The modern reader's guide to historical fiction Novel Pairings

What is the difference between literary historical fiction and “woman with her back turned on the cover” historical fiction? In today’s episode of Modern Readers, we’re discussing the literary landscape and rise in popularity of the historical fiction genre. We explore the definition of historical fiction, significant time periods, craft vs. plot, and “literariness” to understand whether a historical book is literary or a really entertaining read—or both! Plus, we share Novel Pairings episodes and book recommendations to pair with our nuanced conversation.
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Timestamps
Recent Reads - 2:13
What is Historical Fiction? - 10:23
What makes a text Literary Historical Fiction? - 23:19
Novel Pairings Historical Fiction Episodes 
The Remains of the Day (Episode 6)
Beloved by Toni Morrison (Episode 9) 
Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry (Episode 98)
Books Mentioned
Mrs. Caliban by Rachel Ingalls
How Can I Help You by Laura Sims
Now is Not the Time to Panic by Kevin Wilson
The Fraud by Zadie Smith
Wolf Hall by Hillary Mantel
Phillipa Gregory (try The Other Boleyn Girl)
Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe 
Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi
Life After Life by Kate Atkinson
Atonement by Ian McEwan
Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell