Hello,
I would appreciate hearing some opinions about a concern I have.
For the past year, I have been working on and off on a historical novel set in the Spanish Civil War. While the story shouldn't be a history lesson and actually uses the setting as a backdrop to tell a human interest story, it should stay true to its setting and thus, references to historical figures and events of that time period are made. A well read friend, one who I very much respect, made the suggestions that I explain the historical context in the form of a preface, being that the Spanish Civil War and its protagonists are not as well known to the average reader, as perhaps other conflicts (eg WWII) are.
Because I very much value his advice, I went ahead and wrote a 41/2-page introduction to the conflict and its main players. However, I am not sure if something like this (which reads a bit like a short history lesson) would be appropriate in a work of fiction. I have gone ahead and for your reference included the preface's beginning (2 paragraphs) and its ending (1 paragraph).
On the other hand, should I just let the readers fend for themselves? Without the historical context, the story would lose much of its meaning. He also suggested adding an appendix that would expound on the information eluded to in the preface.
Your opinions, suggestions, etc. would be greatly appreciated.
best regards,
ileana
"By no means should this novel be viewed as a history lesson, though much of its substance is directly connected with the very real and cruel twists of fate that eventually led to the tragic 36-year-rule of a fascist dictator and propelled Spain into a very dark age, wrought with fear, hunger, and repression. The narrative merely tells of the aspirations of a few and the collective dreams of many.
Nevertheless, those dreams were shattered by the actions of a few historical figures and organizations. To those unfamiliar with the complex events that led to the Spanish Civil War, a brief introduction may help to set the stage...
...The wealthy reacted by transferring large sums of capital out of the country. Spain faced a serious economic crisis. Confronted with rising prices, the unions (U.G.T., C.N.T., F.A.I.) demanded higher wages for their workers, resulting in a series of ongoing strikes. Where the Lions Roar begins in July 1936, on the verge of the Spanish Civil War."
I would appreciate hearing some opinions about a concern I have.
For the past year, I have been working on and off on a historical novel set in the Spanish Civil War. While the story shouldn't be a history lesson and actually uses the setting as a backdrop to tell a human interest story, it should stay true to its setting and thus, references to historical figures and events of that time period are made. A well read friend, one who I very much respect, made the suggestions that I explain the historical context in the form of a preface, being that the Spanish Civil War and its protagonists are not as well known to the average reader, as perhaps other conflicts (eg WWII) are.
Because I very much value his advice, I went ahead and wrote a 41/2-page introduction to the conflict and its main players. However, I am not sure if something like this (which reads a bit like a short history lesson) would be appropriate in a work of fiction. I have gone ahead and for your reference included the preface's beginning (2 paragraphs) and its ending (1 paragraph).
On the other hand, should I just let the readers fend for themselves? Without the historical context, the story would lose much of its meaning. He also suggested adding an appendix that would expound on the information eluded to in the preface.
Your opinions, suggestions, etc. would be greatly appreciated.
best regards,
ileana
"By no means should this novel be viewed as a history lesson, though much of its substance is directly connected with the very real and cruel twists of fate that eventually led to the tragic 36-year-rule of a fascist dictator and propelled Spain into a very dark age, wrought with fear, hunger, and repression. The narrative merely tells of the aspirations of a few and the collective dreams of many.
Nevertheless, those dreams were shattered by the actions of a few historical figures and organizations. To those unfamiliar with the complex events that led to the Spanish Civil War, a brief introduction may help to set the stage...
...The wealthy reacted by transferring large sums of capital out of the country. Spain faced a serious economic crisis. Confronted with rising prices, the unions (U.G.T., C.N.T., F.A.I.) demanded higher wages for their workers, resulting in a series of ongoing strikes. Where the Lions Roar begins in July 1936, on the verge of the Spanish Civil War."
