Historical fiction as a separate genre appeared a long time ago and gained great popularity. Many cult writers created works in this direction. Such works often became world masterpieces. It is about such books that are described with a full description in the article. Every reading enthusiast will find something for himself here.
Deep subtext
Victor Hugo can be considered a master of historical fiction, although he created many poetic works in his life. His epic novel “Les Miserables” is a revelation of the author, because he wrote it for ten years. Events take place in 1815, and in the center of the story is the former convict Jean Valjean. He spent 19 years in prison for stealing bread.
The hero was released as a man embittered by the world, but everything was changed by a meeting with Miriel Dinsky. This kind Catholic priest respected Jean. When the former convict stole silver candlesticks, he forgave him and gave them. Impressed by how Mariel reacted to him, the protagonist decides to completely change his life. He manages to do this, but the problems do not end there. Hugo reveals many problems in his work, including love and hatred between people, the confrontation between rich and poor and the like.
Civil war in Ukraine
Russian historical fiction is diverse in the directions of describing current events. The recognized master of the pen, Mikhail Bulgakov, by the novel The White Guard, proved this. In his brilliant book, he showed the events of the Civil War in Ukraine in late 1918 and early 1919. The plot focuses on the Turbin family, each member of which is involved in one way or another in the ongoing events. Kiev during the Brest Peace is not transferred by the Germans under the control of the Bolsheviks, and therefore many people from the central parts of the former empire flee here.
Alexey and Nikolka became volunteers in the army of the defenders of Kiev. Simon Petliura with Colonel Konovalets and a large army are preparing to storm the city. Their superior forces destroy the weak defense, although the main characters do not want to retreat to the very end. At the same time, some commanders have already realized the futility of the entire defense and disband volunteer squads. They recommend that officers lurk in their homes, as well as destroy all traces of belonging to the former imperial army. Historical events in fiction are not always demonstrated with great accuracy, but in Mikhail Bulgakov it is fully present. The author replaced the names of real historical figures, but this did not prevent the beautiful disclosure of the characters' characters against the background of social changes.
The struggle of principles
At the mention of fiction historical literature about Russia, the brilliant novel "Quiet Flows the Don" by Mikhail Sholokhov involuntarily comes to mind. It was for this work that the author received the Nobel Prize. The plot immerses the reader in the life of the Cossack Melekhov family in the most difficult period in the state. The events of the book span about ten years, starting in 1912. Gregory, thanks to his innate leadership abilities, quickly became an officer in the imperial army, and later even a general. It was at this time in Russia that revolutionary events began. Under the command of Grigory Melekhov , a whole rebel division falls, but he is tormented by doubts. A man cannot decide who the truth is. His soul rushes between the white and red troops.
The same situation befell Gregory in his personal life. In historical fiction, it is always customary to demonstrate a fictional aspect. Here, such is the love of the two women of Gregory. He never loved his wife, Natalya, but after the birth of two children, feelings seemed to have appeared with them. However, he never forgot Aksinho's first love. The author perfectly shows the tragic fate of a talented person who could not make any important choices.
A history of strong friendship
There is not much published children's fiction historical literature when it comes to masterpieces, but some books are written so readily that even teenagers can immerse themselves in reading. This is primarily true of the novel by Alexander Dumas “Three Musketeers”. At the center of the story is a proud and energetic hero named d'Artagnan, who is traveling with a letter of recommendation to Paris. He wants to become a musketeer - a military man from the king’s special guard. Already on the way, he meets in trouble and loses important paper. Mr. de Treville, who commands the musketeers, tells the protagonist that he cannot take it without military merit. He sends the character to serve in the regiment of Guardsmen des Essard.
On the same day, d'Artagnan hurried to his future commander, but on the way managed to enter into confrontation with three musketeers - Athos, Porthos and Aramis. All of them challenged him to a duel, which was supposed to take place behind the abbey, but story twists are characteristic of fiction and historical literature. Before the start of the first duel, the cardinal's guards appear . The victory over them added to the company of three friends of the musketeers another one - an energetic Gascon. In the book, love lines, political games and military battles are so tightly intertwined that when reading one can feel involuntary delight.
The story of the substitution
The list of fiction historical literature from among the best works includes the brilliant novel of Mark Twain "The Prince and the Pauper." Events take place in London in the mid-sixteenth century and revolve around the boy Tom Kenti. He grew up in a poor family, often suffered beatings from his father, and never felt love and happiness. One day the guy ends up in the royal palace, where he meets Prince Edward VI. The boys turned out to be incredibly similar to each other. During the conversation, they decide to change clothes. Thus, Edward gets the opportunity to experience the life from which he was strictly guarded in the palace.
He sees what is happening on the streets of London: constant robberies, executions of women, and he himself is sent to prison. To the statement that he is the future king, the prisoner robbers conduct a comic coronation. Saves Edward VI Miles Gendon - a poor nobleman who has just returned from the war. For this, the prince generously rewards him, and himself swears to observe justice in the government of the country. The book is on the list of fiction historical literature that deserves attention for demonstrating flaws in the system of government in 16th-century England. Meanwhile, the second storyline will show Tom’s attempts to get comfortable in the palace.
