What are the characteristics of Kate DiCamillo's historical fiction?
Kate DiCamillo's historical fiction often has a sense of nostalgia. It takes readers back to a certain time and makes them feel the charm of that era. Her use of language is also a characteristic. She uses simple yet evocative language to bring the historical settings and characters to life. For example, in 'Raymie Nightingale', the language she uses helps to create the atmosphere of the 1970s, from the way the characters talk to the description of the places they go.
Her historical fictions often feature vivid settings. For example, in 'The Tale of Despereaux', the castle is described in great detail, making it feel like a real place from a historical period. The characters are also very distinct. They have their own personalities and motives which are influenced by the historical context they are in.
One characteristic is the exploration of different social classes. In many of her works set in historical times, she shows how people from different social strata interact. For instance, in 'Because of Winn - Dixie', the main character interacts with various people in the small town, from the store owner to the librarian, and these interactions reveal the social fabric of that time. Also, her stories usually have a strong emotional core that is related to the historical situation. It could be the loneliness of a character in a particular historical setting or the hope for a better life.