Historical Fiction
A novel set among actual events or a specific period of history
A type of FictionThe setting is a vital detail of Historical Fiction storiesTypically, these types of stories are written by someone who did NOT live during the specific time period and therefore, only uses research to construct the story and maintain accuracy, not first-hand accounts
A type of Fiction con’tDespite the required research, the setting, plot and characters MAY be fictitiousThe setting, story and characters MUST be portrayed as if they could have POSSIBLY happened during the specific time period
Sometimes, famous events appear from points of view not recorded in history, showing historical figures dealing with actual events while depicting them in a way that is not recorded in history
Other times, the historical event complements a story's narrative, occurring in the background while characters deal with events (personal or otherwise) wholly unrelated to recorded history
However…
If the author deviates too much from the historical accuracy of the time period or event, it may not be considered Historical Fiction, but may then fall into the genre of alternate history, which is known for speculating on what could have happened if a significant historical event had gone differently
Book Examples (+25 years)
Gone with the Wind by
Margaret Mitchell
Beloved by Toni Morrison
To Kill a Mockingbird by
Harper Lee
Book Examples (past 25 years)
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen
The Help by Kathryn Stockett
American Historical Fiction
This genre began during colonial times in AmericaThen, it follows the development of America through the Frontier times, the Civil War, Reconstruction, WWI and WWII, to current American events
Historical Fiction in other countries
Most countries have their own variations of this genre that traces the beginning of their country to present dayTime periods include Ancient Greece, Ancient Rome and The Renaissance
Prizes for Historical Fiction
There are no awards specifically designated to this genre, but several books from this genre have won various awardsFor example, Gone with the Wind (novel) won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction in 1937The movie won 10 Academy Awards
Famous Historical Fiction Movies
Gone with the WindCasablancaThe Sound of MusicThe GodfatherRaiders of the Lost ArkInglourious Basterds
Finally…
On a similar note, events occurring in historical fiction must adhere to the laws of physics. Stories that extend into the magical or fantastic are often considered a historical fantasy
Summary
So, Historical Fiction is a type of story that is set among actual events or a specific period in history, although EVERY detail of the story may not be 100% true