'Knowing' history; writing for effect

 

“Fictionshould be about moral dilemmas that are so bloody difficult that the authordoesn't know the answer.” – Pat Barker

Patricia Mary W. (“Pat”) Barkerwas born on this date in 1943, an English writer whose Regeneration Trilogycollectively has often been cited among the 10 Best Historical Fiction works inEnglish literature.   Winner of numerousawards, she generally focuses her writing on themes of trauma, survival andrecovery.

 

Barkergrew up as a voracious reader in a working class neighborhood inYorkshire.  She studied international history at the London School ofEconomics and turned to writing in her mid-30s. After early failures (her first 3 novels were rejected), she broke ontothe scene in 1982 with Union Street,the first of 3 books set in the Yorkshire region of her youth.

 

Barkerwon the 1983 Fawcett Society Prize for Fiction for Union Street.  In 1993 she won the Guardian Fiction Prizefor Eye in the Door, and in 1995 she won the Booker Prize for TheGhost Road.   Her writing style often incorporates realhistorical figures with those she creates.  

                                

 “When writing about historical characters Itry to be as accurate as possible, and in particular not to misrepresent theview they held. With a real historical figure you have to be fair, and this isnot an obligation you have in dealing with your own creations, so it is quitedifferent.” 

 

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