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eira_arian


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Historical Novels
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Can fiction ever be truly historically accurate? Does it matter as long as its a good story? What do you think?


Some cases in point.


1. The Other Boleyn Girl - Phillippa Gregory. Very good read - well written and absorbing. The characters are well developed and the love arc is believeable. However, the story was somewhat spoiled for me when I found out that Mary - the 'other Boleyn girl' - who is portrayed as the innocent in the family next to her sister and father's brazen scheming, was in fact the whore of the King of France before she returned to England to become Henry VIIIs mistress.


2. Regeneration - Pat Barker. Wonderful novel, using historical settings and real life situations in a moving, intense and thought provoking way, to enhance the character study that she is presenting. One of the best books I've ever read - very inspirational.


3. Charlotte Grey / Birdsong - Sebastian Faulks. Again, wonderful use of history. The world wars are really an extra character in these books - for the study of relationships in Birdsong and the portrayal of a community in Charlotte Grey. Fantastic.


4. Forever Amber - Kathleen Winsor. Rip-roaring bodice ripper. Exploits all the glamour and grandeur of restoration England. Yes, the story is unlikely, but the historical element gives it the shine of excitement and glitter that really bring it to life.


5. Dissolution - CJ Sansom. Gripping historical thriller set in a monastery. Again, sounds unlikely, but the historical setting and the interesting plot give it a little extra something that makes it stand out from the crowd.


Yes, I do read a lot of historical fiction.....



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imoen


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I also read a lot of historical fiction, and I don't think that the accuracy matters all that much. However, it has to be accurate enough to not get in the way of the story if that follows, if the history is too inaccurate it spoils the effect but aside from that i don't think the accuracy matters provided the reader remembers it's a novel not a text book!


I'm afraid I don't have any cases in point, perhaps someone else could provide them for me



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Salmon


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I am crazy about history. So naturally I love historical fiction. I usually love reading about the times of the Hundred Years War and the Napoleonic Wars. But I also love the early colonial times in America. I dont mind the World Wars either. I am currently reading Leon Uris' Battlecry and should finish it in two hours unless my mother comes shouting at me to study

My favourites till now are:

All works by James Fenimore Cooper - I read an abridged version of 'Last of the Mohicans' when I was a little kid and loved it. This man has become one of my favourite authors now. His 'Leatherstocking Tales' are amazing.

War and Peace by Tolstoy - I dont like his works much, but this one is a notable exception. Its really surprising that I did not try it till this January.

All historical plays by Shakespeare - Henry V being my favourite. I sometimes deliver the speeches to myself when I am alone "We few, we happy few....." I say that almost daily.

I also like Alexander Cordell's Rape of a Fair Country and will try to get his other books.

I see that someone mentions Pat Barker. I have tried it but since I am going for a massive book shopping soon, Ill try to get it.









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eira_arian


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Regeneration is a great book...but fairly graphic with a fair bit of homoeroticism (although not as much as the next two in the trilogy) - just to warn you

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Salmon


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Thats fine, its the proper content that matters....

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eira_arian


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Well...that sort of is the 'proper content'. Along with other stuff obviously....

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Salmon


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I dont mind anything as long is it is in its proper place.

I was supposed to go to the store today, but could not.
We have a good bookshop chain here actually, called 'Landmark'. No comparisons with Blackwell's though.

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yesyesbadboy


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SORRY, LITTLE BROTHER WAS PLAYING ABOUT

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Sheddie


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It's ok, I've deleted his post

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Count Zero


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i like classcial historical novels, have read books on alexander the great and julius ceaser along with other figures from antiquity. Its diffciult to tell how much the authors fudge from the truth and how much is speculation, eg books on alexander where so little can be verified. Most of the books tend to have notes at the end saying whats been changed for the storys purpose.


i would recommend for people interested valerio massiono manfredi's trilogy on Alexander and conn igguldens Emperor quartet on julius ceaser for fictional historcial novels, both all out so there no waiting around, something i personally hate.


am trying my had at factual books now, have two on the go, one on the fall of the roman empire and one on alexander so will see how i get on.   



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eira_arian


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Don't suppose the one on the fall of Rome was 'The Fall of ROme and the End of Civilisation'??

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Count Zero


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no it actaul titlie is The Fall of the Roman Empire: A New History by p. heather

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eira_arian


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Count Zero wrote:

no it actaul titlie is The Fall of the Roman Empire: A New History by p. heather

 PETER HEATHER??!! What a ledge! He's at Oxford - he tutors two of my friends!

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Count Zero


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yeah thats him, quite a good book i think, havent read much tho.



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