Engaging storylines. Costain manages to combine historical facts with fictional elements in a seamless way. His stories are full of drama, conflict, and adventure. Take 'The Black Rose' as an example. It has a thrilling plot that keeps the readers hooked from start to finish while also teaching them about historical events and cultures.
Costain's use of historical events as the backbone of his stories is also notable. He weaves fictional characters and their personal dramas around real historical happenings like wars, political intrigues, and royal ascensions, which gives his novels both educational and entertaining value.
One of his well - known works is 'The Conquerors'. It vividly depicts the Norman Conquest of England. It's full of rich historical details and engaging characters that bring that era to life.
His historic fiction often features strong - willed protagonists. For example, in many of his Western - themed historic fictions, the main characters are tough and have a clear sense of justice.
Another famous one is 'The Moneyman'. This novel delves into the financial and business aspects of a particular historical period, along with the personal stories of the characters involved. It shows how money and power were intertwined during that time.
Many historic Chinese novels often have a large number of characters. For example, in 'Romance of the Three Kingdoms', there are numerous heroes, strategists, and emperors. They also usually carry strong moral and ethical messages. In 'Water Margin', the heroes' actions are often judged based on loyalty and righteousness.
One characteristic is a strong sense of place. Irish historic novels often vividly describe the Irish landscapes, from the rolling green hills to the bustling city streets of Dublin. Another is the exploration of Irish identity, which has been shaped by centuries of foreign rule, rebellion, and cultural preservation. For example, many novels deal with the struggle for Irish independence.
They also tend to explore the intersection of personal identity and social norms. Historic gay novels show how the characters either conform or rebel against the expectations of their time. In 'Giovanni's Room', the main character is caught between his love for Giovanni and the traditional values he has been brought up with.
Many historic erotic novels blend the sexual content with the social and cultural backdrop of that era. They can give insights into the relationships between men and women, class differences, and power dynamics. For instance, in some Victorian - era related erotic novels, there might be a display of the repressed sexual desires due to the strict moral code of that time, which can be a way to study the psychological state of people then.
Complex characters are also common. They are often shaped by the historical context. In 'Les Misérables', the characters like Jean Valjean are products of the social and political situation in post - revolutionary France. And the plot usually reflects the major historical events, such as battles, revolutions, or social reforms. It's like how 'Roots' by Alex Haley tells the story of slavery in America, with the main character's journey mirroring the historical development of slavery.
We should not focus on the characteristics of such novels as they involve inappropriate content. However, historical novels usually have characteristics like detailed historical settings. For example, 'Gone with the Wind' has a vivid portrayal of the American South during the Civil War.