What is historical fiction?

Many readers seek to find a slice of reality in their fiction by immersing themselves in a specific time period. For these readers, historical fiction books can provide an ideal escape. Here, we’re exploring historical fiction and its common elements, along with suggesting some great works of historical fiction for you to read.

The basics of historical fiction

Historical fiction is a literary genre that takes place in a specific time period and incorporates real historical events, people, and places into the story. While some events and characters in the book may be fictional, the setting and background are based on historical facts.

Contemporary Western literature traces the origins of historical fiction back to the early 19th century when writers like Sir Walter Scott, Honoré de Balzac, James Fenimore Cooper, and Leo Tolstoy explored the concept of the historical setting in their novels.

By the early 20th century, the genre had gained popularity in the United States. It had a particular emphasis on war stories, such as Kenneth Roberts’ Arundel, based on the American Revolution, and William Faulkner’s Absalom, Absalom, which depicted the American Civil War.

Historical fiction can include subgenres with diverse themes, such as children’s literature, historical mystery, noir, historical fantasy, thrillers, time travel stories, historical science fiction, and more.

The common elements of historical fiction

Let’s look at the common elements of historical fiction: setting, characters, plot, and historical dialogue.

Setting

Historical fiction is set in a particular era and place, often a significant historical time period and not the modern day. The setting is an essential element that helps the reader to understand and connect with the time period and culture of the story.

As a distinguishing factor of historical fiction novels, their setting should accurately reflect a real historical period and place. For instance, the story might be set in New York City during the Great Depression or in France during World War II.

Characters

The main characters in historical fiction can be real people, fictional, or a combination of both. However, they must act, speak, and look in ways that accurately reflect the era. Historical fiction typically includes fictional characters that interact with real-life historical figures or events. These characters may represent the time period or culture, and they help the reader relate to the historical setting. Introducing historical characters may also help the author flesh out the lesser-known elements of historical characters’ personalities.

Plot

In historical fiction, the plot combines real and fictional events. While characters, cities, and events can be invented, they must remain consistent with the time period. The plot in historical fiction usually centers around significant historical events for a particular period. The fictional story is interwoven with actual historical events, creating a sense of immersion and realism.

Historical dialogue

Historical fiction often includes dialogue that reflects the time period’s language, tone, and mannerisms. The language and dialogue help to transport the reader back in time and create a more authentic experience.

Dialogue in the historical novel should be as authentic as possible to the time period and reflect the speaking characters’ social status. For instance, British soldiers during the Revolutionary War would not use contemporary Western slang. However, it is crucial not to overdo the historical dialogue to make the novel difficult to read.

Conflict

The conflicts encountered by characters in historical fiction should represent people’s problems during that era. This may include social or political unrest, war, or cultural clashes. The conflict adds tension and excitement to the story and helps the reader to understand the historical context.

Great historical fiction books to try

If you’re interested in exploring the historical fiction genre for yourself, here are some great examples of historical fiction to start with:

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

In the village of Carriveau, Vianne Mauriac sees her husband, Antoine, off to war, believing that the Nazis will not invade France. However, the Nazis soon come with marching soldiers, tanks, and planes.

When a German captain takes over her home, Vianne and her daughter must live with the enemy or risk losing everything. Meanwhile, Vianne’s sister Isabelle, an impetuous teenager, falls in love with Gaëtan, a partisan who believes that the French can fight the Nazis from within France.

Listen to The Nightingale here on Speechify.

The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett

The historical novel The Pillars of the Earth is a thriller that tells the story of the building of a cathedral in the fictional town of Kingsbridge, England, in the 12th century.

The book spans several decades and explores the lives of a variety of characters as they navigate the political and social upheavals of the time. The novel also delves into the intricacies of medieval architecture, economics, and church politics.

The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco

The Name of the Rose is a historical mystery novel set in a 14th-century Italian monastery. An elderly monk, Adso of Melk, recalls a week-long investigation into a series of bizarre murders that occur within the walls of the monastery.

William of Baskerville, a Franciscan friar and former Inquisitor, arrives to solve the mystery. He is aided by Adso, his young apprentice at the time. As they dig deeper into the investigation, they uncover a labyrinth of political and theological intrigue.

War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy

War and Peace is a classic novel by Leo Tolstoy that follows the lives of several aristocratic families during the French invasion of Russia in the early 19th century. The novel features an expansive scope and detailed character development, as well as philosophical reflections on the nature of history, war, and love.

Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell

The historical novel Gone with the Wind takes place in the American South during the Civil War and Reconstruction era. It follows the life of Scarlett O’Hara, a headstrong and selfish Southern belle, as she navigates the hardships of war and its aftermath. The novel explores themes of love, loss, survival, and the devastating effects of war on individuals and society.

Enjoy historical fiction on Speechify Audiobooks

If you enjoy historical fiction, check out Speechify Audiobooks. Speechify provides a vast library of audiobooks, including historical fiction titles.

You can listen to your favorite books while commuting, working out, or relaxing. The app also includes features like variable speed playback, which allows you to adjust the narration speed and highlight and take notes while listening.

Try Speechify Audiobooks to enjoy historical fiction in a whole new way.

FAQ

What are the types of historical fiction?

Different types of historical fiction include historical romance, biographical historical fiction, historical adventures or mysteries, alternate history, and historical epics or sagas.

What is the difference between historical fiction and non-fiction?

Creative nonfiction aims to read like a novel while presenting events that are entirely factual. Historical fiction often involves both real and made-up events and characters.

How is historical fiction different from other types of fiction?

Historical fiction differs from other types of fiction because it features a specific historical period and real historical events, settings, and characters. While other types of fiction may also incorporate historical elements, historical fiction typically focuses on capturing the essence of a particular time and place.