What is the difference between literary historical fiction and “woman with her back turned on the cover” historical fiction? In today’s episode of Modern Readers, we’re discussing the literary landscape and rise in popularity of the historical fiction genre. We explore the definition of historical fiction, significant time periods, craft vs. plot, and “literariness” to understand whether a historical book is literary or a really entertaining read—or both! Plus, we share Novel Pairings episodes and book recommendations to pair with our nuanced conversation.

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Timestamps

Recent Reads - 2:13

What is Historical Fiction? - 10:23

What makes a text Literary Historical Fiction? - 23:19

Novel Pairings Historical Fiction Episodes 

The Remains of the Day (Episode 6)

Beloved by Toni Morrison (Episode 9) 

Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry (Episode 98)

Books Mentioned

Mrs. Caliban by Rachel Ingalls

How Can I Help You by Laura Sims

Now is Not the Time to Panic by Kevin Wilson

The Fraud by Zadie Smith

Wolf Hall by Hillary Mantel

Phillipa Gregory (try The Other Boleyn Girl)

Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe 

Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi

Life After Life by Kate Atkinson

Atonement by Ian McEwan

Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell