Historical Fiction

Human history is intriguing. It has inspired numerous writers and poets to create great works of art. Some authors opt for a historical setting or backdrop where characters meet, overcome obstacles, resolve conflict and experience personal growth. These are works of historical fiction. Let's find out more about this genre.

Historical fiction: meaning

Historical fiction is a category of genre fiction.

Historical fiction: characteristics

The genre of historical fiction typically has the following features:

1. A historical backdrop - The setting or backdrop of the fictional narrative is that of a real-life historical event. For example, Hilary Mantel's Wolf Hall (2009) is set in 16th century England, chronicling the rise of Thomas Cromwell.

2. Language and dialogue - The language of the narrative, especially the spoken dialogue of the characters, must align with the time and place of the historical setting. For example, in Min Jin Lee's Pachinko (2017) set in the 1900s, during Japan's occupation of Korea, the characters of the book speak in a language reflecting the early, mid and late 1900s in Japan.

3. Historical characters - Typically, historical figures that existed in real-life would be featured in a work of historical fiction. They may be the main characters of the fictional narrative, such as in the case of Wolf Hall, or they may not make an 'appearance' in the narrative but are simply mentioned as part of background events. For example, although set during the German occupation of France in World War 2, Kristin Hannah's The Nightingale (2015), includes only a passing mention of Winston Churchill.

4. Blend of the historical and the fictional - Historical fiction, as the name suggests, blends historical, real-life events with fictional events. For example, Mary Ann Schaffer and Annie Barrows' historical fiction novel The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (2008) features characters who are fictional and have fictional interactions, breaking the curfew during the German occupation of Guernsey, which is a real-life historical occurrence.

Historical fiction books: genre overlaps

As a genre, historical fiction often overlaps with other categories of genre fiction, such as crime and mystery, romance, epics, fantasy fiction etc. We will explore some of the genre overlaps in this section, along with some examples of books and their authors.

Historical fantasy fiction

The genre of historical fantasy fiction includes fictional narratives that feature elements of fantasy, such as magic or otherworldly creatures while retaining a historical, real-life setting. Some historical fantasy works may even feature fictionalised versions of historical figures who possess magical properties.

Historical fantasy fiction examples

Examples of historical fantasy fiction include the following:

1. Shelley Parker-Chan's novel She Who Became The Sun (2022) is set during the mid to late 14th century in China when it is controlled by a Mongolian ruler, i.e., the descendent of Kubla Khan. One of the protagonists of the story possesses the ability to see spirits.

2. Julianne Lee's Mathesons series (2001-2003) involves a regular modern man, Dylan, travelling in time back to medieval Scotland, and learning to be a fine swordsman to earn his living.

3. Nghi Vo's Siren Queen (2022) features elements of fantasy fiction set in the backdrop of 1930s Hollywood.

Historical crime fiction or historical thrillers

In a work of crime fiction, a crime is committed, which the protagonists of the narrative attempt to solve. Historical crime fiction is no different, except for the historical setting or backdrop of the novel.

Historical crime fiction or historical thrillers examples

Examples of historical crime fiction include the following:

1. C. J. Sansom's Shardlake series (2003-2018) is centred around the hunchback lawyer, Matthew Shardlake, and are set during the 16th century. Shardlake is sent to investigate crimes and other matters by real-life historical figures such as Thomas Cromwell and Catherine Parr among others.

2. Cadfael Chronicles (1977-1994) by author Ellis Peters features the monk Brother Cadfael as he embarks on solving mysteries set in England during the period of Anarchy in the 12th century.

Historical fiction authors

Some authors have carved out a niche for themselves by specialising in works of historical fiction. They invest significant resources in researching the period their narratives are set in. Some of these authors and their works of historical fiction include:

1. Ken Follett - Although Ken Follett has written works in numerous genres of fiction, his most popular work is the historical epic fiction series called the Kingsbridge series, which features novels such as The Pillars of the Earth (1989) and A Column of Fire (2017) among others. The novels are set during the period of Anarchy in 12th century England and focus on the construction of a cathedral in a small village.

2. Kate Quinn - An emerging author, Quinn's novels are usually set during World War 2 and feature strong female protagonists. Her works include The Rose Code (2021) and The Alice Network (2017). Her most recent novel is The Diamond Eye, which was released in March 2022.

3. Sebastian Faulks - Like Quinn, Faulks' works too are set during the World War, but this time, the First World War. These works feature war-related themes, including trauma induced by war and its consequences. His main works are Birdsong (1993) and The Girl at the Lion d'Or (1936).

Historical fiction today

Historical fiction as a genre has come a long way from its inception and continues to develop as it explores histories of different places, cultures and people through fiction.