What Do You Think About Historical Fiction That's More Fiction Than History?

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Jacki Mac Iver Hill
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What Do You Think About Historical Fiction That's More Fiction Than History?

Post by Jacki Mac Iver Hill »

Some stories demand more fiction than historical fact. The subject reminds me of the scenes in which the boat is out to sea after losing their radio capabilities in "The Perfect Storm". No one knows what happened out there so it all had to be fictionalized.

I believe historical fiction should usually be more fiction than fact to make the story more interesting and "fill in the gaps". However all historical facts should be accurate and the reader should be easily able to differentiate the fact from fiction. If the story was all history, or even mostly historical fact, it would read like a textbook.

What do you think? More fact or more fiction?
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ea_anthony
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Post by ea_anthony »

Whether more fact or fiction may not be the deciding factor in achieving a book that makes for an interesting read, in my opinion anyway. Writing styles are what usually wow me. Write about an ice cube melting over the course of six hours, throw I some darkness, a few strokes of desperation and one or two heart thumping moments and for all you know it make a more interesting read than kayaking down a rapid. Maybe the mood of whatever muse is in charge also determines ..... what do i know?
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emmanaco58
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Post by emmanaco58 »

I believe historical facts are needed in some stories for it not to be on a pleasure basis, so as to make readers get more knowledge of what they have heard about that particular concept
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Post by revna01 »

Great discussion topic! Possibly my favorite genre, I adore a well-written historical fiction novel. I believe it is imperative for the author to be historically accurate and that the history should be the basis for the entire story. After that, the author has leeway to present a storyline of their choosing. I feel the author should present the book in a way such that the reader won't confuse fact and fiction.
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Sarah Starling
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Post by Sarah Starling »

It definitely has to be a good balance. Otherwise it doesn't tell a good story or it takes you out of the realism of it if there is blatantly wrong information. I've never read a bad historical fiction, luckily.

I just love when you're reading historical fiction and have to look up to see if the story is "based on a true story" historical fiction or just set in a historical setting, but completely fiction.
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Post by AliceofX »

I think it is an "ends justify the means" kind of thing. If I were to walk into a kitchen and see that the sink is filled with dirty dishes, all the surfaces are unclean, just complete disorder all around, but then I'm presented with the most delicious cake that man has ever tasted then I could forgive the mess. Same thing with stories. If the end product is good then whatever historical inaccuracies it has won't take away from my enjoyment of it.
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Post by Taekwondoqueen »

I think that certain parts need more fiction and other parts need facts. Maybe you will have it on people who really existed, but the plot is fiction. You need to make sure that the people, timeline, and facts are correct.
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