Age of the Knights
In fiction, historical novels are considered far from the easiest direction. Authors must weave fictional events into the global surroundings of what is happening, while still meeting all the canons of the chosen era. Walter Scott easily coped with such a difficult task, and the novel “Ivanhoe” is considered one of the best in its category.
The central theme of the work was the struggle between the Anglo-Saxons and the Normans. The latter finally won after the Battle of Hastings. The events of the novel unfold in 1194, after almost a century and a half since the crucial battle. The third crusade is completed, and Richard the Lionheart is captured by the Austrian Duke Leopold. At this time, John reigns in England, who is only sowing turmoil among the population. The plot begins with the fact that two servants of Mr. Cedric meet a wandering Templar with a prelate. Due to the weather, they hide in the fortress of the owner, where two unknown persons are invited.
Cedric began asking the Templar Brian de Boisguillebert about the Knights' Tournament in Acre. He says that he was defeated by Wilfred Aivengo, who is far from a stranger to the owner of the castle. From this begins an exciting story that even affects the fate of King Richard the Lionheart.
One of the oldest works
Fiction as a historical source is not always used. It regularly contains most of the fiction, which is organically woven into the plot. The same can be said of Homer's Iliad, although it is his work that is considered the most comprehensive source on the events of the Trojan War.
Labor begins from the moment when the Achaean troops already began to besiege the city. The priest of Apollo Chrys comes to the Greeks with the desire to return the captive daughter to Chryseid. Agamemnon refuses to give his slave, and therefore the father prays to Apollo to punish cruel people. God sends pestilence to the army of the Greeks, and the soldiers begin to demand that they be given to Chryseid. Agamemnon is forced to agree, but in order to recover the loss, he takes away from Achilles his beloved woman, Briseis.
Resentment of the most famous hero of the war was beyond. He asks the mother of Thetis to turn to Zeus with a request to send the Greeks defeats, until Agemnemon apologizes to Achilles. Only the cunning Odysseus could save the state of affairs, who came up with a plan to capture the city.
This work of fiction as a historical source also serves because it fully describes the forces of the two warring parties. Homer even mentions the names of generals, which is also interesting.
Famous rebellion
The list of books of historical fiction includes thousands of works, but only some capable of keeping in suspense to the very end. Such a masterpiece is the work of Raffaello Giovagnoli “Spartacus”. The plot will tell readers about the gladiator of the same name, who raised the most powerful uprising of slaves in the entire Roman Empire. Events begin with the majestic games that the dictator Sulla arranged for the holiday. Everyone was delighted with the performance of the rudiary, and the emperor, guided by the request of Valeria Messala, conferred freedom on Spartacus.
He begins to organize an uprising, although he is tormented by doubts because of his love for the aforementioned matron. The woman reciprocates, but the hero puts ideological convictions higher. One of the meetings of the gladiators was overheard by the drunken actor Metrobius. He tells this to Caesar and the local authorities in Capua. The future emperor Julius tells Spartak to join him, but he refuses. At that time, all the gladiator schools were already taken under control in the city. Thanks to improvisation, the hero, along with a handful of associates, escapes to Vesuvius. An uprising begins on one of the mountain sites, which will frighten the Romans for many years.
Indian life
Fiction in historical research can serve as the foundation for further research, but for readers it is primarily adventure and an interesting story. One of these is the second book from the whole cycle of the story of Leather Stocking, entitled "The Last of the Mohicans." Fenimore Cooper introduces her to the life of the Indians, their culture and activities in the frontier in North America.
In the courtyard of 1757, the French-Indian war is in full swing. Readers are being transferred to New York, which was then a British colony. The main character continues to be the hunter Natty Bampo, who is supposed to save the two daughters of the British commander. He enlisted the support of Chingachgook and his son Uncas, with whom he had been friends for a long time. The last members of the Mohicans agree to help complete a difficult mission, although they understand the risk.
Readers will get acquainted with the life of ancient tribes, learn their culture, mythology and life principles. Along with this, the pages of the novel show a long siege of Fort William-Henry, with which most of the storyline is associated. The work does not let the reader go to the very end, and the finale can amaze even the most experienced connoisseur of historical works.
U.S. Civil War
Historical fiction is rich in its subject. Authors in different countries touch upon those points that will be close to readers in a particular state. Only a few novels are considered world bestsellers, all readers respect them, despite the historical events taking place there. One of these brilliant works is the novel “Gone with the Wind” by Margaret Mitchell. The author was able to cover the period from 1861 to 1873 in his work. The book perfectly shows the reasons for the outbreak of civil war in the United States.
The northern states were actively developing in the industrial direction, and therefore they needed free workers. Such people are motivated and willing to work with greater willingness. The southern regions of the state were completely tied to agriculture, and therefore free labor was simply necessary for them. Against the backdrop of historical events, a love story unfolds of the main character Scarlett O'Hara, who is confident in her skills to seduce men. She sincerely wants to be with Ashley Wilkes, but he is already engaged to Melanie. When a girl confesses to her lover in her feelings, he refuses to break the promise, although he also loves Scarlett. From this moment begins a twisted story with an incredible amount of emotions of various kinds.
The final list of works
- "Les Miserables."
- The White Guard.
- "Quiet Don".
- "Three Musketeers".
- "Prince and the Pauper".
- "Ivanhoe."
- The Iliad.
- "Spartacus".
- "The Last of the Mohicans."
- "Gone With the Wind".