Historical Fiction

Q: What's an example of historical fiction?

An example of historical fiction is Anthony Doerr’s All the Light We Cannot See (2014)

Q: What are the 4 elements of historical fiction?

The 4 elements of historical fiction are:1. The backdrop or setting involves a real-life place at a specific time in history.2. Historical fiction blends the elements of fiction and history.3. The language and dialogue reflect the time and place the narrative is set in.4. Works of historical fiction often include fictionalised versions of real-life historical figures.

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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 refers to those narratives that are fictional but set in a historical backdrop. Real-life historical events typically have a significant impact on the storyline.

For example, Anthony Doerr’s All the Light We Cannot See (2014) features fictional characters, but the events of the story are set during the German occupation of France in World War 2, which is a historical, real-life event. This backdrop with its fictional plot and characters makes the novel a work of historical fiction.

Historical fiction: characteristics

The genre of historical fiction typically has the following features:

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.
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.
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.
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:

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.
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.
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:

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.
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:

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.
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.
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.

Historical Fiction - Key takeaways

Historical fiction includes narratives that are fictional but set in a historical backdrop. Real-life historical events typically have a significant impact on the storyline.
Historical fiction overlaps with other genres including crime, epics, fantasy and romance.
Works of historical fiction feature language and dialogue that reflect the period and location it is set in.
Famous authors of works of historical fiction include Ken Follett, Kate Quinn and Sebastian Faulks.
Historical fiction is a genre that continues to evolve and is popular among readers.

Frequently Asked Questions about Historical Fiction

Historical fiction refers to those narratives that are fictional but set in a historical backdrop. Real-life historical events typically have a significant impact on the storyline.

Historical fiction is a genre popular among readers of genre fiction. It offers a different perspective on historical events and their impact on everyday persons. Historical fiction can also be a great source of information about a historical event.

An example of historical fiction is Anthony Doerr’s All the Light We Cannot See (2014)

The 4 elements of historical fiction are:

1. The backdrop or setting involves a real-life place at a specific time in history.

2. Historical fiction blends the elements of fiction and history.

3. The language and dialogue reflect the time and place the narrative is set in.

4. Works of historical fiction often include fictionalised versions of real-life historical figures.

To write a work of historical fiction, you can start out by researching the historical period and location you want to set your narrative in. Investigate how people lived their lives and how historical events affected them. Then you can iron out the fictional plot in this historical background and flesh out your protagonists.

Final Historical Fiction Quiz

Historical Fiction Quiz - Teste dein Wissen

Question

True or false: historical fiction includes only facts about a historical event

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Answer

True

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Question

True or false: historical fiction involves the blending of historical facts with a fictional narrative

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Answer

True

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Question

Which of the following works of historical fiction is set during World War 2?

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Answer

Darkfire by C. J. Sansom

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Name any work of historical fiction by Sebastian Faulks

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Answer

Birdsong or The Girl at the Lion d'Or

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Which themes did the works of Sebastian Faulks focus on?

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War-related themes

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Which of the following authors is not known for works of historical fiction?

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Kate Quinn

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Which of the following is not a work of crime historical fiction?

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The Pillars of the Earth

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Name a work written by Kate Quin

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1. The Alice Network

2. The Diamond Eye

3. The Rose Code

4. The Huntress

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True or false: Historical fiction is an outdated genre no longer read

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True

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Ken Follett's Knightsbridge series involves the construction of a __________

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palace

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What is historical romance fiction?

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Fiction which combines both history and romance.

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What is an examples of historical romance fiction?

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Philippa Gregory's The Other Boleyn Girl (2001)

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True or false: the difference between historical fiction and historical romance is that only historical fiction takes place in the past, historical romance can be set in the present.

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False.

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Who is the author of The Black Moth (1921)?

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Georgette Heyer

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Which book is set in the Tudor era?

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The Other Boleyn Girl (2001) by Philippa Gregory

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True or false: historical romance fiction is considered a subgenre of historical fiction.

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True.

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Romance is a genre of fiction that focuses on...

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romantic love

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Which of these is a historical fiction mystery romance novel?

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Deanna Raybourn’s A Curious Beginning (2015)

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Question

True or false: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (2008) by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows is set after World War II.

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True.

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True or false: 'the other' in The Other Boleyn Girl (2001) by Philippa Gregory refers to Anne Boleyn, wife of Henry VIII.

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False.

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Question

What is the difference between historical fiction and fantasy?

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Answer

The difference between the historical fiction genre and the fantasy genre is that they are two different genres. They both have made-up elements to them, because fantasy is not real, and neither is the fictional plot in historical fiction.

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What's an example of historical fiction?

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An example of historical fiction is Markus Zusak’s The Book Thief (2005). This is historical fiction because it is fiction that is set in Nazi Germany in the early 20th Century. It does not have any fantasy elements so it is not historical fantasy fiction.

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What is historical fantasy?

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Historical fantasy fiction consists of 3 elements: history, fantasy and fiction. This fictional genre focuses on a particular historical era. The fantasy element could be in the form of magic or it could include mythical creatures, like dragons and fairies.

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What is a key characteristic of historical fiction?

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A key characteristic of historical fiction is that it has a historical setting. It is set in an era in history.

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How do you write a historical fiction fantasy?

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To write a historical fiction fantasy, make sure to include the key characteristics of a historical setting, elements of fantasy, elements of fiction, and world-building. Include these in the plot as you are building your characters and deciding your themes.

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What can do to keep track of the limits of magic or magical fantasy elements in your historical fantasy fiction?

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When building a fantasy world, it can be helpful to decide on a set of rules that your fantasy world functions on. This could help you keep track of how magic, for example, works in your historical fantasy fiction.

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How is Diana Gabaldon's Outlander (1991) an example of historical fantasy fiction?

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It is set during the Second World War in the early 20th Century and also in 18th Century Scotland.

The protagonist, Claire Beauchamp, is able to time travel to 18th Century Scotland. Time travel is a concept found in the fantasy genre.

The events featured in the book did not happen in reality, so it is a work of fiction.

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How is Cassandra Clare's Clockwork Angel (2010) an example of historical fantasy fiction?

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It is set in the late 19th Century in London.

It follows the adventures of the protagonist Tessa Gray as she is confronted with a world of Shadowhunters (demon fighters) and demons.

It follows rules to help set the limits of the magical elements of this historical fantasy fiction.

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What is fantasy crime historical fiction?

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Fantasy crime in the historical fiction genre is when a crime happens in a fantasy world (usually based on mythology or folklore). This happens against a backdrop of a historical era.

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What is an example of fantasy crime historical fiction?

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Ben Aaronovitch's Rivers of London (2011) is an example of fantasy crime historical fiction. It details the adventures of a police officer in London who handles supernatural and magical cases.

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More about Historical Fiction

Select your language

Historical Fiction

Historical Fiction

Historical fiction: meaning

Historical fiction: characteristics

Historical fiction books: genre overlaps

Historical fantasy fiction

Historical fantasy fiction examples

Historical crime fiction or historical thrillers

Historical crime fiction or historical thrillers examples

Historical fiction authors

Historical fiction today

Historical Fiction - Key takeaways

Frequently Asked Questions about Historical Fiction

What is historical fiction?

Why is historical fiction important?

What's an example of historical fiction?

What are the 4 elements of historical fiction?

How to write historical fiction?

Final Historical Fiction Quiz

Historical Fiction Quiz - Teste dein Wissen

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