American Historical Fiction discussion
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Nic
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Mar 05, 2011 07:52PM
Hello, my name is Nic. I have always enjoyed reading history. I've mostly read non-fiction history but I've recently started trying to find good historical fiction to read.
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Hi there,I read a lot of historical fiction but mostly in other countries. I am currently reading The Invisible Bridge which is set in Europe just before WWII. I am interested to see some American Historical Fiction books!
Lisa
Mod
Hi, I’m Alan. I have loved to read and write since a very early age. I attended the University of Arkansas/Little Rock where I got degrees in History and Engineering. My History Prof’s told me to never read historical fiction. They said it would ruin my perception of the real world and I would not be able to write effectively about historical events. I disagree and love to read both. When I can find a good author that can blend the two together I am in hog heaven. I am so glad to be here with like minded people. I cannot wait to read some of your thoughts.
Mod
I think that having a degree in history makes someone more finicky about historical fiction. If you know something about the period because you studied it, then you definitely notice when the concept of a novel would never work for historical reasons, or the characters aren't faithful to the period or the details are off.
Jenny, I agree with you in that historical fiction is a great way to get people reading about a usually dry subject.Shomeret, I agree with you too. It is very hard to put a factual based fiction story on paper. It takes talent and perseverance.
The Prof’s in college told me that although historical fiction was fun to read it could be damaging to the educational process. They try to teach a subject in class and the students get confused because they read a book where it did not happen the way the teacher is telling it. So I understand their point of view also. Writing historical fiction will be a hard road to travel for me but I believe it can be done and maintain the history of the moment. The reader will need to know that he or she is reading historical fiction and that they should understand that it is for entertainment.
I also have a degree in history; I think it does make me "pickier." On the other hand, the good stuff is a great way to sink yourself into another place and time in ways that non-fiction really can't (at least in my experience).My largest shelf is "history," and the "historical-fiction" one is not far behind it.
Author Jerome Charyn (Johnny One-Eye and The Secret Life of Emily Dickinson) wrote these words I take to heart: "Fiction often has a greater truth than most historical texts. I think of Napoleon, and I read War and Peace to get a sense of that particular time. Novelists see history as a story. We're not burdened by "inaccuracies."
I know this, history is often filled with untruths, fabrications and down right lies.
Hi, I joined last week when I saw this group in the GR featured group. I find that one thing I like about historical fiction is that it makes you more interested in history. For example, after reading Katherine by Anya Seton, it inspired me to learn more about her and the time period. So, I borrowed Mistress of the monarchy : the life of Katherine Swynford, Duchess of Lancaster by Alison Weir. Katherine was full of inaccuracies, but actually not much more than what was written about Katherine by her contemporaries. So, I think historical fiction is a starting point toward wanting to know more about the "real" history.
Hello, I am writing from Germany. For me, historical fiction is an interesting addition to the real story. For example gives the book series about the British naval officer Jack Aubrey and the Irish-Catalan ship-physician Stephen Maturin, written by Patrick O'Brian a good look at the time of the Napoleonic wars and into the British Navy in the 1800th. The teaching of history in each country has other priorities, by O'Brian is obtained as an insight into the British version.
Hello, everyone. I also read just about anything, but what I write are historical novels set in the Amrerica. 10th century Louisiana, before and during the Civil War, 1598 New Mexico, 1880s South Florida, and so on. All American. Two historicals I especially admire are A Million Nightingales by Susan STraight, and The Judas Field by Howard Bahr. Straight's is about slavery, Bahr's about the effect of the Civil War on soldiers, mostly after the fighting is over. Really good books. Gretchen Craig
I know this, history is often filled with untruths, fabrications and down right lies.If you were hated by your contemporaries, they rewrote you, often before you were cold in the grave. Look at what happened to Cleopatra.
one thing I like about historical fiction is that it makes you more interested in history
If you write historical fiction, one of the highest praises you can receive from a reader is that your fiction was fun enough to inspire them to start digging into history on their own.
Suzanne Adair
Baseni wrote: "Hello, I am writing from Germany. For me, historical fiction is an interesting addition to the real story. For example gives the book series about the British naval officer Jack Aubrey and the Iris..."My husband and I have read everyone of the Aubrey/Maturin novels. I think my husband has read all of them twice. Wonderful characters.
Gretchen wrote: "My husband and I have read everyone of the Aubrey/Maturin novels. I think my husband has read all of them twice. Wonderful characters."Please do not forget here the Hornblower saga written by CS Forester.
