Maybe it's because the fictional portrayals often lack the real essence and complexity of the actual historical events. Fiction sometimes simplifies or distorts the civil war for the sake of a more straightforward narrative.
It could be that you haven't found the right fictional works about the civil war yet. There are some that are overly focused on the battles and not enough on the human stories, characters, and the social changes that were happening at that time. If a work delved deeper into the personal struggles, the moral dilemmas, and the cultural shifts during the civil war, it might be more interesting.
You could start by reading different genres of civil war fiction. For example, if you've been reading war - centric stories, try ones that focus more on the home front or the political intrigue behind the war.
You can directly search for 'goodreads best civil war fiction' on the Goodreads website. They usually have lists and rankings that can show you the top - rated civil war fiction books.
It could be that the way the girls are portrayed or the plot involving them lacks depth or excitement. Sometimes it's just a matter of not clicking with the characters.
Maybe you find non-fiction more interesting or relevant to your current needs and interests.
It could be that you feel intimidated by the writing process or don't have enough confidence in your storytelling skills. Sometimes, life gets busy and you don't have the time to focus on it.
It could be that the pace of the fiction you've tried is too slow or too fast for your liking. Or perhaps the characters and their development don't engage you enough.
It might be that you have a hard time connecting with the past or you think the fictional elements don't blend well with the historical facts. Another possibility is that you just haven't found the right historical fiction book that clicks for you.
It could be that you haven't had that one amazing fictional story that really grabs your attention. Sometimes, it's just a matter of not having come across the right one yet. Also, maybe the way fiction is presented to you doesn't appeal to your style of learning or entertainment.
Maybe you've been exposed to too much of the same kind of fiction and got bored. Or perhaps your interests have shifted to other things.
Maybe it's because the themes or concepts in science fiction don't resonate with you. Or perhaps the way it's presented just doesn't click for you.