One common theme is colonialism. Novels often depict how colonial powers disrupted African societies, like in 'Things Fall Apart'.
Another theme is cultural identity. African historical fiction novels explore how Africans maintained or lost their cultural identity over time. For example, in many novels, characters struggle with the new values brought by outsiders while trying to hold on to their own traditions. This can be seen in 'Half of a Yellow Sun' where the characters are in a state of flux due to the war and the influence of different cultures.
Betrayal is often seen. For example, in some stories, there are traitors within the military or among the local population who side with the enemy for various reasons. This adds to the tension and drama of the plot. Also, friendship across different nationalities and cultures is a theme. Allied soldiers from different countries form bonds, and sometimes locals also become friends with the soldiers. They help each other in the face of the common enemy, showing that in the chaos of war, human connections can still be made.
Another theme is acceptance. These stories usually depict the journey towards acceptance, both self - acceptance and acceptance by the community. It can be a long and arduous process as they face discrimination and prejudice. In some historical African settings, there were social hierarchies and power dynamics that added to the difficulty of achieving acceptance.
One great African historical fiction novel is 'Things Fall Apart' by Chinua Achebe. It offers a deep look into the Igbo society in Nigeria before and during the colonial era. It shows how the traditional way of life was disrupted by the arrival of the British.
Supernatural elements set within historical contexts are also common. Like in stories where witches are part of a colonial - era setting, adding a sense of authenticity and horror as they interact with the historical figures and events of that time. Another theme could be the exploration of the dark side of human nature in historical situations. This can involve things like the brutality of war or the superstitions of a particular historical period being used as a backdrop to show how people can turn to the macabre.
The theme of sacrifice is also common. Just like Jesus sacrificed himself, characters in these novels might sacrifice their own desires or safety for a greater good. And the theme of divine intervention. There are often moments where God or angels seem to play a role in the events of the story, guiding the characters. For instance, in some novels, a character in a difficult situation might be saved in a seemingly miraculous way that can be attributed to God's will.
One common theme is secrecy. In many historical periods, same - sex relationships were not accepted, so characters in historical fiction lesbian novels often have to keep their relationships secret. For example, in 'The Price of Salt', Therese and Carol had to be careful not to draw too much attention to their relationship.
A major theme in egyptian historical fiction novels is the mystery of the pyramids and other ancient monuments. Authors use these as settings or plot devices to create an air of mystery and wonder. The theme of family and dynasty is also prevalent. We see how families vied for power, how dynasties were maintained or overthrown. And, the concept of afterlife is a key theme too. It was such an important part of Egyptian culture, and novels often incorporate it, like characters preparing for the afterlife or the consequences of not following the proper rituals.
One common theme is social inequality. In many such novels, the poor are burdened with debt while the rich often manipulate the debt system to their advantage. For example, in some stories set during the Industrial Revolution, workers were in debt to factory owners and lived in harsh conditions.
The theme of the unknown is also prevalent. In African scary stories, the wilderness, deep forests, and large bodies of water are often depicted as places full of mystery and danger. These are areas where the scary things lurk. Also, there are often moral lessons hidden in these stories. They warn people about things like breaking taboos or not respecting the elders. For instance, a story might tell of a young person who disrespects an old witch - doctor and then faces a terrifying curse as a result.