Bringing History to Life through Fiction

Historical fiction has a unique power to transport the reader to different eras, allowing them to experience the past through the eyes of fictional characters. However, the magic doesn't stop at the written word; it can be equally captivating when brought to life through audio narration.  In the blog post, we will explore the art of recording a first-person narrative historical fiction and how it can breathe new life into the stories of yesteryears. 

 I just clicked "I'm done" on a wonderful story by Elaine Crume titled "She Left the Babies in the Bed".  The story takes place mostly in Western KY during the 1860's and also makes a brief visit to Chicago.  It sparked my interest as a narrator because my mother's family is from Eastern KY.  I have so many memories of visiting the Bluegrass state and learning more from my extended family members about rural life near  the Barbourville/Corbin area.

The Allure of First-Person Narrative

First-person narratives have a special place in the world of historical fiction because they offer a profound connection between the audience and the story's protagonist.  When listeners hear the story directly from the character's perspective, they are immersed in a world where history becomes a lived experience, not just a memory. The human voice carries an authenticity that transcends the written word. It can covey nuances, emotions, and personal experiences that a reader may not fully capture on their own.

As a narrator, it is essential that I say true to the era in terms of language, accents/dialects, and cultural nuances. One way a narrator can achieve this, is by embodying the character and immersing ourselves in the character's psyche.  It's important to understand the character's background, motivations, and the world in which they live.  When a narrator does this well by relying on the author's written word, it's as though the past springs to life.  

"She Left the Babies in the Bed" was a reminder to me that women have come a long way since the 1800's.  It is one thing to understand we have had to fight for every single bit of equality we have, but we must also recognize we still have work to do today.  Yes, women can vote, attend college, and work outside of the home...but we do not have balanced equality yet.  I am reminded of this as I reflect upon the USW Soccer Team during their thrilling back-to-back winning seasons while they were fighting for equal pay to be more aligned with what  the Men's team members were paid.  This is the true beauty of historical fiction. It shines a spotlight on where we were in order to illuminate where we want to go next.

If you enjoy historical fiction, please consider purchasing "She Left the Babies in the Bed" once it is available from Audible.  It is a wonderful story of one young woman who had hopes and dreams, but she lived during a time of repression.  

Happy listening!