Need your opinions

[ileana]

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."

[gp101]

Hello,

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.

So what's your concern? I recently read Pompeii, a novel set during--what else--the infamous eruption. It was a pretty good story, not great, but the B.G. info wasn't distracting at all. It added to the story, gave it some flavor. I'm a fan of fun historical fiction, and I'd feel cheated if the period weren't well integrated in the story.

You're right in not wanting to make it a history lesson, per se, but don't be afraid to sprinkle the b.g. where appropriate. The challenge is not making it sound like an info-dump every time you reference the history. Easier said than done, but certainly do-able. I'd lose the preface and appendix. A lot of readers skip those anyways (look over previous posts regarding prefaces and introductions to see what was said).

[ileana]

hi,

Thanks for the response. Currently, I have been dealing with it as you suggested. Sprinkling tads of info here and there, since I too thought it would be enough. My doubts surfaced after I heard my friend's concerns and suggestion. I will see about finding other threads on this subject.

Any differing opinions out there? I mean, it does get complicated with all the Spanish sounding names and the complex politics.

best,

Ileana

[Maryn]

I'm loath to admit it here, but what I would very probably do if the historical fiction novel I'm reading opened with a 4 1/2 page explanation of what was going on--politics, social change, religious upheaval, whatever--is read half the first paragraph and skip the rest.

I suspect a lot of readers will skip all of it. For that reason, I think the author is obliged to work in what needs to be known as a part of the plot. It won't be easy--you can't have characters telling each other things they both already know just to educate the reader--but it's vital that the author find a way.

Maryn, apparently resisting further education

[maestrowork]

If you put it in the preface, then the readers can skip over it and just start with the main story. But if they're interested, they can go back and read the preface.


The problem with putting that kind of background information within the story is you risk boring your readers to death without engaging them in any kind of stories -- especially if it's in the beginning of the book. Also, if your story depends on that background info to make any sense, then you might have a problem... it's like you're forcing the audience to watch a 2-hour History channel documentary on WWII before they could start watching Band of Brothers. Yikes!

However, you have to ask, what kind of readers are you targeting? If they're history buffs, chances are they would enjoy that, and if that's your case, then go for it. Basically, you need to understand your readers. I am not a historical fiction reader, so don't go by my reading habit (ie. I would most likely skip over that kind of info).

[James D. Macdonald]

Or, you could watch Band of Brothers or Saving Private Ryan on DVD and see how the historical information was slipped in.

Or read any of the excellent WWII or Civil War novels that are on the shelves of your local bookstore or library. No need to solve an already-solved problem. See how others have dealt with it, what you can use yourself, what fits your style.

[veinglory]

A lot of people have some idea about the Spanish Civil war if only because of the people of other nationalities who were drawn into it for idealistic reasons. An essay at the front would put me off buying it--I would prefer to have the necessary info in the story. You might add it as an appendix for those interested... or confused to refer to?

[maestrowork]

Foot notes would work, too. Or appendix.

[ChunkyC]

Science Fiction and Fantasy authors like our very own Uncle Jim and Victoria Strauss introduce readers to entire new worlds without using prefaces all the time.

In the case of a novel like yours, ileana, a reference of some kind like an appendix might not be a bad thing. It should be something a reader could refer to if they wish for more in-depth information, but the story should work without it.

[NeuroFizz]

My suggestions: Don't present information about an historical event without involving one of your characters. Have a character experience the event, or the repercussions of the event, or hear about the event. Have the character walk into a political argument. Have someone make fun of a political leader of the time, or of the leader's involvement in an important event. Then, have your character react to the event, the argument, or the parody. In other words, find a way to draw the characters into the events, directly or indirectly. If any of your prose comes off as, "By the way, reader...," find another way to work it in.

[pdr]

http://www.historicalnovelsociety.org/
May I suggest that you go to the Historical Novel Society website and read some of the archived articles? There are many there written by well known historical fiction writers. Their comments on including background information might be helpful to you.

[James D. Macdonald]

The footnotes in Alistair MacLean's HMS Ulysses were annoying. The footnotes in George Macdonald Fraser's Flashman books are the best part of the experience. Look at examples, see what works for you, play to your strengths.

[ileana]

Hello again,

Thank you so very much for all the great advice. I will take it to heart and hopefully put it to good use.

Best,

Ileana

[Lenora Rose]

In my experience as a reader, not a writer, I like seeing little mini-essays on the historical context of the book - AT THE END, as an appendix. If it's at the front, I feel as if the writer is trying to force it on me -- which, as someone pointed out, is like being told you have to watch a long documentary before watching a popcorn movie. If it's at the back, it's more of an offering, an option: "I've told you the fun story already, but if you're curious about the background...."

I like this especially when the essay has come comments about small touches or neat aspects that didn't make it into the book -- this makes it more likely the author wrote it to share and appreciate for itself, not to salvage a fiction which can't stand on its own.

