History and literature are two of the most significant things in life. The former is the account of the past events that happened in the lives of people while the latter is the way of life. When blended together, each of their remarkable aspects complements each other forming a wonderful whole. Thus, a literary genre called historical fiction that houses a wide array of stories with elements that are either real or imaginary.
Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel, Scourged Souls by Keith Niles Corman, The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follet, The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, and Code Name Verity by Elizabeth E. Wein are some of the best historical fiction books of all-time. Reading books of this genre has a lot of perks, such as the following:
Allows you to understand the past events
There are many events in the past that are deemed to be incomprehensible, especially for those born in the later generation. Writers of historical fiction pick a particular happening in the history and infuse it with fictional ingredients. It depends on the writer on what part of the story will he inject the factual information; but, it was always the setting that is being commonly used. Reading books of this genre allows you to get to know the events that took place on that particular time with a more entertaining reading experience because it is mixed with imaginary details. Thus, you will come to know what happened during the Civil war, how countries were colonized, and more.
Develops your empathy
Empathy is the ability to put your feet on someone else’s shoes. Although those people who experienced the cruelty and harshness of life on a particular time in the past, reading books that feature them can still make you feel empathic. Hence, the books of historical fiction doesn’t only inform us about the events in the history but make us feel the emotions and experiences instead. They help us develop our empathy for the experiences of various people in diverse moments in history in a certain method that is different from our personal and political views.
Helps you see the root of today’s problems
There are many problems today that are product of the unsolved issues of the past. What sets everything apart is the fact that the society of today is more relaxed than it was before. But, there are still many societal problems that are still not given the correct solution or haven’t been eradicated. These problems may include racism, sexism, poverty, abuse of power, classicism, and more. The elements of fiction give the book more freedom to express and educate the readers. As a result, there are many books that show people the root of many problems by delivering facts with a hint of fiction.
Brings you to the past while you’re at the present
Books are great means of transportation. There are many extraordinarily beautiful places and times that they can bring you. While you are reading, you will be transported into a particular place and moment in history where you can bear witness on the events that took place on that setting. You will find yourself on living the life of the characters and overcoming his obstacles during the time where the Nazis rule or when the society has looked down on your because of your skin color. This is where you can use empathy and sympathy, as well as form great realizations that you can apply to the present.
Makes you see life in different angles
Life is a big mystery that many try to crack. When you look at it from one fixed angle from the moment that you learn to stand on your own feet until the time that you can no longer stand due to old age, you will miss half of your life. But, historical fiction — and even books in general, will shift your perspective and make you see the world from a better and clearer angle. You will come to know how the events of the past have formed society in the present. The more you read, the more you come to know why life has turned the other way around and how the world is coping up with its ups and downs.
Oliver’s Twist 