Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres of fiction because you can learn so much about your history or world history through the eyes of characters who are participating in the events.
One of my favorite authors is John Jakes, who wrote a series of books known as The North and South Trilogy. In these books we follow the lives of two families – one a northern family who has roots in the steel industry and one a southern family who owns a plantation just outside of Charleston, SC – who are brought together after the oldest boys in the family becomes friends while attending military academy together a fighting side by side in the Mexican War.
What I love about these books is that the characters become involved in the war, as soldiers, financiers and activists, and we can follow them as they attend and participate in one historic event after another. Going over the maneuvers of theUnionand Confederate battles is informative, but having your character present during a strategic decision from a Civil War general brings a whole new light on what each side was facing as oppositions.Readingabout the confederate soldiers fighting without shoes or very little clothes in the winter is one thing, but reading about your character in the novel suffering the same fate and hearing the thoughts or conversations that he is having about the suffering of his comrades brings a new perspective.
Another great historical novelist who is known for his portrayal of the Battle of Gettysburg is Michael Shaara– author of Killer Angels. Shaara introduces us to lowly soldiers, mediocre officers who did not make the history books and the famous generals themselves as he covers the large and small events that occurred during the days that made up the Battle of Gettysburg.
Readingnovels about historical events – peaces of fiction where often fictional characters interact with the actual historical figures – can bring a new perspective to readers who want to know more about these events.
Have you ever read a book that changed your perspective about a historical event?
I tweeted this post today. I’m a felwolor of all these resources but PBS Booklights. I checked out Booklights today. I like it. Thanks for sharing. The We Teach Ning is great! I hope some of your readers join! There is a group called we teach reading.