US historical fiction is all about imagining fictional tales within the framework of American history. It can take you on adventures in different eras, like the Revolutionary War or the Wild West, while adding fictional characters and plotlines to make it engaging. It helps us understand the past in a more vivid and personal way.
YA historical fiction in the US often features young protagonists dealing with historical events or periods. It usually has an engaging plot and is written to appeal to the interests and reading level of young adults.
One of the best is 'The Scarlet Letter' by Nathaniel Hawthorne. It delves into the Puritan society in colonial America, exploring themes of sin, guilt, and social ostracism. Another great one is 'Gone with the Wind' by Margaret Mitchell, which vividly depicts the South during the Civil War and Reconstruction era. And 'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn' by Mark Twain is also excellent, as it shows the pre - Civil War South through the eyes of a young boy, while also dealing with issues of race and morality.
Many US publishers of historical fiction are very selective. They look for stories that are not only based on accurate historical research but also have engaging characters and plots. For example, they might reject a manuscript if the historical facts are wrong or if the story is too dull.
The 'lion to guard us' in historical fiction could have multiple meanings. Historically, lions were often seen as symbols of royalty and power. So in the context of the story, it could be related to the power structure. Maybe it's a secret society with a lion as its emblem that guards certain secrets or people. It could also be a spiritual or superstitious element, where the belief in a lion - like protector gives the characters hope and courage.
One common theme is loyalty. In many US Navy historical fictions, the sailors' loyalty to their shipmates, their commanders, and their country is often explored. For example, in 'The Caine Mutiny', the characters face a moral dilemma regarding loyalty to a possibly unfit captain. Another theme is sacrifice. Sailors often had to sacrifice their personal comfort, safety, and sometimes even their lives for the greater good of the mission. Survival is also a key theme, like in stories about shipwrecks or battles where the characters fight to stay alive.
There are many other great works in the 100 must - read US historical fiction books. For example, 'Uncle Tom's Cabin' was very influential in the pre - Civil War era as it exposed the horrors of slavery. It had a significant impact on public opinion regarding slavery. 'Moby - Dick' by Herman Melville, while it is a complex and multi - layered novel, also gives insights into the whaling industry and the spirit of adventure in early American history.
One great example is 'The Scarlet Letter' by Nathaniel Hawthorne. It delves into the Puritan society in colonial America, exploring themes of sin, guilt, and social ostracism. Another is 'Gone with the Wind' by Margaret Mitchell, which shows the American South during the Civil War and Reconstruction era, with its complex characters like Scarlett O'Hara. 'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn' by Mark Twain also counts. It presents a vivid picture of pre - Civil War Mississippi through the eyes of a young boy and his journey down the river, while also touching on issues like slavery and racism.
Outstanding YA US historical fiction usually has vivid characters that readers can relate to. It also accurately portrays the historical period, making you feel like you're there.
One of the best is 'The Scarlet Letter' by Nathaniel Hawthorne. It delves into the Puritan society in New England, exploring themes of sin, guilt, and redemption. The story of Hester Prynne and her public shaming is a vivid portrayal of that era's values.
Another is 'Gone with the Wind' by Margaret Mitchell. This novel vividly depicts the American South during the Civil War and Reconstruction era, with strong characters like Scarlett O'Hara and Rhett Butler.