Such as history is seen. In American history, for example, the French and Indian War is an important part, in Germany it is called the Seven Years War. Here, Prussia, Austria, France and Russia fought against each other. England has given money only to Prussia. No British soldier was fighting here. The war in America is only a historical marginal.
Baseni wrote: "Gretchen wrote: "My husband and I have read everyone of the Aubrey/Maturin novels. I think my husband has read all of them twice. Wonderful characters."Please do not forget here the Hornblower ..."
Hi, Baseni.
I loved the Hornblower books, too. My husband and I lived in Stuttgart and Frankfort in the early 70s. My other connection to Germany is that my first two books were translated into German and have sold well over there. That's a kick! I know what you mean about the war here being marginal there. We're pretty Ameri-centric here with our history awareness.
Gretchen wrote: "Hi, Baseni.I loved the Hornblower books, too. My husband and I lived in Stuttgart and Frankfort in the early 70s. My other connection to Germany is that my first two books were translated into German and have sold well over there. That's a kick! I know what you mean about the war here being marginal there. We're pretty Ameri-centric here with our history awareness."
Hi Gretchen,
I found your German books. Frankfurt and Stuttgart are typical for the residence of Americans in Germany. There were many American soldiers.
I want to say, the German and American history have the same background, but the assessment is different. You are Ameri-centric and we German- or European-centric.
Mod
Welcome, Angela! Gone With the Wind is at the top of my list, too! I hadn't heard of Caleb Carr, what's your favorite book of his?
I just bought The Black Flower, A Novel of the Civil War by Howard Bahr. He also wrote the Judas Field, which I much admire. Anyone else read Bahr?
Sometimes I feel like I'm the only person who didn't like Gone With the Wind. I've never connected with the Civil War. I was raised in South Florida, where the influence is Northern. I have a tremendous affinity for the Revolutionary War instead.But I've never liked the character of Scarlett O'Hara. IMHO she comes off as a sociopath -- for me, a hard sell as the protagonist. Plenty of people have tried to sell me on Scarlett. Obviously she resonates with many folks, and she's one of the most enduring fictional characters of all time. But she's just not my cuppa.
Heresy, I know. I'm bracing to get hit with the flame throwers ;-).
Suzanne Adair
Suzanne, my boyfriend and I had just had a discussion a few days ago about how much we didn't like Scarlett O'Hara. He'd been listening to Gone With The Wind in his car and decided to give up on it because he found Scarlett totally unsympathetic. But I always have really loved Rhett Butler.Yet in general, I agree with you, Suzanne. I'm much more interested in the American Revolution and in the 18th century as a whole.
Kimberly wrote: "Hi All, My name is Kim and I love to read both historical fiction (especially American Historical fiction)and horror or fantasy novels, anyone know any good horror historical fiction? I would be i..."
Kimberly wrote: "Hi All,
My name is Kim and I love to read both historical fiction (especially American Historical fiction)and horror or fantasy novels, anyone know any good horror historical fiction? I would be i..."
Kim, you might want to try my novel "Sophie Paraskova" which is a novel about anarchism in late 19th century America and the arrival in the U.S. (particularly NYC's Lower East Side) of Russian Jews, many of whom became Revolutionists. I feel that the book is interesting, informative and, at times, steamy. It is available at Amazon in paperback and on Kindle.
M. wrote: "Kimberly wrote: "Hi All, My name is Kim and I love to read both historical fiction (especially American Historical fiction)and horror or fantasy novels, anyone know any good horror historical fict..."
Kim the novel the Drood by Dan Simmons I would consider a horror historical novel. I enjoyed it all 775 pages.
I joined today. Hi Susanne. I write, mostly, historical short stories. I interpret the New Republic at a grist and woolen mill and the Colonial period at a second mill. My main job is care of the sheep. We are expecting seven lambs in the next couple of weeks.I read lots of non fiction. Mystery stories are my favorite for fiction.
For those who took issue with the figure of one-fourth African American troops in George Washington's army at the end of the Revolutionary War, a fact I learned from Jerome Charyn's amazing historical novel "Johnny One-Eye," I found another source, besides the German officer (Closen) who counted heads at the Battle of Yorktown. The book is "An Imperfect God: George Washington, His Slaves and the Creation of America." It's a 2003 book by National Book Critics Circle Award-winner Henry Wiencek. Washington once wrote the war would be won by whichever side armed black soldiers faster. But all scholars agree that at least one-fifth of the army was black, and a more important issue - to me - is why is this largely forgotten and not taught in schools?
