historical fiction meaning and example

Historical Fiction: Understanding the Genre with Meaning and Examples

Historical fiction is a captivating literary genre that intertwines fictional characters and events with real historical contexts, creating an immersive reading experience. It allows readers to explore different time periods, delve into the lives of characters from the past, and gain insights into historical events. In this article, we will explore the meaning of historical fiction and provide some examples that will surely appeal to enthusiasts of this genre.

Meaning of Historical Fiction:

Historical fiction refers to novels, stories, or narratives that are set in the past and use real historical events, places, and people as the backdrop for the plot. One of the defining elements of historical fiction is the author's meticulous research to maintain historical accuracy while adding fictional elements to enhance the storytelling. By blending fact and fiction, historical fiction enables readers to engage with historical events and gain a nuanced understanding of different time periods.

Examples of Historical Fiction:

1. "The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak:
Set in Nazi Germany during World War II, "The Book Thief" tells the story of Liesel, a young girl who discovers solace and escape in books. This captivating novel provides a unique perspective on the Holocaust and its impact on ordinary citizens.

2. "Gone with the Wind" by Margaret Mitchell:
Known as a literary classic, "Gone with the Wind" transports readers to the American South during the Civil War and Reconstruction Era. Through the tumultuous love story of Scarlett O'Hara and Rhett Butler, Mitchell explores the social and political upheavals of the time.

3. "Wolf Hall" by Hilary Mantel:
Winner of the Man Booker Prize, "Wolf Hall" is a remarkable work that dives into the life of Thomas Cromwell, a key figure in the court of King Henry VIII. The novel superbly captures the political intrigue and religious turmoil of 16th-century England.

4. "The Pillars of the Earth" by Ken Follett:
Set in the 12th century, "The Pillars of the Earth" chronicles the struggles of master builder Tom Builder as he strives to construct a cathedral amidst a backdrop of political power struggles. This epic tale provides a vivid portrayal of medieval life.

Recommended Websites for Historical Fiction:

1. Goodreads (www.goodreads.com):
Goodreads is a popular online community for book lovers. The site offers a wide range of historical fiction recommendations, user reviews, and even author interviews. It's a treasure trove for discovering new historical fiction novels to dive into.

2. Historical Novel Society (www.historicalnovelsociety.org):
The Historical Novel Society website is dedicated to promoting and supporting historical fiction. It provides comprehensive book reviews, author interviews, and articles that delve into the genre. Their curated reading lists will surely help you find your next historical fiction read.

In conclusion, historical fiction is a captivating genre that blends fictional narratives with real historical events, allowing readers to immerse themselves in different time periods. Through meticulous research, authors provide a unique lens to explore the past, its characters, and significant events. Whether you're a history buff or simply enjoy a good story, historical fiction will transport you to bygone eras and ensure an enriching reading experience.
Mengshan Army Fiction
Mengshan Army

This book is a work of alternative history. It tells the rise and legend of a surviving branch of the Xiangma armed forces in Shandong during the late Qing Dynasty. Witness how they achieve a magnificent transformation from bandits in the Meng Mountains to the Meng Mountain Army, how they play out a bloody drama on the stage of historical epochs, crushing domestic warlords, purging feudal filth, establishing a glorious republic, expelling Russia and annihilating Japan, washing away the humiliations from the Opium War to the Battle of Jiawu, and once again proclaiming the might of China. This book not only portrays grand and sweeping war scenes but also explores the struggles of both prominent and ordinary individuals caught in the tide of history - encompassing the struggles of family, country, and the world, the pursuit of power, wealth, and love, loyalty, and betrayal. Every person faces difficult choices. QQ group number for readers: [Please provide a specific QQ group number]

401.73 Million words | 2021-05-16 21:49Update

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The First Husband in Time Travel Fiction
The First Husband in Time Travel

There is a saying in the martial arts world, 'Why bother with excuses, big or small cases are not a worry.' The story begins with this. Modern girl Yang Nianqing falls into water and accidentally travels to a dynasty similar to the Song Dynasty, getting involved in a series of serial murder cases. She meets the 'god' and the 'human' of the first rank, and together with them, they embark on a journey to solve the cases. As the investigation deepens, the love and hatred between Yun Biyue and the White Duo, the tragic love of Mr. and Mrs. Leng, the secrets of Tang Jingfeng and his wife, and the truth behind the massacre of the Tao family more than twenty years ago all come to light. The emotional entanglement of the main and supporting male characters comes to an end, and when the cruel truth is revealed, the friendship of the four good friends remains as beautiful as ever.

558.45 Million words | 2023-05-19 23:46Update

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The Legend of Heroes in China and Abroad Fiction
The Legend of Heroes in China and Abroad

This novel tells the story of the struggle in the coastal areas of Shandong's anti-Japanese base. The story revolves around the characters Song Jiliu and Gu Mu and Chen Shijue, and it is full of excitement! In the first year of the Republic of China, a group of heroes attacked the old county town of Ganyu in Qing Dynasty, achieving the great feat of opening grain storage to save the people. Later, under the leadership of Song Jiliu, the descendant of the old heroes, an anti-Japanese spy-fighting team was established to carry out activities to eliminate evil and protect the innocent. Soon, with the facilitation of Communist Party leaders Luo Ronghuan and Chen Shijue, a military labor team was established. This mainly depicts the

463.59 Million words | 2022-02-02 06:11Update

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Dominating the world. Fiction
Dominating the world.

In this world, the situation is changing rapidly, and war is on the verge of breaking out. Xia Wan, a person from the 21st century who only wants to live a carefree life of chasing girls, eating, sleeping, and playing video games, suddenly finds himself reborn in a different world! In this ancient world where he has no knowledge of future events to turn bad luck into good, let's see how he sweeps through various beautiful women and bosses, turns the tide, and becomes a supreme ruler! ****** (Rest assured, the quality of this book is guaranteed. It will not disappoint. Please feel free to bookmark it and read it later. It is recommended for VIP readers! VIPs are welcome to support!

314.11 Million words | 2022-03-09 10:37Update

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Living in the Ming Dynasty Fiction
Living in the Ming Dynasty

I have recently started a new urban novel called "Special Forces in the City". Please support it! A special forces soldier gets discharged and enters society, but doesn't know how to survive. In order to provide a better life for himself and his family, he can only rely on his own methods. This is not the jungle or the desert; reality is even more complicated. He can only move forward and cannot retreat. But how does he manage to survive in this concrete jungle? Stay tuned for updates!

510.36 Million words | 2021-08-08 05:43Update

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Mischievous Chaos of the Three Kingdoms Fiction
Mischievous Chaos of the Three Kingdoms

Surname Zhang, given name Han, courtesy name Bingliang; slapping the Han palace beam with a palm; the Yellow Turbans were originally street performers; I formed an oath brotherhood with Xuan De in a hurry. Meng De here, a friend in need; assisting Jiangdong, making a famous name; establishing a grand hall with three parts of the world; raising nobility and becoming a powerful minister. Seven expeditions in the Central Plains, creating waves; the Three Kingdoms will eventually perish; spending a lifetime lying by the bedside; the hearts of the people hold the world. *************************************************************************** Twisting and pulling + imagination + mischievousness + the truth of history = what you see. Compared to official history, this is an uncensored story! Do you really think that knowing a little history can go back in time and change everything? In fact, the people of that era would tell you that what's written in books is all fake! 【If you love me, please click on me. If you don't love me, please click on me to die. - Nan Nan】

289.93 Million words | 2023-05-30 10:56Update

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Legend of the Emperor's Journey through Time Fiction
Legend of the Emperor's Journey through Time

I came to the Southern Song Dynasty and became the de facto ruler of a fallen nation, Emperor Song Duzong. There was only one path for me, to lead the Southern Song Dynasty back to the pinnacle of the world. Facing external challenges, I waged a great war against the mighty Mongolian cavalry in history. In the martial world, dangers lurked at every turn. Internally, I engaged in a battle of wits with Jia Sidao, one of the four treacherous ministers of the Southern Song Dynasty. In the realm of love, it was a mysterious and difficult journey. If readers enjoy "The Legend of the Emperor in a Time Travel," please don't forget to recommend it to your friends in your QQ

559.54 Million words | 2022-07-30 21:52Update

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Zhang Juzheng Fiction
Zhang Juzheng

Zhang Juzheng (Four Volumes) is the winner of the 6th Mao Dun Literature Prize. It revolves around the political struggle between Zhang Juzheng and the chief minister Gao Gong, showcasing the rise and fall of various political forces within and outside the imperial court. The novel vividly portrays characters with distinct personalities such as Zhang Juzheng, Gao Gong, Feng Bao, and Consort Li. Through vivid portrayal of typical settings and careful creation of historical atmosphere, the novel exhibits a clear historical rationality, with fervent and dynamic realism, vividly presenting a vast and intricate historical scenario linked to the 'Wanli New Policies' and showcasing the image of Zhang Juzheng, a complex reformer in feudal society, as well as the inevitability of his tragic fate. This book is a massive historical novel, permeated with an elegant and rustic charm, providing readers with an enjoyable reading experience that is both enlightening and captivating. It is the perfect choice for enthusiasts of historical fiction.

54.69 Million words | 2021-04-18 18:50Update

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Chen Jialuo's Happy Life Fiction
Chen Jialuo's Happy Life

"Can the 'prosperous era of Qianlong' truly be incapable of provoking rebellion? When the soul of a modern young man, Chen Jialuo, transmigrates into the story, the Red Flower Society embarks on a different path of revolution."

87.05 Million words | 2020-08-28 17:00Update

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The Rise of Dragon in China Fiction
The Rise of Dragon in China

In the face of atrocities carried out under the name of "patriotism," others shied away in fear, but the psychologist Lin Yizhe stepped forward and rescued the police officer Zhao Yuetong from the hands of the "patriotic" mob. He himself was sentenced to death for accidentally killing several people. During the execution of the death penalty, a minor accident caused his soul to drift back to the late Qing Dynasty and he was reborn in a dying body. Although he went from having to losing everything, the newly awakened eyes were filled with hope! With the shell of a reborn body today, he challenges the unknown fate and marches forward in the wind and rain! I will rewrite the history of the great nation of China!

534.90 Million words | 2020-11-28 22:17Update

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Late Qing Dynasty Warlord. Fiction
Late Qing Dynasty Warlord.

During the Xianfeng period, there was the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom uprising and the Second Opium War. Countless humiliations and glories erupted at the same time, making this an era that is both inspiring and intoxicating! This is a story of the rise of a modern empire, a legend belonging to Lin Zhe! In the rain, the usual style of "reasonable imagination, thrilling dominance" presents to you the most realistic and shocking battle for dominance! The old writer guarantees the quality and quantity of the new book, so please rest assured to collect and read it! Welcome everyone to join the book friends group ().

515.19 Million words | 2023-02-04 21:48Update

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Tiger Roar of the Iron Rider Fiction
Tiger Roar of the Iron Rider

Yan Hui, who was reborn with memories of his past life, was born into a wealthy family. Due to his family being suppressed by the emperor, he ended up becoming the son of a butcher by a twist of fate while hiding from the pursuit along with his mother. He changed his name to Niu Tianci. His greatest wish is to ensure eternal peace and happiness for his loved ones, free from separation and sorrow. With his abilities - a ancient tomb space, the divine Dragon's Secret, and his faithful brothers, as well as his lifelong love, he embarked on a path to dominate the world. On this vast land, a legendary tale of passion unfolded.

93.30 Million words | 2021-03-25 07:07Update

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The Chronicle of Emperor Qin Fiction
The Chronicle of Emperor Qin

Emperor Qin sweeps the six realms, his tiger eyes gleaming with dominance! Brandishing his sword, he dispels the fleeting clouds, and all vassals come from the west. With keen judgment bestowed by heaven, he leads his great talents... To be reincarnated as anyone would be fine, but why did I have to be reincarnated as the miserable Qin bastard? Who is this Qin bastard, you ask? He is none other than the father of Emperor Qin Shi Huang! I don't want to pick up the pieces left by Lü Buwei, I don't want to be

218.02 Million words | 2022-10-23 14:48Update

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Return to the Three Kingdoms to Plant Vegetables Fiction
Return to the Three Kingdoms to Plant Vegetables

A "three-no" otaku returns to the Three Kingdoms, where Zhang Fei, Guan Yu, and Jian Yong are not easily convinced. Liu Yan, the uncle in the history books who supported Liu Bei's rise, is solely interested in plotting for Liu Bei's family property. Lu Zhi, the nominal teacher, is the biggest obstacle in the officialdom. Reluctant to ask for help from his friend Gongsun Zan, the Yellow Turban Rebellion is not as simple as imagined. Weaving mats and selling shoes is not something the proletariat can easily handle. In order to raise startup funds, Liu Bei can only choose to start by honestly farming vegetables!

216.57 Million words | 2021-12-24 18:18Update

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Inverted Brightness 1644 Fiction
Inverted Brightness 1644

Prince Zhu Ci of the Ming Dynasty, heading southward to ascend the throne, first pacified Zuoliangyu, then exterminated the Donglin Party, solidifying the Southern Ming's reign. Establishing a strong army, annihilating the rebels Li Zicheng and Zhang Xianzhong, launching a Northern Expedition, defeating the Manchu Qing Dynasty, reclaiming the nation. With unwavering determination, expanding the territory in all directions! The world of the late Ming Dynasty was truly splendid, witnessing the rise and fall of the Ottoman Empire and the Netherlands, the emergence of Britain and Russia, and the Mughal Empire of China shall no longer remain silent as it did in history!

260.13 Million words | 2021-10-01 05:16Update

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Dumb Monastery Fiction
Dumb Monastery

This is a book about antique stories, revolving around a antique store called "The Silent House," giving souls to silent antiques that have endured for thousands of years, telling the history behind each artifact, and depicting the lives behind history. It also tells the story of a shop owner who has lived for over two thousand years, searching for the story of the prince he once followed in the river of history.

507.62 Million words | 2022-03-24 15:25Update

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Rebirth: Consort to the Emperor Fiction
Rebirth: Consort to the Emperor

She is the only empress in the celestial dynasty who has been divorced. She is the only empress in the celestial dynasty who married as a princess. Amidst the surging winds and clouds at the peak of the Forbidden City, dressed in phoenix robes, she danced the "Phoenix Dance of the Nine Skies", causing the landscape to change. In that tragic war, he lost to her beauty that surpassed nations; she lost to his tender affections... Five years later, the Great Yan Kingdom rose in the north of the celestial dynasty, and the two nations engaged in continuous warfare. Despite repeated defeats by the celestial dynasty, she, in the Cold Palace, faced the emperor and demanded to lead the troops

343.89 Million words | 2022-09-05 11:41Update

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The corruption of the Qing Dynasty Fiction
The corruption of the Qing Dynasty

The ordinary otaku man traveled back in time to the Qing Dynasty and became the fourteenth son of Emperor Kangxi, Yin Zhen. He developed agriculture, promoted Western learning, established a fleet for overseas trade, and expanded foreign commerce. In his pursuit of the throne, Yin Zhen resorted to forceful methods, which earned him the deep resentment of his siblings. Despite their relentless efforts, they could only suffer defeat and grin and bear it in the face of his power. Witness how Yin Zhen transforms the Qing Dynasty and creates an era of innovation and prosperity. The clash of strategies and schemes in the fight for succession

203.58 Million words | 2021-04-03 10:07Update

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The Backbone of the Ming Dynasty. Fiction
The Backbone of the Ming Dynasty.

When a soul from the future traversed to the Ming Dynasty as a commoner, he fought his way towards the path of life with his knowledge from the future, striving forward despite being bound by the imperial court. He had to continue to work hard to protect his loved ones and his family. When he looked back, he realized that he had unknowingly become the backbone of the Ming Dynasty! This was a generation of national progress, an era where money was used as a weapon. In the first year of Jiajing, the curtain rose in a small mountain village in Shu.

573.96 Million words | 2022-02-24 03:58Update

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Enlightenment Fiction
Enlightenment

Transferred back to the seventh year of the Chongzhen reign in the Ming Dynasty, no food, no clothes, no house to live in. Angry, rebel! Down with Chongzhen! Down with Huang Taiji! Down with the little Japanese! Down with Western powers! Down with anyone I don't like! Lend me three thousand elite soldiers and restore the mighty Chinese nation!

258.53 Million words | 2020-07-07 13:25Update

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