Historical Fiction Reader Problems
Welcome to the lighter side of historical fiction, where late-night reading, centuries-old drama, and very modern reactions come together.
Just a Little Historical Fiction Before Bed
Tell me I’m not the only one who gets way too emotionally invested in people who have been dead for hundreds of years.
One minute I’m peacefully reading before bed. The next thing I know, it’s 2 a.m. and I’m personally questioning Robert Dudley’s intentions with Queen Elizabeth I. Sir, I have concerns.
Apparently, knowing how history turns out has never once stopped me from yelling advice at the people in it. Anyone else?
When You Know How History Ends…
There’s a special kind of pain in getting completely attached to a fictional family when you already know EXACTLY what history has planned for them.
Everything is going beautifully and then you notice the date…
April 14, 1912.
Me, giving urgent advice to people who cannot hear me because they are both fictional and living in 1912: “GET. OFF. THE. BOAT.”
Please tell me I’m not the only historical fiction reader who does this. What historical event makes you want to yell at the characters even though you already know what happens?
Another Perfectly Reasonable Decision, Henry…
One quiet chapter about the Tudors before bed—that was the plan. Then Henry VIII fell in love again, and now I’m emotionally involved in 500-year-old relationship drama.
Historical-fiction readers: who have you wanted to reach into a book and warn?
The Boston Tea Party: A Tea Lover’s Dilemma
A devoted tea drinker can support the Revolution and still mourn every leaf that landed in Boston Harbor.
Some historical events are much harder to read when you take your tea seriously.
Just a Harmless Basket of Herbs…
Tell me I’m not the only historical-fiction reader who starts mentally coaching people the moment they make one very questionable decision.
There I am, peacefully reading about Salem in 1692, when the woman in my book decides to wander into the woods after dark carrying a basket full of herbs.
Me, suddenly appointed her personal survival guide: “Girl! Put down the basket and go home! They’re already suspicious.”
Apparently, knowing what happened in Salem has never once stopped me from trying to save people who cannot hear me. Anyone else?
Memaw Reads 