One of the main themes is deception. Since it's about a 'company of liars', the characters are likely involved in various forms of deception, which can lead to complex plot twists. Another theme could be survival. In the medieval setting, life was tough, and these liars might be using their falsehoods as a means of survival among the political and social intrigues of the time.
One of the most intriguing characters might be the youngest member of the company of liars. This character could be learning the art of lying from the older members, and we could see their growth throughout the story. There could also be an outsider character who gets caught up in the company's web of lies and has to figure out how to navigate this new and dangerous world of falsehoods.
One characteristic is its exploration of different social strata. It shows how people from various backgrounds interact and deceive each other. Another is its use of the historical setting to create a sense of authenticity. The language and the details of the era are carefully crafted.
One way is to do in - depth research on the period. Look into historical records, chronicles, and accounts of the time. For example, if writing about medieval warfare, study the types of weapons used, battle formations, and military strategies. Another is to study the social structure. Know about the different classes, their roles, and how they interacted. For instance, how the nobility, clergy, and commoners related to each other.
One great clean historical medieval fiction book is 'The Pillars of the Earth' by Ken Follett. It vividly depicts the building of a cathedral in 12th - century England, with rich historical details and engaging characters. Another is 'Ivanhoe' by Sir Walter Scott. It takes place during the time of the Crusades and is full of knights, battles, and courtly love. 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco is also a good choice. It combines mystery and historical elements set in a medieval monastery.
Well, 'Bring Up the Bodies' by Hilary Mantel is another great British historical fiction. It's a sequel to 'Wolf Hall' and continues to explore the Tudor court. Also, 'Gormenghast' by Mervyn Peake has elements of a historical - like setting, with its own unique, somewhat archaic world - building that might be appealing if you liked 'Company of Liars'.
They are related in several ways. Firstly, historical fiction often uses medieval history as its backdrop. Writers draw from real events, people, and settings of the medieval period to create their fictional stories. For example, many novels about knights and castles are set in medieval times. Secondly, historical fiction can help make medieval history more accessible to the general public. It can bring to life the complex political, social, and cultural aspects of the era in a more engaging way than a dry historical account might. Finally, historical research into medieval history can inspire new ideas and plots for historical fiction writers.
One of the best is 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco. It's set in a medieval monastery and is filled with mystery, religious intrigue, and complex characters. The detailed descriptions of the monastery's daily life and the intellectual debates are fascinating.
'Adam of the Road' is a great piece of medieval historical fiction. It vividly portrays the life of Adam during that era. The story gives insights into the social structure, with Adam being a minstrel's son. We see his adventures on the road, which show the different aspects of medieval life like traveling conditions, inns, and the interaction between different classes.
The settings are often very vivid. Castles, villages, and marketplaces are described in detail. For instance, in stories, you might read about the bustling market where merchants sell their wares and people from all classes mingle. Also, the themes of chivalry and honor are common. Knights are expected to uphold certain codes of conduct, like being brave in battle and respectful to women. This adds a sense of moral and ethical framework to the stories.