[MarkPettus]

hi,

Thanks for the response. Currently, I have been dealing with it as you suggested. Sprinkling tads of info here and there, since I too thought it would be enough. My doubts surfaced after I heard my friend's concerns and suggestion. I will see about finding other threads on this subject.



The best advice I've received about accepting advice on my writing is this: Have five people read your book. If one person tells you something needs to be fixed and four others don't, you can disregard what the one person said. If three out of five say the same thing, you better pay attention.

The second best advice was: If a reader tells you something is wrong, they are usually right. If they tell you what is wrong, they are usually wrong. (I think that was Uncle Jim)

Who is your target audience? I'm no expert on the Spanish Civil War, but I do own a library card. I can remember when Juan Carlos was the puppet prince and when no Saturday night was complete without Chevy Chase telling me that Generalissimo Francisco Franco was still dead. My point is that if you write smart stories they will be read by smart people who are culturally aware and can intuit large segments of what you think is necessary history.

There are two authors that I believe offer excellent examples of writing history into their stories. Anne Rice makes extensive use of history in her books, and does a great job of writing it into dialogue, both spoken and internal. The Harry Potter books are full of their own fictional history and Rowling does a beautiful job of adding that history as the story progresses.

[ileana]

wonderful advice. thank you for pointing that out. i do suppose that my audience is limited (i have little clue as to who my target audience is - i just needed to write the book and thought little about its marketability). of course, it all comes down to whether or not i can master the art of turning the novel into a human interest story that, although set in the Spanish Civil War, can evoke emotions just as relevant today as they were in 1936. Dare to dream... :)

best regards and many thanks,

ileana

[ileana]

My point is that if you write smart stories they will be read by smart people who are culturally aware and can intuit large segments of what you think is necessary history.


and thanks for reminding me of this. i too believe that the people most inclined to read my book will intuit a large part of what could be deemed as necessary history.

[pianoman5]

... of course, it all comes down to whether or not i can master the art of turning the novel into a human interest story that, although set in the Spanish Civil War, can evoke emotions just as relevant today as they were in 1936.

The wonderful thing about humans is that, while the external circumstances of our lives have changed massively over the ages, sincere, heartfelt writings from all periods show that emotionally we haven't changed much at all, and that a good human-interest story is universal in time and place.

I think a Civil War is a profoundly interesting backdrop, because of the sheer intensity of feeling and surprising brutality it engenders. I often wonder how countries recover from such a terrible thing.

You probably already know of it, but for some background on this period I can recommend a very fine Ken Loach movie, Land and Freedom http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0114671/combined which is loosely based on George Orwell's Homage to Catalonia.

[ileana]

Hi,

"Land and and Freedom" is a wonderful film indeed. Another very good one is José Luis Cuerda's "Butterfly".

[britwrit]

This is a good question. How familiar are readers with the Spanish Civil War (or any other event before 9/11?) I'd guess, in general, most people over 30 will know about who Franco was, who the loyalists were and will have a warm - if fuzzy - spot in their heart for the Abraham Lincoln brigade. Anything beyond that, including the geography of Spain, you should probably assume you'll have to fill in.

[Jaycinth]

Ileana. I prefer to read Sci Fi, fantasy, and horror, but I do like a good historical fiction now and then,

BUT:

I'm a sick freak and I LIKE historical references. I've been known to go to the library, check out a book and check the historical references for accuracy. (I done learned me up a lot that way!)

So I would say, leave them in. (But I'm a lunatic. . .)

[ANNIE]

My suggestions: Don't present information about an historical event without involving one of your characters. Have a character experience the event, or the repercussions of the event, or hear about the event. Have the character walk into a political argument. Have someone make fun of a political leader of the time, or of the leader's involvement in an important event. Then, have your character react to the event, the argument, or the parody. In other words, find a way to draw the characters into the events, directly or indirectly. If any of your prose comes off as, "By the way, reader...," find another way to work it in.

I whole heartedly (sp?) agree with NeuroFizz. I really love historical refrences but from a characters POV. Not as a mini history lesson.

[emeriis]

Have the character walk into a political argument. Have someone make fun of a political leader of the time, or of the leader's involvement in an important event. Then, have your character react to the event, the argument, or the parody. In other words, find a way to draw the characters into the events, directly or indirectly. If any of your prose comes off as, "By the way, reader...," find another way to work it in.

I agree with Neuro.....and I am a reader very guilty of skipping over lines of background information and description. I read very quickly and have gotten very adept at skimming for the character action. If I find myself getting confused, I may back up to read what I missed. I find it highly unlikely that I would read a 4 1/2 page intro.

I also think as someone else mentioned, it depends on who your targeted readership is, history buffs won't necessarily need the background.

Good luck!