Historical fiction is a literary genre wherein the plot evolves in a time and place somewhere in the past with a crucial component of historical fiction being that it explores the prejudices, prevailing social conditions and trends of the period depicted. It’s a broad term for a genre that has evolved to include many subgenres with examples including alternate history, historical fantasy to name but two. Of course, all genres attract their share of critics and the Historical Fiction genre is no different. From online reader reviews to literary commentators Historical Fiction novels are often criticized for their lack of authenticity because of inaccuracies in the events recounted. Because of this definitions differ as to what constitutes a ‘genuine’ historical novel and when the term ’historical novel’ might properly be used. More importantly it begs the question as to What Makes Bestselling Historical Fiction Novels.
It’s not a debate with an easy answer but what we can say for sure is that Historical Fiction has rich and diverse roots, especially in the UK and the USA. With notable luminaries including American James Fenimore Cooper, English author Georgette Heyer and Scottish novelist and poet Naomi Mitchison though the genre has since significantly evolved. Interest has waxed and waned over the years but works like Ken Follett‘s Pillars of the Earth, Neal Stephenson‘s Baroque Cycle and Pat Barker‘s Regeneration Trilogyhave laid the foundations for an enthusiastic readership which continues to grow. Indeed, there are few fans of the genre who haven’t read The Other Boleyn Girl, by British historian and author Philippa Gregory, Water for Elephants by Canadian-American writer Sara Gruen, Wolf Hall by English writer Hilary Mantel or Beloved by the iconic American writer Toni Morrison. This brings us back to the debate as to what constitutes a ‘genuine’ historical novel and what all the aforementioned authors have in common is exceptional attention to detail. They bring the periods about which they write to life and in doing so add an all-prevailing sense of authenticity to their works. The key is robust research. It’s time-consuming but can never be overrated.
Google ‘Writing Historical Fiction’ and there is plenty of advice to be had but research by necessity should always be at the top of an aspiring or established Historical Fiction authors list. As always we welcome your feedback and for authors penning their first Historical Fiction novel the resources listed below are a great place to begin that all-important research.
British Records Society (archive)
British Monarchy (Royal Archives)
We work with both traditionally published and “indie” authors who have self or independently published books and our mission is simple. It’s to discover new and talented authors and help them give their work the attention and awareness it deserves. We do this by providing professional and credible reviews which are respected by our readers. Our primary focus is on fiction across all genres, non – fiction with broad appeal and selected poetry.
Senlac is a two-part historical novel that brings to life the turbulent period leading to the Norman conquest of England in 1066, when the English were forced to defend the kingdom against invasions by both the Normans and the Vikings.
Blending fact and artistic licence he creates an absorbing and plausible narrative that moves seamlessly between characters and scenes. A narrative that is fearsomely visceral yet remains exquisitely in period throughout.
Brynte Godric quickly learns being crowned king was the easy part. Keeping that crown is what’s dangerous. With everyone from a world-ruling organization to his mother after the crown, Bry has a lot of fighting ahead. So he’s surprised the arranged marriage to the shy young Princess Stori goes better than expected. With it, he has averted one war. Now on to the next!
While the occult is a broad umbrella, hiding its many forms under its silky black folds, it’s concepts have endured through time, enjoying many a resurgence through the ages. The term ‘occultism’, is relatively new, not used in French or English literature, for instance, until the 19th Century, although the term ‘occult sciences’ was commonly used in the 16th Century to describe practices such as astrology, alchemy, mysticism, and natural magic.
The Best Fantasy Fiction Book Reviews From BookViral Share on facebook Share on google Share on twitter Share on linkedin The Devil Pulls The Strings
Graft, a former U.S. Marine, does not simply talk the talk. He has also walked the walk in his creation of an intriguing and believable world., His superb eye for detail is tribute to the fact that he spent weeks researching and living with Nomadic herders in Mongolia
From humble beginnings in 2002 as a book review club BookViral has grown to become the first choice in book reviews for authors around the world and one of the biggest book review sites on the web. BookViral reaches millions of potential readers through best practice SEO and a trusted social media presence ensuring readers get unbiased, critical recommendations they can trust.
BookViral also offers a full suite of author services, including, book editing services for unpublished and self-published authors, website design and bespoke SEO that help authors get discovered by more potential readers as well as industry influencers, such as publishers, agents and film executives.
© Copyright 2019 BookViral Reviews. All Rights Reserved.