I write, mostly, historical short stories. I interpret the New Republic at a grist and woolen mill and the Colonial period at a second mill. My main job is care of the sheep.Welcome, KB! Nice to see you here!
Lenore wrote: all scholars agree that at least one-fifth of the army was black, and a more important issue - to me - is why is this largely forgotten and not taught in schools?
There are some belief systems at work -- hard at work -- sustaining our myths, so there's a lot of stuff about the Revolutionary War that isn't taught in schools but really ought to be. Like the fact that most colonists weren't actively against the Crown forces. One-third to one-half were neutral, and another one-fourth were loyalists. (Do the math.) Also the fact that the Continentals waged a war of terrorism to keep blacks, Native Americans, and loyalists from uniting and providing the crown with about 40,000 more fighting men. And the fact that at the "end" of the war, Britain was still the most powerful country in the world. And one thing Paul Revere didn't do was complete his midnight ride. :-)
Suzanne Adair
Hello! David H Fears here. I joined a long time ago but never returned, getting sidetracked by life.I include quite a lot of historical research into my four detective novels, and a few into some short stories, all available on Amazon Kindle as ebooks. I am the author of *Mark Twain Day By Day* in 4 volumes, the 3rd just published. These have been called "The Ultimate Mark Twain Reference Work" and keep me in shape just lifting them! The website for those includes some excerpts and addendas for the first 3 volumes, which takes it through 1904:
http://MarkTwainDayByDay.webs.com
Mostly universities, libraries, museums, and scholars buy these books, and I've done quite well with them, though it's taken me years and years and miles to go before I sleep, so to speak.
My other passion is hardboiled but complex detective novels, my favorites being Raymond Chandler, Mickey Spillane, and Dashiell Hammett. I guess I've poured through 150 or so in this sub-genre, and created my own, too-young PI, Mike Angel (aka D'Angelo). It's great to find this place.
David
Hello my name is Brittany. I read all books and have started widening my genre of books. I was use to just reading romance novels and just recently decided to broaden my reading abilities to everything that catches my eyes. I have had a great interesting in reading about historical fiction while I was growing up and now have decided to pursue it.
Hi, I'm Becca. I read everything that catches my eye. Lately it has been Revolutionary era.
Edit: I did NOT just copy that from Brittany's post. I just realized that...
Hi my name is Tracy. I've been a lurker for sometime now. I have a master's in history and I'm really into the colonial/Revolutionary period of American history. Reading a Ann Rinaldi book started my interest in both history and historical fiction so I still enjoy reading her books and adult HF books in the same style.
Hello, I'm Debbie and I write under the penname D.L. Cocchio. I mostly write historical fiction for middle grade readers and teens. Some is US history and some is European. I write about the periods of history that I am enthralled with and share those loves with my readers. Currently, I have two books published, Be Careful What You Wish For and Magic By Moonlight. You can check out my website at: http://www.dlcocchio.webs.com.
I guess because it offers scope for a gripping narrative?
Pamela wrote: I wonder why such awful things like war later make for good books. I guess because it is dynamic.Maybe it's because the setting of war and its extreme conditions allows authors to show how ordinary people act in the presence of fear. Are the characters able to master their fear and help themselves and others? Do they run away or vent their fears on their fellows?
Suzanne Adair
The best fiction involves conflict, and war is the ultimate conflict.
"Hello, all! My name is Richard, and thanks for having me.
I am a physician who blogs on the healing power of literature and the nexus of medicine and literary fiction. My first novel is due for publication 6/1/11: "Altamont Augie," a work of historical fiction set in the 1960s. There is a powerful and moving book trailer that captures the essence of the novel up on my author web site: http://richardbarager.com
One of the finest historical fictions I have to recommend to some of the other new members who were asking for new reads is "The March" by E. L. Doctorow. It is a multiple character--a Union surgeon, a dispossessed Southern aristocrat, a slave, various Confederate and Union soldiers, and Sherman himself--accounting of General William T. Sherman's march to the sea through Atlanta and up the Carolinas. Doctorow's driving narrative is masterful, almost like being there. His brew of fact and fiction is mixed just right.
Thanks again for including me in your group.
Richard,I like your blog very much. It's generous. Thank you.
