One characteristic is the use of historical settings. For example, ancient historical fiction books often take place in specific time periods like ancient Rome or Greece. Another is the inclusion of real historical figures. These figures add authenticity. For instance, in books about Cleopatra, she is a real person from history. Also, they usually have detailed descriptions of the culture of that time, like the clothing, food, and social hierarchies.
They often feature the unique Hawaiian culture. For example, they might include descriptions of traditional hula, the kapu system, and the role of the ali'i (chiefs).
They often feature elements like the ziggurats. For example, descriptions of the great structures and their significance in the religious and social life of the people. Another characteristic is the inclusion of the complex system of laws, like Hammurabi's Code, which might be woven into the plot. And they usually have characters with names and roles typical of that era.
Well, they often have elaborate descriptions of the architecture. Ancient Egyptian buildings like the pyramids and temples are important elements in these books. For example, in many books, the characters' actions are related to these grand structures.
Good ancient Greek historical fiction books often have well - developed characters. For example, in 'The Song of Achilles', the characters of Achilles and Patroclus are complex and multi - dimensional. Their relationship is explored in depth, making the story more engaging.
The books in this list usually blend historical facts with fictional elements. They might take an event from history, like a war or a construction project, and then create fictional characters and storylines around it. For instance, a book could be about the building of a pyramid and the fictional love story between two workers on the site. This not only makes the history more accessible but also more exciting. Moreover, the language in these books often tries to capture the essence of the ancient Egyptian culture, using words and phrases that are evocative of that time and place.
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.
They usually do a lot of research. Authors of historical fiction need to know about the time period they are writing about, like the social customs, the political situation, and the daily life. Take 'War and Peace' for instance. Tolstoy had to be well - versed in Napoleonic - era Russia to create such a detailed and accurate portrayal of that time. And they can also give different perspectives on historical events, allowing readers to see things from new angles.
Many of the 2020 historical fiction books had a strong focus on underrepresented voices. For example, books explored the experiences of minorities and women in different historical periods more in - depth. They often combined meticulous historical research with engaging storytelling, like in 'The Vanishing Half' which was based on real - life historical settings of racial segregation and the search for identity.
Historical books fiction often blends real historical events with fictional characters and storylines. For example, in 'The Other Boleyn Girl', it uses the well - known historical event of Henry VIII's relationship with the Boleyn sisters, but creates fictional dialogue and personal relationships among the characters. This allows readers to experience history in a more engaging way than just reading a dry historical account.
These 17 historical fiction books usually blend real historical events with fictional characters or storylines. They can make the past come alive. For instance, they might describe the daily life of people in a certain era, from their clothing to their social customs. They also often explore themes like power, love, and survival in the context of historical settings. Some may have a strong sense of place, making you feel like you're really in that historical location.