What are the main themes in Laurel Leat historical fiction?

One of the well - known Laurel Leat historical fiction works could be 'The Lost Heirloom'. It's set in a Victorian - era town and follows a young protagonist's journey to discover the truth about a family heirloom that has been missing for generations.

Love and relationships are also major themes. These are not simple, straightforward relationships. They are often complex, involving love triangles, power dynamics within relationships, and the struggle to balance personal desires with the needs of others. Her graphic novels do a great job of depicting these nuanced relationships through both the writing and the illustrations.

One of the main themes is power struggle. In Byzantium, there were always different factions vying for power, and this is often depicted in historical fiction. For example, in many novels, you can see how nobles, generals, and religious leaders fight for control.

Love and loss are common themes. In many stories about Briseis, her relationships are complex. For example, her relationship with Achilles is full of love but also marred by the circumstances of war, which often leads to loss. Another theme is power dynamics. As a captive, Briseis is at the mercy of those in power during the Trojan War. Her story shows how power is used and abused in that historical setting.

Another theme is the preservation of heritage. Georgian historical fiction often showcases the efforts of characters to hold on to their traditional ways of life, language, and cultural practices in the face of external pressures. This could be during times of foreign occupation or when new ideologies are being imposed from outside.

Survival is a major theme. The settlers in Jamestown faced numerous challenges like food shortages, diseases, and hostile relations with Native Americans. So in the historical fiction, it often shows how they tried to stay alive.

Native American relations are also a big theme. Oregon has a rich history of interactions between settlers and Native Americans, and historical fiction might explore the conflicts, cooperation, and cultural exchanges that took place. For example, some stories might tell about how Native Americans taught settlers about the local plants and survival skills, while also showing the tensions over land.

A third theme could be the life and character of Rutherford himself. It could explore his determination, his relationships with other scientists, and his role in the scientific revolution of his time. It might include his early life, his education, and how he overcame obstacles to make his great scientific achievements.

Another theme is the idea of identity. As different cultures blended in Hawaii, characters in historical fiction often grapple with who they are. Are they more Hawaiian, more European, or a combination? This exploration of identity is often set against the backdrop of Hawaii's changing history, from a kingdom to a territory and then a state of the United States.

Another theme is the religious beliefs. The Minoans had unique religious practices, and in historical fictions, these are often explored. For instance, the role of the bull in their religious ceremonies. They seemed to revere the bull, and stories might be centered around the significance of this animal in their spiritual world. This can also tie into the theme of the relationship between humans and nature in Minoan society.