My Relationship with Historical Fiction (Part 2)

See the Part 1 for a bit more context: My Relationship with Historical Fiction (Part 1).

I am very picky about when history - events, people, etc. - are placed into pop culture works like books or movies. Part of my feelings do have to do with the accuracy. However, knowing that these are works of fiction, I do have to remind myself to take that into account.

So here's how I judge the historical fiction books I read

1. Historical Accuracy - this is more along the lines of the period in time the book is set and the physical setting
1. Characters can factor into this one, but it really depends on an individual book and if specific people play a role in the book
2. Creative License - this one is pretty self explanatory
3. Believability - is the story believable, taking into account both the historical accuracy and the creative license

I can't say that any of those points are more important than the others. This is because, when I'm reviewing a historical fiction, all three of those points work together. And even when a book checks off all three of those points, I still may not like the book. It's complicated, I know.

I want to close off this 2-part post by stating the following. It is perfectly okay to be picky about what books you read, no matter the genre(s). You're reading those books, and you have a right to whatever reading standards you hold. However, just because you do or don't like a book doesn't mean other people have to agree with you.