I Might Have To Become A Historical Fiction Fan

In my last post (my first post), I said how I had just begun Countdown by Deborah Wiles. For those who don't know the book it, indeed, is historical fiction. It's about the sixties, the Russian bomb threat, the culture of the time, etc.


And, you know, I liked it well enough. Three stars. My problems with it derived mostly from the fact that it was too young for me, and it was enjoyable overall. 


I don't know why, but I just like the 'feel' of historical fiction. I like when a book can subtly vibe me into a different decade that makes an impression on me without even realizing it. That's good writing, right there. Now, Countdown didn't quite achieve that, but, like I said, it was nice. There were pictures.


The perfect historical fiction, of course, is The Book Thief. In addition to being lovely and heartbreaking, it educates you about World War II. And then it slowly dissolves your soul... (Actually, I didn't cry when I read it, because I'm heartless and very, very picky about what I choose to shed tears over, but most people say they bawl hysterically.) 


 Lois Lowry's Number The Stars is also a nice World War II book, though that's for a younger audience. There have been other historical fiction books I've liked, but for the moment (Sunday night, after an incredibly busy weekend), I'm blanking. Perhaps they will come to me later. 


Then, of course, there is Hetalia. It's an anime. In addition to supplying us with the fabulous Russia, Italy, Latvia and England (my personal favorite characters), It gives us this gem of a quote:


(Italy is hugging Romano because Romano is being his usual self, complete with douche-baggery) 


Romano: "Would you stop it with your hug-therapy already?!" 
Germany: "I'll never understand Catholics..." 


Oh, it is offensive and  historically inaccurate in the best way possible. It brings us adorable yaoi couples and chibi Italy and - and... *takes deep breath* It's a wonderful show. The episodes are, literally, five minutes long each. And if you don't want to watch them, I beg of you to watch Italy's song to Germany. It's kind of the best.  And, despite the show's flagrant messing up of the facts (sometimes), it does have a knack for educating on the general gist of world history. 


Anyway, I like historical fiction, and I've been trying to figure out what I like so much about it. I think it could be the fact that I just don't like the 21st Century very much (minus the internet and a few other technological advances). Or, it could have something to do with my deep affinity for Medieval Times (the era, not the dueling show... though that is also enjoyable). Most likely, it has a lot to do with my obsession with films from the 80's and the 20's, and my giggly affection for ball gowns and Shining Armor (so long as a Knight is inside it, anyhow). 


Of course, the problem comes when I begin to interpret old-fashioned-feeling fantasy as...reality (see Fire by Kristin Cashore - though not Graceling - and Finnikin of the Rock by Melina Marchetta). It's not that I truly believe any of that is a part of the world's past, it's just that... I wish it was. I wish that the world from books was the world we lived in because, conflict or not, there's something beautiful about the pretend. (And then of course, that begs the question, if the pretend were real... would it still be beautiful? I honestly have no idea).




Anyway, I'm off to Be A Good Student and do my homework, so I will leave you know. Unfortunately, I've been on a bit of a bad book streak, since finishing Delirium. It's putting me in a bad mood. Here's to hoping I enjoy The Hate List by Jennifer Brown?


Till next time readers (all two of you),
Abbie