Well, in German, 'Historischer Roman' is a common term for historical fiction. It literally means 'historical novel'. Another way to say it could be 'Geschichtenerzählung' which emphasizes the aspect of storytelling related to history. These terms are used to categorize books or works that are set in a historical period and often incorporate real historical events and characters within a fictional narrative.
The German word for fiction is 'Fiktion'.
German historical fiction often features a strong connection between the personal and the political. Characters' personal stories are used to illustrate larger historical trends. It may also incorporate elements of German folklore and mythology, which adds a unique flavor to the historical narratives. In addition, the genre often challenges the readers' perceptions of history. It doesn't simply present a one - sided view but rather explores different perspectives within a historical event. For example, it might show the experiences of both the oppressors and the oppressed during a particular era in German history, making the reader think more deeply about the complex nature of historical events.
German historical fiction books often have a deep sense of realism. For example, in 'All Quiet on the Western Front', the descriptions of the war trenches and the daily struggles of soldiers are extremely realistic.
For beginners, 'All Quiet on the Western Front' is a great start. It's easy to understand and very engaging. It gives a clear picture of the horror of war. Another good one could be 'The Reader'. It has a relatively straightforward narrative and explores important historical and moral issues in post - war Germany.
The plot complexity is a big factor. If there are multiple storylines and sub - plots in a historical fiction, it will likely have a higher word count. For example, a story about a war with different battles and political intrigues will need more words to be fully told. Another factor is the historical period. If it's a little - known period, more words might be used to describe the setting, customs, and politics. Also, the number of characters. A large cast of characters with their own backstories and development will increase the word count.
German medieval historical fiction books often feature strong themes of heroism. Knights are frequently the main characters, engaged in quests or battles. For example, in 'Parzival', the knight's search for the Holy Grail is a central theme. Another characteristic is the presence of complex family and power dynamics, like in 'The Nibelungenlied' where there are power struggles among different noble families.
Well, in Spanish, when we talk about 'historical fiction', we say 'ficción histórica'. It's a combination of 'ficción' which means 'fiction' and 'histórica' which is related to 'history'. So, if you are looking for books or discussing this genre in Spanish, this is the term you would use.
You could say 'period fiction'. It's often used interchangeably with historical fiction to describe stories set in a particular past era.
One of the best German historical fictions is 'All Quiet on the Western Front' by Erich Maria Remarque. It vividly portrays the experiences of soldiers during World War I. Another great one is 'The Tin Drum' by Günter Grass. It's a complex and surreal exploration of German history from the perspective of a character who refuses to grow up. Also, 'The Reader' by Bernhard Schlink is a thought - provoking work that delves into post - war Germany and issues of guilt and memory.