The theme of fate is often present. Russian royalty were born into a certain position and had to deal with the expectations and limitations that came with it. Their fates were intertwined with the history of Russia. Also, family drama is a big part of it. There were often rivalries and intrigues within the royal families. For instance, in the Romanov family, there were issues between different members which are often explored in historical fictions. And the theme of legacy is also there, how the actions of the royalty would shape Russia's future, both in terms of culture and politics.
One great Russian royalty historical fiction is 'The Romanovs' by Simon Sebag Montefiore. It delves deep into the lives of the Romanov family, from their rise to power to their tragic end. Another is 'Anastasia' which focuses on the mystery surrounding Anastasia Romanov. There is also 'The Tsar of Love and Techno' that weaves various tales related to Russian royalty in a very unique way.
The theme of change and its consequences is also prevalent. The revolution brought about huge political, social, and economic changes. In historical fiction, we see how these changes affected the daily lives of ordinary people, from the distribution of land to the new power structures in the villages and cities.
Love and relationships often play a role. Maybe Black Widow falls in love with a character related to the Russian royalty, either a fictional prince or princess or someone with a connection to that world. This can lead to a lot of drama as she tries to balance her feelings with her duties as an Avenger and her own past traumas.
In such fiction, royalty is often shown as having noble bloodlines and a sense of duty to their kingdom. They might have to make difficult choices that affect the fate of many. Also, their love lives can be complicated and full of drama.
One common theme is secrecy. Sleeper cells operate in the shadows, so the novels often focus on how these agents keep their true identities and missions hidden from the outside world. For example, in many stories, they have to blend into society seamlessly, which means they might have to create false identities and relationships.
One common theme is the loss of individuality. In these novels, the state or a powerful entity often suppresses the unique identities of the people. For example, in 'We', the citizens are known by numbers and their lives are highly regimented.
Rich in historical detail. Russian historical fiction often meticulously recreates the settings, events, and social structures of different historical periods in Russia.
Common themes in historical fiction include power struggles. This could be between different kingdoms, political parties, or social classes. For instance, in stories about the Tudor period in England, there are often power struggles within the royal family. Cultural clashes are also frequent. When different cultures meet, like during the age of exploration, it creates interesting themes in historical fiction. And then there's the theme of survival. Characters in historical fictions often have to survive in difficult historical circumstances, like a famine or a plague.
The theme of identity is important in historical fiction. Characters might struggle with their national, ethnic, or social identity in a particular historical context. Revolutions are also a theme. These events bring about significant changes and upheavals, and historical fictions can explore the causes and consequences. Additionally, class struggle, such as the conflict between the rich and the poor in historical societies, is a recurring theme.
One common theme is grief. Characters in these fictions often deal with the loss of loved ones in the attacks, like in 'Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close'.