samedi 31 août 2013

Reading Historical Fiction Graphic Novels

By Amanda Baird


Historical fiction graphic novels offer the reader both gripping fictional tales and detailed illustrations. Readers are exposed to a skillful weaving together of facts and background from various events and periods in history. As the text and pictures unfold, they are entertained and encouraged to engage with history in a different way.

Such a novel differs from a comic book in its length, the completeness of the story and the lack of advertising. The story progresses in linear fashion and both text and illustrations are used to move it forward. Facial expressions and physical movements are relayed visually so this genre combines the appeal of a good story with an almost movie like format. Some of these books even find their way onto bestseller lists, competing with the more traditional type of novel.

The authors of these books often do a great deal of research into the period of history about which they are writing. By becoming familiar with the period or event they are writing about, they can accurately portray the way the characters think, talk and act. They have to have the skill to weave the story and the history together in such a way that readers do not feel they are being hit over the head with the research. The goal is to entertain while at the same time allowing the reader to wonder what it would have been like for them if they had lived in that time and place.

Authors writing these books have a vast number of periods and events in history from which to choose. Some authors prefer to dwell on ancient history. Ancient Greece and its philosophers, Egypt with its fascinating Pyramids and the Roman Slave Trade are all grist for their mills. Characters from ancient and modern history like kings and queens, presidents and famous soldiers are all brought to life in great detail.

Many books in this genre are now available at online stores. There is an increasing interest being shown by readers, from children to adults. Some are written specifically for smaller children, even for those who are just learning to read. Others are written with teenagers in mind, using teenage characters that they can relate to. Many adults enjoy books of this nature and some of them are well written enough to appeal to even the most discerning of readers.

The use of illustration to tell stories has been used since ancient times. Illustrations help those who find it difficult to create mental pictures in their heads as they read. The combination of text with visualization creates a world the reader can enter into without difficulty, engaging them in a unique way.

Teachers find this genre very useful. A book like this provides a wonderful tool for teaching history, particularly for those students who consider history to be boring and of no relevance to them. Reading such a book, might just spark an interest and give new insight to a student.

Historical fiction graphic novels are a form of literature that is growing in popularity. They combine excellent stories with vivid illustrations. History is brought to life in a unique manner, giving individuals the opportunity of gaining an insight into other lives and times.




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