The value of historical fiction

What and how history is taught in public schools has become a topic of much controversy. “Critical race theory”, the 1619 Project, renaming schools and streets, and removing statues of Confederate soldiers have all become rallying points for conservatives lamenting the loss of traditional historical views and progressives rectifying racial injustices of the past.

So what does it matter? How does one’s view of the past shape one’s values, and therefore, one’s actions today? While many are asking what history we should teach, how many are asking what exactly does history teach?

The case for some core subjects is pretty easy to make: math, reading, and composition are all fundamental to both academic and occupational success. A good grounding in science and computer science is necessary for advancement in many fields. But history? When’s the last time you needed to know when the pyramids were built, the characteristics of the Ming Dynasty, or who won the Battle of Waterloo? And even if we could answer these questions, to what degree could we all agree on the accuracy of the answers?

Historians are cherry-pickers. A complete recounting of even a small event can never be told. Historians are human and all humans have biases either conscious or unconscious. This is why I argue that the term “historical fiction” is largely redundant.

Historical fiction writers not only acknowledge this reality, but leverage it to their advantage. They choose a perspective and create a world that becomes relatable because of that perspective. As a reader, I am placed in the past and view through the eyes of someone actually living it.

I have long been a fan of historical fiction. My favorite authors and titles* include:

• Mary Renault (Alexander the Great trilogy)
• James Michener (Centennial, The Source, and many others)
• Larry McMurtry (Lonesome Dove series - Westerns are a genre of historical fiction, right?)
• Edward Rutherford (London, New York, China)
• James Clavell (Shogun, Taipan)
• Herman Woulk (Winds of War, War and Remembrance)
• Alex Haley (Roots)
• William Styron, (Sophie’s Choice)
• Markus Zusak (Book Thief)
• Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai (The Mountains Sing) currently reading

Reading historical fiction, like reading nearly all fiction, helps the reader develop empathy. We learn that groups are composed of individuals and are, usually in some respect, sympathetic, not simply stereotypes. The horror of the Holocaust is more horrific as Sophie actually experiences it. Historical fiction writers, ironically, make history real.

History textbooks cannot tell all stories, yet all stories deserve to be told. Of both heroes and villains. 

* I admit my author’s list tend old, white, and male, and as does the perspective of their books. In my dotage, I am trying to expand my historical readings. 

Comments

[Heidi Hammond]

Hi Doug,

Since you like historical fiction, you may find this website interesting: Historical Novel Society: https://historicalnovelsociety.org/. It's not totally comprehensive, but you might find your next great read.

Enjoy browsing!
Heidi

[Doug Johnson]

Heidi,

Thank you! Looks like a useful resource.

Doug