Dear Readers … 2025 has been a year of uncertainty for many of us with unexpected changes and growing concern. For me, that uncertainty has spread into my private life with daily anxiety, as well as into my blogging and writing life with scattered efforts and indecision.
I sat down this morning to write a post, glanced at a list of potential topics crafted two weeks ago, did a quick Google search for ideas – no inspiration, no spark of creativity. But then the word ‘gift’ came to mind. The gift of historical fiction.
Let’s think about that for a moment.
Historical fiction transports us in time and place, exposes us to unfamiliar customs and attitudes, brings to life the challenges of living and loving in long ago eras that are foreign and yet universal. In the process, historical fiction subtly educates us about wars and famous figures, catastrophes and triumphs, celebrated discoveries, unsung heroes … the list goes on. As we read, we gain insights into the human condition that are as applicable to today as they were hundreds, even thousands, of years ago.
A few years ago, I began a new topic on how historical fiction illuminates today’s issues. Another gift of this compelling genre.
The novel I’m currently reading – an advanced copy of Elisabeth Storrs upcoming Fables & Lies – is an example. Set in WW2, the novel is about the Aryan myth, museum curators dedicated to protecting Germany’s treasures, and the race to save the Trojan Gold in the fall of Berlin. It’s a compelling tale of how a nation can be mesmerized by a fanatical leader, believe the narrative that leader spins, and blindly follow his orders. Definitely a lesson for today.
May your new year be full of the gift of historical fiction.
FOR MORE ON READING & WRITING HISTORICAL FICTION FOLLOW A WRITER OF HISTORY. There’s a SUBSCRIBE function on the right hand side of the page.
M.K. Tod writes historical fiction. Her latest novel THAT WAS THEN is a contemporary thriller. Mary’s other novels, THE ADMIRAL’S WIFE, PARIS IN RUINS, TIME AND REGRET, LIES TOLD IN SILENCE and UNRAVELLED are available from Amazon, Nook, Kobo, Google Play and iTunes. She can be contacted on Facebook or on her website www.mktod.com.
