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I often get asked why historical fiction? Why is historical fiction the genre I devour cover to cover? And why write historical fiction when it’s one of the most cumbersome, challenging genres to write? I think to answer that effectively, I first have to answer what is the history of historical fiction and how exactly do we define it?
A Complex Genre
Before we can examine the history of historical fiction, we need to discuss how to even define this genre as a whole.
Historical fiction is one of the trickiest genres to define. If you look it up anywhere you’ll get twelve different explanations. A genre of fiction that takes place in the past. A style of fiction whose events must take place at least fifty years ago etc. Those are the generic dictionary type definitions. To me, I think this is best answered by one of my favorite quotes by novelist Guy Vanderhaeghe. He says– “History tells us what people do: historical fiction helps us imagine how they felt.”
The History of Historical Fiction
The origin of historical fiction is also difficult to pinpoint for similar reasons. Historians and researchers have pointed to a few different origin points for the genre. For example, some have argued Homer and The Illiad (762 BCE) or Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Knight’s Tale (1476) could be origin examples. Others have pointed to Shakespeare’s Richard II (1597). Just like the varying definitions, interpretations are wide and varied on this point. Partly because these works would have been written during the time they take place rather in the past, so do they really qualify under current definitions? Depends who you ask… The only general consensus is that the genre has been around for awhile and continues to grow in popularity.
Where the History & Creativity Combine
So, why is historical fiction so popular? We always want to connect with the characters we’re reading about. But what if the character is based on someone who actually lived? That completely ups the stakes! Historical fiction not only allows us to learn about history, we get to experience it with the character. This blurring of fact and fiction is what makes the historical fiction genre special. It intrigues readers into wanting to google facts and learn more as they read.
The other thing that makes historical fiction special is it’s the only genre that’s all encompassing and inclusive of everyone and all tastes. You like spy action thrillers? Check out a spy action thriller that takes place during WWII and guess what- it’s still considered historical fiction! Romance? Check out Outlander and every other time travel or Regency historical romance on the shelves. If you google examples of historical fiction, you’ll find examples of every genre imaginable that just take place in the past.
Are you won over? Do you now feel you can not only defend historical fiction’s honor, but even understand why historical fiction is the best genre ever?
Historical Fiction Stats to Consider!
I’ll leave you with this to consider. Just over half (54%) of Americans read at least one book last year. Surprisingly, the largest age group who read? Millenials. 80% of respondents between the ages of 18-35 read a book in the last twelve months. And here’s the final kicker- Historical Fiction was the third most popular genre read, falling only after mysteries and fantasies. 25% of all respondents across the range of all ages read a historical fiction book last year. It was also one of the genres least influenced by gender, enjoyed by both men and women almost equally.
So, now do you see why I’m so fascinated/ obsessed with this genre? Thankfully, I’m not alone and I love to share. So, to enjoy some of my favorite historical fiction books check out my Book Lists page below! Enjoy!
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