Historical fiction best sellers often blend real historical events with fictional characters. This combination is really appealing. Take 'The Other Boleyn Girl' by Philippa Gregory. It's based on the real - life story of the Boleyn family during the reign of Henry VIII. But the author creates fictional dialogues and relationships that make the story more engaging. Also, these books can teach us a lot about history in an entertaining way. We can learn about the customs, values, and social structures of different eras through the eyes of the characters in these books.
The writing style in best - selling historical fiction is usually top - notch. Authors like Colleen McCullough in her 'Masters of Rome' series do extensive research and then present the historical facts in a very engaging narrative. The sense of time and place is palpable. These books can also make us feel a connection to our past, our ancestors, and the events that have shaped our world today. For instance, reading about the Industrial Revolution in a historical fiction novel can give us a better understanding of how our modern society has evolved.
For books like 'Circe', its popularity lies in the unique take on a well - known myth. It gives a new perspective to Circe, making her a complex and relatable character.
Well, for one, they offer a chance to step back in time. For example, in 'The Outlander' series, we get to experience 18th - century Scotland. The settings are often vividly described, like the battlefields and castles. Another reason is the characters. In 'The Pillars of the Earth', the characters are complex and their stories are intertwined with historical events. It makes us care about what happens to them during the building of the cathedral. Also, these books can teach us a lot about history that we might not learn from textbooks.
The emotions. In best - seller love story books, the strong emotions like love, passion, and sometimes heartbreak are what draw readers in. For example, in 'The Fault in Our Stars', the love between Hazel and Augustus is so pure and yet shadowed by their health issues. It makes readers feel deeply.
The sense of time travel. We can experience different eras through these books.
It often combines real historical events with fictional characters. This blend allows for creative storytelling while still being based on real - world events. Take 'The Book Thief' by Markus Zusak. Set during World War II, it has a fictional story about a girl in Nazi Germany that is intertwined with the actual events of the war, making it both educational and engaging.
The blend of the known and the unknown. In fantastical historical fiction, we get to see familiar historical settings like ancient Rome or Victorian England, but with a twist of magic or the supernatural. It's like adding a new layer of mystery to the past.
The sense of time travel. Readers can experience different eras like the Victorian age or the Middle Ages. For example, in 'Jane Eyre', we get a peek into 19th - century England. Also, the complex characters. They are often influenced by the historical events around them, like in 'War and Peace' where the characters are shaped by the Napoleonic Wars.
One of the appealing aspects is the escapism they provide. We can be transported to different historical times, like the 1920s in 'The Diviners', and at the same time experience the excitement of the supernatural. The characters in these books usually have to deal with both historical and supernatural challenges. This dual - layer of conflict makes the stories more engaging. For instance, in 'Outlander', the main character has to adapt to the historical Scottish society while also dealing with her time - traveling abilities.
Well, it's the combination of two great genres. The historical aspect gives a sense of time and place that's different from our own. It allows us to peek into the past while the mystery keeps us on our toes, trying to figure out what's going to happen next. For example, in 'The Name of the Rose', we get to experience a medieval monastery's life and solve the mystery within it at the same time.
The allure lies in the combination of two great elements. Firstly, historical settings allow readers to be transported to different times. For example, reading about the courtly love in the Tudor period gives a sense of grandeur. Secondly, the romance aspect adds an emotional depth. The characters' love against the backdrop of historical events like wars or social upheavals makes the story more poignant.