Sunday August 2nd, 2009 Historical Fiction

History was possibly my least favourite subject. When it came time for an exam or test I would try to memorize as many facts as possible and hope for the best. Once the test was over I promptly forgot everything. Unfortunately, this method of learning did not leave me with a good knowledge base of world history. It wasn’t until many years later that I stumbled upon a unique and enjoyable way to learn about the world’s past through the genre of writing known as historical fiction. While authors of historical fiction may take liberties with certain details, the basis of these novels often contain enough relevant information to give the reader a good understanding of a particular time period or event.

A recent reference to a television special on the Halifax harbour explosion of 1917 brought to mind an excellent novel written by Canadian author Hugh McLennan titled Barometer Rising. A munitions ship sailing into the harbour collides with another ship setting off a tremendous explosion. The novel is a detailed description of the impact the explosion had on the city and its inhabitants. A deft storyteller, McLennan’s characters are compelling making us care about what happens to them. At the same time we are given insight into one of Canada’s worst disasters which played a major role in our history.

Much historical fiction has been written about the monarchy, from the colourful life of Henry VIII to Mary, Queen of Scots. Author Philippa Gregory gives life to many of the lesser known royals and their roles within the monarchy. The Boleyn Inheritance chronicles the lives of the women of Henry VIII’s court. Sharing the narration is Anne of Cleves, his fourth wife, Katherine Howard, his fifth, and the Lady Rochford or Jane Boleyn. As narrators, they draw the reader into their daily lives, filled with the political intrigue and madness that shaped one of the most notorious reigns of the monarchy.

Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See is a look at the intimate lives of two women in nineteenth century China. What makes this book fascinating is the recounting of the practice of foot binding. While I was aware this practice existed I had no idea of what the process entailed and found this section riveting. In seclusion for foot binding, a young girl is paired with another girl she has not yet met, for eternal friendship known in China as laotong. They communicate back and forth in a secret language written on a fan. The novel follows their lives from their early friendship, through marriage, childbirth and their survival during the Taiping Revolution.

Warfare and conflict are featured frequently in works of fiction. Sharpe’s Waterloo by Bernard Cornwell provides the reader with a fairly comprehensive history of the controversial Waterloo campaign of 1815. Richard Sharpe, breaking a promise to his lover to fight no more, returns to the battlefield. He joins the staff of William, Prince of Orange who has been given command of a large portion of the allied forces. As the battle unfolds Sharpe is witness to the military incompetencies of William. This novel is an engaging look into a period of Napoleonic history. For a different twist, try it out in our new playaway audio format.

The Book of Negroes by Lawrence Hill tells the story Animato who was kidnapped by British slave holders in the mid 1700’s at the age of eleven. Years later she is able to forge her way to freedom and register her name with the historic book of Negroes. An actual book, it provides a short record of the freed Loyalist slaves who requested permission to leave the US for settlement in Nova Scotia. The book takes you through her childhood in Africa, the indignities of slavery, resettlement, and her work as abolitionist.

So, if you have a yearnin’ for learnin’ and like to be entertained, give historical fiction a try-you might be surprised!

Michelle Paziuk, Library Technician, Thunder Bay Public Library