What makes bestseller historical fiction so appealing?

Historical fiction is appealing because it combines the allure of the past with the creativity of fiction. It allows readers to experience different eras, cultures, and events in a more engaging way than a dry history book. For example, in 'The Pillars of the Earth' by Ken Follett, we get a vivid picture of medieval England, its architecture, and the social hierarchy.

The mystery aspect. People love trying to figure out the whodunit before the detective in the story does. For example, in 'Murder on the Orient Express' by Agatha Christie, readers are constantly guessing who the murderer is among all the suspects on the train.

One reason is the unique blend of the familiar and the strange. We know the historical settings from textbooks perhaps, but seeing them through a humorous lens makes them new. For example, in 'The Good Soldier Švejk', the way Švejk navigates the military bureaucracy is both funny and shows a different side of the war.

One reason is the escapism. We can be transported to different eras. For example, in 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco, we are taken to a medieval monastery, which is very different from our modern world.

The combination of history and the unknown. It's fascinating to see how historical events and figures can be intertwined with spooky elements. Like in some stories set during the plague times, the horror of the disease is combined with otherworldly scares. Also, the historical settings themselves can be spooky. Old, decaying buildings or long - forgotten graveyards add to the atmosphere. It gives a sense of stepping into a different, and often a bit terrifying, time.

The anachronisms. When modern sensibilities or ideas are inserted into a historical setting, it creates humor. For example, in 'A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court', the main character's use of modern technology in Camelot is really funny.

It combines the best of both worlds. You get the facts and context of history along with a fictional story. For example, in a historical fiction about ancient Rome, you learn about the culture while following the adventures of the fictional characters. Also, it can bring history to life in a more engaging way than just reading a history textbook. We can empathize with the characters and understand the historical events on a more personal level.

The sense of adventure in outlander historical fiction is exciting. Characters are often thrust into unfamiliar historical situations and have to navigate through various challenges, whether it's dealing with different social norms or surviving historical events like wars. This makes for a thrilling read as we follow their journeys through time and history.

The mystery. In paranormal historical fiction, there are often unexplained elements like ghosts or magic. This mystery draws readers in.

Well, one reason is the sense of time travel. It allows readers to experience different eras, like going back to ancient Rome or medieval England. For example, in 'I, Claudius', we get a peek into the Roman imperial family's life. Another factor is the rich characters. Historical fictions often have complex characters who are shaped by the historical context, such as Scarlett O'Hara in 'Gone with the Wind' who is a product of the Civil War - era South.