When writing historical fiction, many authors find a person or a time that intrigues them, a puzzling question of what really happened long ago, an emotional situation that remains relevant to today’s readers, or an issue that is similar to what the world or that author is facing.
In November 2022, I wrote a post introducing a new topic: How historical fiction illuminates the issues of today. Let’s have a look at some novels that I’ve featured or read since then.
The Stationary Shop by Marian Kamali was in my 2024 reading list. It features a love story that begins in Iran just before the coup that occurred 60 or so years ago. It’s also a look at how theocracy took over as the ruling power in that country. Today, Iran remains a theocracy while countries like Hungary and Turkey have adopted laws and policies leading in that direction.
As the book description says, Trust by Hernan Diaz “engages the reader in a quest for the truth while confronting the deceptions that often live at the heart of personal relationships, the reality-warping force of capital, and the ease with which power can manipulate facts.” I don’t know about you, but each of these themes feels highly relevant to me. The novel prompted a great discussion at bookclub.
Lisa Ard, author of Brighter Than Her Fears considers America now and in the 1880s. Lisa comments that history books provide facts. Historical fiction allows readers to learn people’s stories in the context of that history. It brings history to life. When historical fiction resonates with today’s issues, readers enjoy comparing the past to the present. Read the article here.
In The Role of Politics in Historical Fiction, Samantha Rajaram and Carrie Callaghan discuss the concept of political power. Carrie says: “I want our readers of today to see how the threads of power and politics have always formed the weft and weave of human lives.” Power and politics of the past can be directly compared to power and politics of today.
The Guest Book by Sarah Blake is a great read. It too has ideas and characters that resonate for today’s world that I wrote about two years ago. Blake writes: “Wars, plagues, names upon tombs tell us only what happened. But history lies in the cracks between. In the inexplicable, invisible turns – when someone puts a hand down, pushes open one particular gate, and steps through.”
Piper Huguley, writing about her novel By Her Own Design, spoke of the themes she explored: “The themes are quite universal. How far someone is willing to go to fulfill their dreams, the importance of work in a woman’s life and how women support one another.” With Anne Lowe, the main character of Piper’s novel, we see a black woman who became a celebrated dress designer, so well known that she designed Jackie Kennedy’s wedding dress. And yet, Anne Lowe endured prejudice and discrimination just as we see in today’s society.
In Historical Fiction, Feminism, and Humanitarian Issues, author Janie Chang, co-author of The Phoenix Crown, says: “Historical fiction adds context to modern-day social problems. Like science fiction, we can comment on our world in oblique (or maybe not so oblique) terms, but unlike science fiction, our examples are drawn from history. We read about infanticide and child labour in the past tense. Historical fiction sharpens our outrage when we realize that such issues still exist in our supposedly enlightened times because we’ve already met its victims.”
Eva Stachniak, author of The School of Mirrors and several other historical novels, shared the inspiration behind this novel which is set in 18th century France. In Eva’s words, the story “was inspired by #metoo movement and illuminates two distinctly different paths available to women in 18th century France, being a toy in the hands of powerful men or having a profession that sustained them such as midwifery.”
With historical fiction there’s always lots to think about along with a great story!
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.
4 Responses
This is a great discussion. I think one of the great appeals of historical fiction is its power to stimulate reflection on issues across history.
So true, Maryka. I imagine you have this in mind when you write!
Great article and very timely! I have just put a hold on Ship of Fools by Katherine Ann Porter, an older novel about a cruise ship en route from America to Germany in the early 30s and the rise of Naziism. Interestingly enough, the Toronto Public Library has one copy on the shelves but there are 14 more copies on order. They appear to be paying attention to current affairs; not a surprise since it is a wonderful library system which we are very lucky to have.
This sounds like an excellent book, Cathy. Many thanks for the recommendation.