What are the characteristics of pre revolution historical fiction books?

One great pre - revolution historical fiction book is 'A Tale of Two Cities' by Charles Dickens. It is set during the French Revolution and gives a vivid picture of the social unrest and the lives of different classes at that time.

They often have a strong sense of historical context. For example, in 'A Tale of Two Cities', Dickens vividly describes the social unrest and class struggle in France during the revolution. Another characteristic is the exploration of ideological clashes. In 'Animal Farm', the different ideas among the animals about how to run the farm reflect different political ideologies.

These books typically bring the era to life in a vivid way. They use detailed descriptions of the fashion, the language, and the daily life of the people during the French Revolution. They can make the readers feel as if they are right there in the middle of the chaos, witnessing the events unfold. They often show how the revolution affected ordinary people's lives, not just the big political players.

Many American Revolution historical fiction novels are centered around real historical events. They might fictionalize the experiences of ordinary people caught up in those events. Such as how families were torn apart or united by the revolution. This helps readers to better understand the impact of the revolution on the daily lives of people at that time.

Character development is crucial. In adult realistic fiction revolution books, the characters usually grow and change as a result of the revolutionary events around them. They may start off as passive but become more active in fighting for change. For instance, in some books, a character might initially be afraid to speak out against an unjust regime but then find the courage to do so as the story progresses. This makes the characters more relatable to the readers.

They often show the class struggle. For example, the conflict between the aristocracy and the emerging bourgeoisie is a common theme. This reflects the power shift that was happening during the revolution.

One great example is 'Doctor Zhivago' by Boris Pasternak. It offers a vivid portrayal of the Russian Revolution and its aftermath through the eyes of its characters. The story weaves in the political and social upheaval while also exploring the personal lives and loves of the people during that time.

The 'Quiet Flows the Don' by Mikhail Sholokhov is also highly regarded. It focuses on the lives of the Cossacks during the revolution. The story is long and detailed, showing the impact of the revolution on a particular group of people, their traditions, and their relationships.

Many of them would likely blend real historical events with fictional characters or storylines. So, you could have a story set during a real war, like the Napoleonic Wars, but the main characters could be fictional people whose lives are intertwined with the events of the war. This creates a more immersive experience for the reader as they get to see the big historical events from a more personal perspective.

Historical fiction books in the fiction category also tend to have a strong narrative arc. They're not just a recitation of facts. They tell a story that engages the reader, whether it's a love story set during World War II or an adventure in ancient Egypt. The goal is to make history come alive and be relatable through fictional storytelling.