Historical fiction never goes out of style as a literary genre. No longer derided as “bodice-rippers” with anachronisms or boring textbooks dressed up with poor plots, historical fiction is gaining the respect of critics and readers, and regularly appears on bestseller lists around the world.
Definitions vary as to how far in the past the time setting must be to qualify, but Walter Scott, who is credited with “inventing” the historical novel in English during the early 19th century, provides a useful criterion in the subtitle of “Waverley,” his initial historical novel, the story of Scottish life at the time of the Jacobite Rebellion of 1745: “‘Tis Sixty Years Since.”
Generally, this limits it to events that take place at least 60 years before publication, during a historical period with which the author has no personal experience.
Historical fiction is one of the more demanding narrative forms, as the author must master verifiability and invention. The historical novelist must balance the difficulties of representing history accurately and telling a good story while imaginatively filling in the gaps and lack of historical record. Take too much latitude with the facts of history and the illusion of authenticity is shattered; take too little and the information of history never comes to life.
Booklist Online recently listed these as outstanding historical novels (for both adults and youths) of the past year:
“The Marriage of Opposites” by Alice Hoffman
Opening in 1807 in a Jewish enclave on the Caribbean island of Saint Thomas, home to headstrong yet mystical Rachel Pomié, Hoffman’s rhapsodic novel uncloaks the family history of impressionist painter Camille Pissarro.
“The Secret Chord” by Geraldine Brooks
In her gorgeously written novel of ambition, courage, retribution and triumph, Brooks imagines the life and character of King David in all his complexity, from his humble childhood through old age.
“The Sympathizer” by Viet Thanh Nguyen
In this dark and unsettling novel of war and disillusionment, Nguyen portrays a nameless spy, interrogator and Vietnamese Communist sympathizer at the mercy of those he once supported. Winner of the 2016 Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Fiction.
“Villa America” by Liza Klaussmann
Klaussmann fictionalizes the lives of Gerald and Sara Murphy, the well-off, alluringly unconventional expat couple who inspired F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “Tender Is the Night,” in this enrapturing historical novel of a loving marriage complicated by suppressed desire during a time of now-legendary creative ferment.
“Burn Baby Burn” by Meg Medina (for ninth- through 12th-graders)
This atmospheric novel sets Cuban American Nora’s teenage struggles with family and independence against the backdrop of New York’s infamous summer of 1977, marked by blackouts, arson and the Son of Sam killings.
“The Lie Tree” by Frances Hardinge (for seventh- through 12th-graders)
When 14-year-old Faith’s father meets a tragic end, she investigates his death while caring for a dangerous plant specimen. The result is a layered mystery that examines science, religion and gender roles in 1868.
“Lillian’s Right to Vote: A Celebration of the Voting Rights Act of 1965” by Jonah Winter (for first- through fourth-graders)
This vibrantly illustrated picture book follows the footsteps of an elderly African American woman on her way to the ballot box while recalling her family’s journey to obtain the right to vote.
“Salt to the Sea” by Ruta Sepetys (for ninth- through 12th-graders)
Four young people give voice to history’s worst maritime disaster, the sinking of the Wilhelm Gustloff during World War II. With exquisite prose, Sepetys shapes a haunting narrative that won’t soon be forgotten.
Sandra Dreaden is the Crestview Public Library's reference librarian.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: DREADEN: 8 historical fiction books you should 'check out'