That saying has been repeated over the centuries and is
supposedly an ancient Chinese curse. To writers, however, interesting times can
ramp up conflict in a story—and that’s definitely not a curse! I’ve been reading historical
fiction (and nonfiction) recently, and events that occur during the books’ timelines add even
more drama to plots that would be compelling no matter when they occurred.
The Secret Wife
(by Gill Paul) has two separate plots that come together in the end. One story takes
place during the last days of the Romanovs. Russia is at war and there’s unrest
throughout the country when a military man and one of the Romanov princesses
fall in love. That would be a good story by itself, but the plot is heightened
by death threats to the royal family (with the overthrow of the monarchy) as well as military conflict which
involves the hero. Definitely interesting times.
The Boys in the Boat
(by Daniel James Brown) takes place during the Great Depression. World War I is
over; disturbing rumblings are being heard from Germany, where the 1936 Olympics
will be held. The story of a crew of dedicated oarsmen who overcome odds to win
a gold medal would make an inspiring book; but with the added stresses of worldwide
tension and with the climax of their hard work set on Hitler’s turf, a good book turns into a great one.
Right now I’m reading The
Widow of Wall Street (by Randy Susan Meyers). An ambitious man from humble
beginnings builds a highly successful investment business by questionable
means. Then “interesting times” occur in the form of the subprime mess of
September, 2008. (I’ve read that the real-life Ponzi scheme operated by Bernie
Madoff inspired this plot.) The character’s phenomenal accumulation
of extraordinary wealth and the illegal means by which he gained his success
would have made a good story at any time; but because it occurred at a time of
crisis brewing on Wall Street, the story’s tension builds even more.
I find it so interesting when I learn a piece of history through reading both fiction and nonfiction. I don't think we can ever absorb it all, but it gives us a different perspective of the times. Wonderful post.
ReplyDeleteI seem to be able to absorb history best if it's fed to me through fiction. Maybe it's because I'm invested in the characters.
DeleteI'm glad you enjoyed the post.