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Here’s a glimpse of what you can expect from my book reviews:

Thematic analysis

Together we’ll explore the underlying themes that give historical fiction books their depth and meaning. From love and sacrifice to power and redemption, I delve into the heart of each story.

Character portraits

We’ll meet the protagonists and antagonists who breathe life into these narratives. Discover what makes them relatable, memorable, and, at times, enigmatic.

Historical context

I research about the historical events and settings that serve as the backdrop for each story. Together, we’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the research and attention to detail that authors bring to their work.

Writing style

We’ll dive into the artistry of storytelling. I’ll explore the prose, pacing, and narrative techniques employed by authors to craft their tales, and those they maybe didn’t intend.

Emotional impact

We’ll uncover the emotional journey that each book takes its readers on. Whether it’s laughter, tears, or a profound sense of reflection, I’ll share how these stories touched my heart.

About Mirà Kanehl: Book reviewing philosophy

As an avid reader I know there are different kinds of readers. Historical fiction books aren’t for everyone, some prefer phantasy, others modern writing. But genre is only one aspect of story. I want to give you all aspects, so that every reader who reads my book reviews will go away knowing whether the book is a good fit for them or not.

Also, I only review books I managed reading. I’m very picky and if a story’s prose is meagre, I won’t read the book. Which means that all books on this reviews blog are books which convinced me, in the first chapters, that they are worth reading. They are the type of book I enjoy reading, and my writing is as unique as my reading (as it is for everyone). Therefore, if you enjoy the books from my book review blog, you might also enjoy the books I write. My criterias include the following.

Well crafted prose

Well crafted prose is not only writing that has been ferociously edited to remove unneccessary obstacles. It is prose in which one idea seamlessly flows into the next (superstructure), one sentence leads to the next to the extent that none can be left out, sentence structure that is not only grammatical but where ideas are placed logically with regard to impact and meaning, and word choice which reflects character. Phonology that mirrors the desired mood is icing on the cake.

Gripping promise of story

Many historical fiction books written as modern fiction in their time begin with long introductions. Most modern stories begin with action. Editor’s advice has become to start a story res midi, in the midst of action, and, if explanation is needed, expand on it afterwards. The beginning must grip the modern, stimuli-overwhelmed reader. But more than that it must give the reader the inscentive to continue reading, the beginning must give a promise that this action leads to an experience worth the time, which has become a rare good. This is something I look for in books, but not without respect for temporal circumstances under which a book was written.

But not all readers, myself included, mind a longer introduction. Despite their length, some are gems, and even if a book begins rather slow, authors back in the day didn’t self publish with a click on Amazon. Their manuscripts were read by at least one editor, and a publisher had much to lose from publishing bad stories. I take this into account in my book reviews and weigh in all aspects.

An engaging story arc

The promise of a good story must be fulfilled. Story arc renders the elements of a story palatable. If put together in a clumsy way, many pitfalls await. The story drags, has no build up, or the climax comes too soon, with too much happening after the quest is over, or the story ends before it’s finished. And more. We don’t want to read that. We want a story that has a promising beginning, that draws one in as the protagonist irretrievably faces a difficulty he must conquer, which leads him to the big part in te middle of the plot, where he experiences and learns, and leads him to the climax, the big battle against his difficulty, to end with success or defeat.

Story arcs come natural to us, for our brains are wired for them from a very early age. But authors face the difficulty of being amidst their characters, who don’t see it. It’s difficult to gain an objective perspective, which is why some stories lack in that regard. Because sotry arc has a lot to do with reader’s satisfaction after reading a book, I weigh it in heavily in my book reviews.

Featured historical fiction genres

Historical fiction as a genre offers numerous sub-genres, such as

– Historical fantasy,

– Historical mysteries and thrillers,

– Historical series and epics,

– Historical nautical and pirate fiction,

– Historical romance,

– Historical documentary fiction,

– Alternate history,

– Biographical historical fiction,

– Historical adventures, and

– Historical family saga.

In this book reviews blog I touch on all subgenres, and also include time travel and detective stories. 

Exploring themes in historical fiction

Historical fiction offers a wide range of themes, many of them are universal. Common themes include:

Love and Romance: Romantic relationships set against the backdrop of historical events or settings are a common theme in historical fiction. Some examples are “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen, “Outlander” by Diana Gabaldon, and “The Nightingale” by Kristin Hannah.

War and Conflict: Many historical novels explore the impact of wars, revolutions, and conflicts on individuals and society, such as “All Quiet on the Western Front” by Erich Maria Remarque, “The Book Thief” by Markus Zusak, or “Gone with the Wind” by Margaret Mitchell.

Social Class and Inequality: Authors often delve into the disparities and divisions within historical societies, highlighting the struggles of those from different social classes. “Les Misérables” by Victor Hugo, “The Help” by Kathryn Stockett, and “The House of Mirth” by Edith Wharton show how the classes impacted people of their historical time.

Identity and Belonging: Characters may grapple with questions of identity, especially when they are caught between different cultures, eras, or social groups. Books like “The Namesake” by Jhumpa Lahiri, “The Book of Negroes” by Lawrence Hill, and “The Song of Achilles” by Madeline Miller touch upon this subject.

