Appeal Characteristics

Appeal Characteristics of the Genre

 

Pacing

In terms of pace, the pacing of historical novels varies as wildly as regular fiction.  Many historical novels are leisurely paced while others are action packed page turners that the reader simply can’t put down.  Often the matter of pace is reflected in the subgenre of the work.  For example, historical fiction that focuses on military battles such as the works of W.E.B. Griffin or Bernard Cornwell may be faster paced than works that focus on Victorian era characters sagas.

 

Characterization

Just as with pacing, the characterization of historical fiction  can vary widely.  How well developed are the characters of a story and how well do we get to know them as the novel progresses?  Historically accurate novels often use fictional characters as main characters and occasionally include real historical figures as secondary characters.  In this type of setting, the main characters are usually rather well developed throughout the novel while the truly historical figures are often secondary characters that we don’t always get to know as well.

 

Frame

The frame is of the utmost importance when examining a historical novel, as it is often the dominant feature of the novel and sets the stage for the entire story.  The frame can include both time period and geographic setting.  Some readers of historical fiction prefer to read novels that cover one specific time and place while other fans of the genre are more open to variations of time period and geographic setting.

 

Historical Content

This is an appeal characteristic that I would argue is largely unique to historical fiction.  The amount of the historical detail contained within a historically accurate novel and the type of history used are often of interest to readers.    Does the author choose to focus on political history?  Social history?  Economic history?  Is the background highly detailed with ample descriptions of food, clothing, manners, and customs?  Or are details a bit more vague and left for the reader to fill in?  Is the story filled with hard and fast dates and events?  Or are references to outside events and dates left slightly more vague?

 

Level of Realism

Like historical content, level of realism is an important factor when examining a historically accurate fiction.  Certain fans of historical fiction may prefer  an idealized version of history.  That is to say a version of history that emphasizes a somewhat nostalgic retelling of past events, perhaps focusing on the more picturesque qualities of bygone eras.  Other readers may favor a version of history that emphasizes realism and a somewhat grittier retelling of past events.  They may prefer a story that doesn’t gloss over the negative aspects of the past such as racism, poverty, and hunger.