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What is the difference between the historical fiction and realistic fiction genres? I understand that historical fiction must be set in another era, but beyond that is there a difference? Could a book that is set in a historical setting also be considered realistic fiction? I'm a little confused on this one and could use some help.

Thanks.

I think books can fall in several genres sometimes, though one of them is usually a better fit. When I'm not sure, I pull out DITHOR and read through the "Definition" and the "Common Characteristics" for each at the beginning of the genres.

Historical Fiction: The realistic portrayal of an actual place during a time period in the past.
Characteristics:
1. Mixes true incidents with fictional incidents.
2. Describes settings, experiences, and characters clearly.
3. Has either fictional or true characters that act in a realistic manner.
4. Includes a conflict or problem that is suitable for the historic period.

Realistic Fiction: An invented story that seems real and is set in modern times.
Characteristics:
1. Has characters who are fictional, but act in a realistic manner.
2. Includes colorful descriptions of characters, settings, and experiences.
3. Utilizes dialogue to convey information about the characters and the plot.
4. Involves the main characters in the conflict.
5. Has a rational plot, concluding with a realistic answer to the problem.

If I still can tell after checking out DITHOR, then I just put it where I want it. HTH!

In Christ,
Julie

holyhart,

I also pull out the more in-depth genre descriptions at the beginning of each DITHR unit to double check that I have a book placed in a genre where it fits well.

I agree that the main difference between historical fiction and realistic fiction is the time period. Realistic fiction is considered to take place in "modern times", whereas historical fiction takes places in an exact time period from the past. Realistic fiction is also more general as to what constitutes the modern time period from which it comes, so it does not have to have a specific historical setting/time period whose confines it needs to function within in order to be accurate to the period.

In historical fiction, the setting is of extreme importance. It makes you run to the nearest encyclopedia to check which parts of the story are real and which parts are manufactured. In realistic fiction the setting is not so important, but rather the interactions of the characters and what takes place in the story is more important.

Blessings,
Carrie