Mod
David H wrote: The best fiction involves conflict, and war is the ultimate conflict.Yes, indeed, but I've found that war stories are much more engaging for me when the author doesn't try to cover an entire battle. If he/she works just a slice of it, with a character or two who have already earned my interest, I'm able to stay with the plot better.
C.C. Humphreys spoke at the 2007 Historical Novel Society conference about this. He said he'd never try to take on a whole battle, but just cover the section of it in which his main character found himself.
Has anyone here read Humphreys's book Jack Absolute? I love the cover art.
Suzanne Adair
Hello, my name is Sarah and I love historical fiction, it's my favorite genre. The most recent read for me in this area is the Fall of Giants. Though it does center mostly in the European view of WWI there are American charachters represented. I highly recommend this book!
Hi Everyone,I have a "Guest Author" essay appearing on historical novelist Mitchell James Kaplan's ("By Fire, By Water") website this week. I wanted to share the link for anyone who's interested:
https://sites.google.com/a/mitchellja...
Thanks,
Suzy Witten
THE AFFLICTED GIRLS
A Novel of Salem
Suzanne,I read Humphreys The Blooding of Jack Absolute ,which is a prequel to the series, because of the French & Indian War content [my favorite war]. Enjoyed it and hope to read more of the Jack Absolute books one day.
Sandra, I haven't read The Blooding of Jack Absolute, so I'm curious whether you found it a rip-snorting romp. That describes Jack Absolute. Suzanne Adair
Suzanne wrote: "Sandra, I haven't read The Blooding of Jack Absolute, so I'm curious whether you found it a rip-snorting romp. That describes Jack Absolute. I read it over 2 years ago. Not sure I found it rip-snorting. There was a lot of Jack's youthful and often drunken shenanigans before he became the character with whom you are probably more familiar. That actually got a little tedious but once he got to the colonies and found some kind of purpose to his life I quite liked it. The battle scenes were not long and drawn out and I felt the book built a good picture of Georgian era life at all social levels as well as Indian life in America. Jack compared favorably, for me, with Richard Sharpe. Do the other books veer more toward the Flashman type of outrageous over-the-top adventure?
Hello everyone. My name is Duane LeVick and I am glad to be accepted by you to join your group. Looking forward to getting some great leads and suggestions for reading. I'm always in the middle of 4 to 7 books at any given time. I read everything but love history and especially American history. The only thing I love more than reading is writing. Glad to be on board.
Hi, Everyone! I'm Cathy, and I also love American history, even though I'm not American! My debut novel, Yesterday's Tomorrow, is set in Vietnam during the war - it's a contemporary romance - if you're interested in that era you'll probably enjoy it!I had a blast writing it! You can check it out and let me know what you think!
http://www.catherinejwest.com
Great to be here!
Of C.C. Humphreys's books, Sandra asked: Do the other books veer more toward the Flashman type of outrageous over-the-top adventure?Re: Jack Absolute, go to the book page and scroll down for a review by someone named "Matimate." I didn't write this review, but the sentiment of it is pretty close to my reaction to the book. The book is meant to be a swashbuckler/beach read. You can see the "tragic ending" coming for a mile.
Suzanne Adair
Hi,I like reading historical fiction set in America. I also like writing fiction about the South. I don't get to do a lot of reading like I want with teaching college. I do try to squeeze in short stories here and there when I can.
Katrina
Pamela wrote: "Hello Duane. Do you have a book you've written? I noticed you said you love to write as well as read. Pam"Hi Pamela - Thanks for welcoming me into the group.
Yes, I do have a novel that is out and is included on Goodreads titled: "Bridges - a Tale of Niagara". The book focuses on a group of young men living in Niagara Falls in 1962 who, when seeing a picture of the ice bridge from years gone by, decide to venture forth. The story follows their adventure down into the Niagara Gorge and then trying to get back out. Embedded in their story are four historical stories concerning Niagara to include: the 'Hermit of Niagara', the day the Falls stopped, a fugitive girl escaping slavery on the underground railroad and the Devil's Hole massacre seen through the eyes of a British drummer boy and an Iroquois warrior on his first war party. May I suggest you visit my website WWW.bridgesataleofniagara.com which I believe you will find informative and enjoyable? Also, I am just now establishing a blog at: 'dk levick writing in the woods' which I welcome you to subscribe to. Again - thank you for your inquiry. Have you written anything?
American Historical Fiction
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