They usually have well - developed characters whose lives are shaped by the historical context of Israel. These characters can be used to show different aspects of the society, like the religious, cultural and political aspects.
Many of these books also explore the geographical aspects of Israel. The landscapes, cities like Jerusalem and Tel Aviv play important roles in the stories, adding to the authenticity of the historical settings. They can also deal with the complex relationships between different ethnic and religious groups within Israel, showing how history has influenced these relationships over time.
They also tend to have a rich sense of place. The descriptions of the Israeli landscape, from the bustling cities like Tel Aviv to the ancient and sacred sites in Jerusalem, are often vividly portrayed. For example, in books like 'A Tale of Love and Darkness', the physical environment is almost like another character, influencing the story and the characters' emotions.
One well - known book is 'Exodus' by Leon Uris. It tells a fictionalized story that is deeply intertwined with the history of Israel's founding.
One common theme is the struggle for identity. Given the long and complex history of the region, characters in Israel historical fiction often grapple with who they are in relation to their heritage, religion, and nationality.
The book 'The Lover' by A. B. Yehoshua is also highly regarded. It tells a story full of mystery and cultural exploration. It's a great example of how Israeli fiction can touch on deep - seated human emotions while also being firmly rooted in the Israeli landscape and society.
The book 'My Michael' by Amos Oz also falls into this category. It is set in Jerusalem in the early days of Israel. It shows the inner lives of the characters against the backdrop of the emerging nation, exploring themes like love, identity and the challenges of a new society.
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.
Another one is 'My Michael' by Amos Oz. It tells the story of a young woman in Jerusalem in the 1950s, exploring the complex relationships and the post - independence Israel through her eyes.
Historical fiction books in the fiction category also tend to have a strong narrative arc. They're not just a recitation of facts. They tell a story that engages the reader, whether it's a love story set during World War II or an adventure in ancient Egypt. The goal is to make history come alive and be relatable through fictional storytelling.
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.