The role of religion is also a common theme. With Orthodox Christianity, Catholicism, and Islam all having a significant presence in the Balkans, historical fiction often explores how religious differences influenced society, politics, and individual lives. For instance, how religious beliefs affected marriage, trade, and power dynamics in different historical periods.
One common theme is the impact of war. The Balkans have seen numerous wars throughout history, and this is often reflected in the fiction. For example, how families are torn apart and how communities are rebuilt or changed.
Another theme is the complex relationship between different ethnic groups. In Balkan historical fiction, you'll often find stories about how Serbs, Croats, Bosniaks, etc., interacted, sometimes in harmony and other times in conflict. This is due to the region's diverse ethnic makeup and historical events that shaped their relationships.
One great Balkan historical fiction book is 'The Bridge on the Drina' by Ivo Andric. It offers a vivid portrayal of life in the Balkans over several centuries, centered around the building and the existence of a bridge.
One common theme is love and relationships. In historical settings, love can be complicated by social class, family expectations, and cultural norms. Another theme is power and politics. This can involve struggles between different groups for control of a region or a nation. War is also a common theme, showing the impact on individuals and society.
Common themes in historical fiction include power struggles. This could be between different kingdoms, political parties, or social classes. For instance, in stories about the Tudor period in England, there are often power struggles within the royal family. Cultural clashes are also frequent. When different cultures meet, like during the age of exploration, it creates interesting themes in historical fiction. And then there's the theme of survival. Characters in historical fictions often have to survive in difficult historical circumstances, like a famine or a plague.
One common theme is war. Many historical fictions are set during wars, like the World War II. It shows the impact on individuals, families, and society. Another theme is social change. For example, the Industrial Revolution brought huge changes in people's lives, which historical fictions often explore. Also, love is a frequent theme. Love stories against the backdrop of historical events add a human touch to the story.
The theme of identity is important in historical fiction. Characters might struggle with their national, ethnic, or social identity in a particular historical context. Revolutions are also a theme. These events bring about significant changes and upheavals, and historical fictions can explore the causes and consequences. Additionally, class struggle, such as the conflict between the rich and the poor in historical societies, is a recurring theme.
One common theme is grief. Characters in these fictions often deal with the loss of loved ones in the attacks, like in 'Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close'.
Many Balkan Wars fiction books often focus on the human cost. They show how ordinary people's lives were shattered by the wars, like families being torn apart and communities disrupted.
Power struggles are common. In historical fiction, we often see characters vying for power, whether it's political power like in 'A Game of Thrones' (although it's a fictionalized version of a historical - like setting). Cultural clashes are another theme. When different cultures meet, as in books about the colonization era, it creates interesting storylines. And of course, the theme of survival. Characters in historical fictions have to survive in difficult times, like the early settlers in America as portrayed in some books.
One common theme is the exploration of female agency. In lesbian historical fiction, women are often shown taking control of their own lives and relationships in a world that didn't always give them much power. Another is the theme of cultural and historical context. These stories are set in different times and places, and the historical backdrop - like the laws, the social mores, the political climate - all influence the relationships and the characters' experiences. For instance, in some stories set during World War II, the war affects how the lesbian relationships are formed and maintained.
One common theme is the struggle between tradition and modernity. The Amish have very strict traditions, and in historical fiction, you often see characters grappling with outside influences that threaten these traditions. For example, the introduction of new technologies.