“Historical Fiction or Fictionalized History?…” Article written by Joanne Brown ALAN Review Fall 1998

Problems with Historical Fiction Definition of truth Balance between historical details and fictional elements Demand for authenticity and accuracy Issue of provenance

Problem of Definition What is historical fiction? How “past” is “past?” Historic Fiction or Historical Fiction? Revealing character of a historic person Revealing history through a fictional character (keyhole history)

Problem of Truth Historical Fiction v Fictional History? Interpretive nature of both fiction & history Writer’s interpretation of a chain of events St. activities must require research, critical analysis, and synthesis of information

Problem of Balance Period is portrayed through miniscule details How to keep the story moving but also convey necessary detail to bring the period alive Must be a balance of detail and plot

Problem of Accuracy Primary obligation of all historical fiction What is accuracy involves brutal or immoral behavior? How to deal with accurate language and vocabulary? First person is very difficult Narrator’s voice is filtered through contemporary thought on the topic (war, gender, race)

Help Students to Question the interpretations of the past offered by a single historical novel Make connections between past and present issues Discuss how culture or race are presented Assess accuracy by researching or reading more novels about the period