Family and Relationships: Family dynamics, generational conflicts, and interpersonal relationships are frequently explored in historical fiction, for example in books like “East of Eden” by John Steinbeck, “The Thorn Birds” by Colleen McCullough, or “The Light Between Oceans” by M.L. Stedman.

Politics and Power: Novels in this genre often delve into the political intrigues and power struggles of the past. “Wolf Hall” by Hilary Mantel, “The Pillars of the Earth” by Ken Follett, and “Lincoln” by Gore Vidal contain this theme.

Historical Events: Some historical fiction focuses on specific historical events, such as the sinking of the Titanic, the American Civil War, or the French Revolution. Some examples are “A Tale of Two Cities” by Charles Dickens (French Revolution), “Titanic” by James Cameron (inspired by the sinking of the Titanic), and “Killer Angels” by Michael Shaara (American Civil War).

Time Travel and Alternate History: Some historical fiction incorporates elements of time travel or explores alternate histories, where key events unfold differently. Stephen King’s “11/22/63”, “The Man in the High Castle” by Philip K. Dick, and “The Time Traveler’s Wife” by Audrey Niffenegger contain this theme.

Cultural and Social Change: Authors may use historical fiction to examine how societies have evolved over time, including shifts in cultural norms and values. Historical fiction books with this theme include “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald (Roaring Twenties), “The Joy Luck Club” by Amy Tan (Chinese-American immigrant experience), and “The Swans of Fifth Avenue” by Melanie Benjamin (1950s high society).

Survival and Resilience: Characters may face challenges such as natural disasters, plagues, or other crises, highlighting human resilience and the will to survive. Books with this theme include “The Revenant” by Michael Punke, “Unbroken” by Laura Hillenbrand, and “Life of Pi” by Yann Martel.

Exploration and Adventure: Historical fiction often features adventurous journeys, exploration of new lands, or quests, such as “The Terror” by Dan Simmons (Arctic exploration), “Heart of Darkness” by Joseph Conrad (African Congo), and “In the Heart of the Sea” by Nathaniel Philbrick (whaling).

Mystery and Intrigue: Mysteries and detective stories set in historical periods add an element of suspense and intrigue to the genre. Examples include “The Name of the Rose” by Umberto Eco, “Alias Grace” by Margaret Atwood, and “The Alienist” by Caleb Carr.

Religion and Faith: Themes of faith, religious conflicts, and spirituality are explored in historical novels such as “The Pillars of the Earth” by Ken Follett, “The Red Tent” by Anita Diamant, and “Quo Vadis” by Henryk Sienkiewicz.

Injustice and Rebellion: Some historical fiction deals with themes of oppression, injustice, and the fight for freedom and equality. Suzanne Collins incorporates this in her “The Hunger Games”, and “The Bastard of Istanbul” by Elif Shafak and “The Grapes of Wrath” by John Steinbeck are other examples for this theme.

Art and Culture: The world of art, music, literature, and cultural movements of the past can serve as a backdrop for historical fiction. Art and culture theme in “The Girl with a Pearl Earring” by Tracy Chevalier, “The Paris Wife” by Paula McLain (the expatriate community in 1920s Paris), and “The Muse” by Jessie Burton (artistic world in 1930s Spain and 1960s London).

Historical accuracy in fiction

Achieving historical accuracy is complicated because the past is often shrouded in ambiguity, and primary source materials may be incomplete, biased, or subject to interpretation. Historians themselves may have differing views on events and figures, which can make it challenging for authors to determine what is truly accurate. Additionally, historical context and cultural nuances can be difficult to fully capture, especially when an author is writing about a time or place vastly different from their own.

Authors typically rely on historical documents, diaries, letters, newspaper archives, academic research, and even oral histories. Libraries and archives are invaluable resources for accessing primary materials, while the internet provides access to a wealth of digitized historical records and scholarly articles. Museums, historical societies, and experts in specific fields can also offer valuable insights.

However, it’s important to recognize that not all sources are equally reliable. Bias, inaccuracies, or omissions can be present in primary sources, and even secondary sources like history books may contain errors or interpretive biases. Authors must carefully cross-reference and critically assess their sources to ensure accuracy.

Balancing historical facts with storytelling in a commercial context can be a formidable task. While historical accuracy is essential to create a believable and immersive world, too much focus on details can detract from the narrative’s flow and engagement. Authors often face the challenge of blending historical facts seamlessly into their stories without overwhelming readers with historical exposition. Striking this balance requires skill and a deep understanding of the time period and characters.

In my book reviews I do consider historical accuracy but also take into account the story arc and prose. Though it may, historical fiction is not made to teach us about the past: it’s primary goal is entertainment.

Join the Bookish Community: Connect with fellow bibliophiles

The world of literature is a vast and ever-evolving realm, and I believe in the power of community and connection. Join me in discussions about historical fiction books, book recommendations, and the magic of storytelling. Share your thoughts, ask questions, and connect with fellow bibliophiles who share your passion.

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Dive into the world of historical fiction with me, and let’s uncover the magic of the past through the power of words. Happy reading!

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Discover gripping historical fiction!

Portrait of historical fiction author Mirà Kanehl.

Mira Kanehl

Historical fiction author and book reviewer