories we’re told as children.
The Secret Life of Violet Grant by Beatriz Williams
To be honest, almost any of Williams’ books could go on this list. But this was my first introduction to Aunt Julie, the irascible star of the interconnected universe Beatriz Williams has created. It’s impossible not to love her (and she is possibly the most up to no good character on this list!), but beyond that, both Violet and Vivian, in their respective timelines, shine with a passion and sassy intellect that each generation thinks it invented. You won’t want this one to end—but in good news, it doesn’t really! Many of these characters cameo in other books, providing a satisfying Easter egg for readers.
