Historical Fiction vs Bible Fiction
It’s almost the same, but not quiet. Here are some differences
HISTORICAL FICTION VS BIBLICAL FICTION:
Historical fiction is a genre that is set in the past and draws on real historical events, people, and places. It often incorporates fictional characters and plotlines into the historical setting. Historical fiction authors conduct extensive research to create a plausible historical context and ensure accuracy in their portrayal of historical events.
Biblical fiction, on the other hand, is a sub-genre of historical fiction that specifically draws on stories and characters from the Bible. This genre often imagines the lives and perspectives of well-known biblical figures and explores the cultural and social context of their times. Biblical fiction authors typically also conduct extensive research to ensure accuracy in their portrayals of biblical settings, characters, and events.
While both historical and biblical fiction rely on historical research and a careful balance of fact and fiction, there are some key differences between the two. Biblical fiction is more constrained in terms of the characters and events it can draw upon, whereas historical fiction can range across a much wider swath of human history. Additionally, biblical fiction may be more likely to incorporate religious themes and perspectives, while historical fiction may explore a wider range of social, political, and cultural themes.
Overall, both historical and biblical fiction offer readers the opportunity to immerse themselves in the past and explore the lives and perspectives of people who lived in different times and places.
Here are some examples of authors and books in the historical fiction genre:
- Hilary Mantel: “Wolf Hall,” “Bring Up the Bodies”
- Ken Follett: “The Pillars of the Earth,” “World Without End”
- Philippa Gregory: “The Other Boleyn Girl,” “The White Queen”
- Colson Whitehead: “The Underground Railroad”
- Anthony Doerr: “All the Light We Cannot See”
- Margaret Atwood: “Alias Grace,” “The Blind Assassin”
- Sarah Waters: “Fingersmith,” “The Night Watch”
- Geraldine Brooks: “March,” “People of the Book”
- Tracy Chevalier: “Girl with a Pearl Earring,” “Remarkable Creatures”
- Neal Stephenson: “The Baroque Cycle”
Here are a few examples of authors and books in the biblical fiction genre:
- Anita Diamant – “The Red Tent”
- Thomas Cahill – “The Gifts of the Jews”
- Geraldine Brooks – “The Secret Chord”
- Orson Scott Card – “Sarah”
- Anne Rice – “Christ the Lord: Out of Egypt”
These books all draw on characters and stories from the Bible, but offer different perspectives on the historical and cultural context of those stories. For example, “The Red Tent” by Anita Diamant tells the story of Dinah, the daughter of Jacob, and explores the lives of women in ancient Israel. “The Secret Chord” by Geraldine Brooks tells the story of King David, and offers a fictionalized account of his life and reign. Each of these books offers a unique perspective on the Bible and its characters, and can help readers to deepen their understanding of biblical history and culture.
So there you have it readers. The difference between Historical and Biblical fiction.
Thanks for reading.