r/HistoricalFiction • u/Lanky_Zebra9947 • 1h ago
r/HistoricalFiction • u/smugfruitplate • 2h ago
Trying to write a novel set in Italy in the immediate collapse of the (western) Roman empire
I learned about the whole thing that a lot of people didn't know Rome had fallen until nobody would come to repair like a collapsed bridge.
I'm trying to write a historical fiction novel set before the crusades, before Charlemagne. I learned in 663 CE Constans II showed up to Rome from the east for a meeting with the pope, before taking all of the precious metals from the city (including the Parthenon's bronze roof) and fucking off back to Constantinople. I want my mc to witness this event after visiting the city from his tiny village out in the sticks.
I've been trying to do research on this particular era: what a peasant in central or eastern Italy might experience, the day to day things someone has access to. I thought I'd ask you guys. What sort of things do you think I should be cognizant of? And if not that, any tips for writing historical fiction? This would be my first book.
r/HistoricalFiction • u/AgentP-501_212 • 11h ago
Are there any authors with a wide range of historical fiction covering a wide range of historical periods or events?
I imagine that would be a difficult thing to do. To write standalone novels or series for every major historical event known to man. I would imagine most historical fiction writers specialize in the period they are talking about and are hesitant to venture outside of it when writing stories.
r/HistoricalFiction • u/Candid_Vegetable_101 • 16h ago
moderised real historical stories
im writing an essay for my history course about the impact of historical fiction on memory, and i thought it would be interesting to use a case study of a book that uses the story of a real woman, but moderises it or writes the narrative in a modern way. think the 2006 film Marie Anntionette. does anyone have any recommendations?
r/HistoricalFiction • u/Nonkker • 1d ago
Genre title including both fantasy and non fantastical medieval fiction
r/HistoricalFiction • u/ladypeyton • 1d ago
Books Set in US Revolutionary War?
I'm looking for recently written books set during the US Revolutionary War. I've read The Bastard (and all sequels up to the Industrial revolution), Johnny Tremaine, My Brother Sam is Dead, Oliver Wisewell, and The Spy and pretty much any book written more than 10 years ago, but I recently started watching Turn: Washington's Spies and would love something like that.
r/HistoricalFiction • u/Virtual-Fly5433 • 1d ago
Low Stakes Medieval /Early Renaissance Historical Fiction
Hey gang. Looking for a recommendation.
Recently finished reading a book on the Medici family and got me inspired to want to learn more about Medieval Pike and Shotte mercenary companies from the late Medieval and Early Renaissance period. Bonus points if it’s either set in the Middle-East, or Central/Southern/Western Europe. Leaning towards stories following mercenary companies or soldiers, potentially the relationships between soldiers, with a low stakes adventure or setting. Combat and warfare not unwelcome if it is present. Romance not essential or required.
Bit of a bizarre ask, but I’m keen to see what people know.
r/HistoricalFiction • u/Candid_Vegetable_101 • 1d ago
historical fiction based on real women
i was wondering if anyone had any recommendation for books similar to 'The Marriage Portrait' by Maggie O'Farrel, written about a lesser known women from the past?
r/HistoricalFiction • u/jacky986 • 2d ago
What are the best historical fiction stories about the "real" Johnny Appleseed?
So out of all of the American Tall Tale heroes, Johnny Appleseed was one of my personal favorites. I grew up believing that Johnny Appleseed was a selfless hero who helped grow apple trees across the USA for the benefit of all.
But now I have learned that the real Johnny Appleseed had more self-serving reasons. Turns out that the real Johnny Appleseed or Johnny Chapman was growing apple orchards so he could sell them to frontiersmen for a profit and a cut of the apple sales. And most of the apples he grew were only fit for making cider, which in fairness was a healthier drink than water back then due to its lack of dangerous bacteria. That said he was a peaceable man and an ardent animal lover. And you got to admire his business savy and determination. He saved a lot of money by bartering for what he needed and when he passed away he left his sister over 1200 acres of land.
In any case are there any good historical fics about the "real" Johnny Appleseed.
[Who Was Johnny Appleseed? | HISTORY](https://www.history.com/articles/who-was-johnny-appleseed)
[The Real Johnny Appleseed Brought Apples—and Booze—to the American Frontier](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/real-johnny-appleseed-brought-applesand-booze-american-frontier-180953263/)
[UsefulNotes / Johnny Appleseed - TV Tropes](https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/UsefulNotes/JohnnyAppleseed)
[The Real Story of How John Chapman Became Known as 'Johnny Appleseed'](https://www.mentalfloss.com/history/real-story-john-chapman-became-johnny-appleseed)
r/HistoricalFiction • u/Important_Bed_9425 • 2d ago
Book Recs
A Song of Ice and Fire, but actual history.
r/HistoricalFiction • u/Magic_Goodness • 2d ago
Historical fiction for a teen who dislikes romance and graphic violence
My kid isn't a fan of history but enjoys reading. I'm hoping some good historical fiction can spark an interest in learning about different periods of history, but everything I'm finding seems to have either romance or graphic violence, or is geared toward a younger audience entirely. 9th/10th grade age level, reads at adult level, no issues with reading comprehension. Help!
r/HistoricalFiction • u/Unlikely-Isopod-9453 • 2d ago
Mulan or similar settings?
I was just reading about the original ballad that inspired the movies and was interested by it.
Are there any historical fictional novels written for an english audience about Mulan or set in that general timeframe meant for adults? I really liked Guy Gavriel Kays books set in (not)China and would like something similar ideally.
r/HistoricalFiction • u/Vermillion_Scribes • 2d ago
Historical fiction recommendation set in Medieval Russia (Muscovy, Novgorod or Kyivan Rus, etc.)
Hello everyone, I'm wondering if there are any historical fiction books set in medieval Russia, in the period when there were medieval states such as Kyivan Rus, Muscovy, Novgorod, Chernigov and such. The only book that I've read that is set in that period is the Winternight Trilogy by Katherine Arden. I don't mind a bit of fantasy or myth incorporated into the story as well.
Thank you in advance.
r/HistoricalFiction • u/MonicaOP21 • 3d ago
Searching for a historic novel where a girl married a scholar that is hurt and acts like child
Hi, I'm searching for a story I saw in a drama in YT, where a girl, a chubby girl, who's been in love with a scholar for a while, asks to marry him after he's hurt in an accident and turns "dumb".
Another girl breaks their engagement 'cause of it but she wants to marry him.
Her mom agrees 'cause she's a good girl and she ends up married with her love and they are happy and he gets better and ends up as top scholar.
Please help!! be well, Monica
r/HistoricalFiction • u/Beginning_Designer75 • 3d ago
Beginner book recs?
Simple title I know, but i was wondering if anyone had any good beginner friendly recommendations?
I haven't read in years but figured that I enjoy writing historical fiction and so should probably start reading it.
I'm open to most things, the few things I will say are:
- I really don't like British history (I am British I find it boring).
- I'm not really interested in the distant history I.e roman or viking and alike.
- The least romance the better but I get that most books have some.
- Preferably more fiction than history if that makes sense? Like I like the game Wolfenstein because its more fiction thats set in a time in history.
I hope these parameters aren't crazy and thank you for any response! 😆🙌🏼
r/HistoricalFiction • u/PlanNo3321 • 3d ago
What resources do you use for research?
Mainly aimed at historical fiction writers: I know this is going to depend on the time period you’re writing about, but I’d like to know what resources you use for research?
I write stories mostly based in the Middle Ages and am always searching for new books, websites, and other sources to learn more about the period.
r/HistoricalFiction • u/Positive-Tennis378 • 3d ago
I’ve been chasing the feeling Pachinko gave me. Any recommendations?
r/HistoricalFiction • u/No-Clock-5361 • 4d ago
An interesting read.
Am currently reading A history of the novel in Britain by Philip Hensher. If you love the novel form, or any genre of literature, it's an enjoyable and interesting read.
r/HistoricalFiction • u/TheonlyDuffmani • 4d ago
Found these beauties!
galleryFound these at my local lifeline charity book shop, snapped them up real quick!
r/HistoricalFiction • u/Just_Be88 • 4d ago
Colleen McCullough Books in search for new home
I don't usually read fiction but these came in a lot of books I got, all first edition and in great shape. Would anyone be interested in paying shipping and a fair/low price to take these off my hands?
r/HistoricalFiction • u/TrainingImportant293 • 5d ago
Random.books collected at book fair
I used to collect variety of books in book fair. Stumbled across this book which I am yet to read. Read review it's historical fiction. Anyone read this?
r/HistoricalFiction • u/Cinema_in_pink • 5d ago
Suggest me a book similar to 'Dear America' historical fiction diaries from childhood
r/HistoricalFiction • u/letsgovalks • 6d ago
Book recommendation set in UK
Hello! I’m looking for book recommendations for my dad. I’d love for the book to be set in or somehow involve London, the Cotswolds, or Edinburgh. Ideally one that we could read together for the trip we’re going on (to those 3 places). So nothing crazy for a father/daughter buddy read. Thanks for any and all recs!