What makes bestseller historical fiction so appealing?

Historical fiction is appealing because it combines the allure of the past with the creativity of fiction. It allows readers to experience different eras, cultures, and events in a more engaging way than a dry history book. For example, in 'The Pillars of the Earth' by Ken Follett, we get a vivid picture of medieval England, its architecture, and the social hierarchy.

The mystery aspect. People love trying to figure out the whodunit before the detective in the story does. For example, in 'Murder on the Orient Express' by Agatha Christie, readers are constantly guessing who the murderer is among all the suspects on the train.

One reason it's appealing is that it can bring history to life for those who might not be interested in dry historical texts. Authors can use their storytelling skills to make the past exciting. They can create engaging characters who interact with real historical events. It also helps us to understand the continuity between the past and the present. By seeing how people in the past faced challenges similar to ours, we can gain insights into our own lives. For example, reading about how people dealt with plagues in the Middle Ages can give us a new perspective on dealing with modern - day health crises.

The authenticity. In 5 star historical fiction, the details of the historical period are well - researched. For example, in a book about ancient Rome, the author accurately describes the architecture, the social hierarchy, and the daily life of the people. This makes the readers feel like they are transported back in time.

Well, one reason is the sense of time travel. It allows readers to experience different eras, like going back to ancient Rome or medieval England. For example, in 'I, Claudius', we get a peek into the Roman imperial family's life. Another factor is the rich characters. Historical fictions often have complex characters who are shaped by the historical context, such as Scarlett O'Hara in 'Gone with the Wind' who is a product of the Civil War - era South.

The appeal also comes from the fact that aethelflaed historical fiction often fills in the gaps of what we don't know from historical records. Writers can use their creativity to imagine her thoughts, her relationships, and her daily life. This allows readers to connect with her on a more personal level, like how she might have felt when making important decisions or facing threats to her kingdom.

The mystery. In paranormal historical fiction, there are often unexplained elements like ghosts or magic. This mystery draws readers in.

One reason is the unique blend of the familiar and the strange. We know the historical settings from textbooks perhaps, but seeing them through a humorous lens makes them new. For example, in 'The Good Soldier Švejk', the way Švejk navigates the military bureaucracy is both funny and shows a different side of the war.

The anachronisms. When modern sensibilities or ideas are inserted into a historical setting, it creates humor. For example, in 'A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court', the main character's use of modern technology in Camelot is really funny.

The sense of adventure in outlander historical fiction is exciting. Characters are often thrust into unfamiliar historical situations and have to navigate through various challenges, whether it's dealing with different social norms or surviving historical events like wars. This makes for a thrilling read as we follow their journeys through time and history.