It’s often difficult to tell whether a book falls under the label of historical romance or historical fiction. The two genres share so many similarities! Both historical romance and historical fiction occur in the past, generally more than fifty years ago. Both types of books emphasize historical accuracy. And both include love affairs or have characters longing for love. With all this gray area, it’s no wonder why it’s so confusing to figure out which is which. I encountered this same confusion when it was time to publish my book, Until Next Sunday. It needed the correct label to reach its best audience. Until Next Sunday seemed like a historical romance because of its emphasis on love letters and lovers facing separation. But it lacked the lusty vibe typical of romance books. And it was based on real-life people. So was it historical fiction?
3 Differences Between Historical Romance and Historical Fiction
If you want to differentiate historical romance books from historical fiction novels, look at the amount of details in the historical setting, the characters’ arc in the plot, and the ending. These distinctions can be subtle, but they’re substantial. After studying both genres and receiving professional advice, Until Next Sunday confidently can be called a historical romance. Although the book shares some elements of historical fiction, it checks the box of all three requirements for historical romance.
Setting
Although both types of historically based novels require researching the historical setting, the amount and emphasis on historical events, people, and past cultures is more intense in historical fiction than historical romance. Historical romance relies less on researching a multitude of historical details. The historical setting provides the background to the love story. While the reader enjoys the characters interacting in that time period, the story isn’t based on the timeline of that particular moment in history. By contrast, historical fiction immerses itself in the particular time period it encompasses. The author conducts intense research to be as accurate as possible and offers a rich historical perspective. Historical fiction books have lengthy scenes dedicated to describing a certain moment in history.
Characters and Plot
Both genres have their fair share of love affairs, sex, and scandal. It can be tricky to draw the line between what qualifies as a romance. The distinction exists in how the plot impacts the characters. A historical romance novel focuses on a plot that revolves around the progression and obstacles of the romance. The love affair involves the main characters rather than supporting roles. These characters pursue their desires and love interests within the historical setting. A historical fiction novel centers its plot on how history impacts the character’s life. The story follows historical events and situations rather than the outcome of a romance.
The Ending
If you’re still confused, there’s one sure way to determine whether you’re in possession of a historical romance or a historical fiction book. Look at how the book ends. Historical romance typically ends with a happily ever after and often in a marriage. Rarely is the reader left wondering how the love affair turns out. Readers expect that the romance will reach a satisfying, conclusive result. Historical fiction books can have a variety of endings regarding a love affair within the story. The climax in historical fiction typically occurs at the conclusion of the historical event or at the end of a character’s life.
Final Thoughts on Historical Romance vs. Historical Fiction
There you have it! Now you can determine whether the book you’re reading falls into the category of historical romance or historical fiction. To recap, look at the focus of the story. If a romance or love story dominates the plot, consumes most of the character’s actions and thoughts, and ends with a marriage or happily ever after, then you’re reading a historical romance. On the other hand, your book may be filled with lovelorn characters, sex, and scandal. But if it’s heavy on the historical details and its plot follows a historical event or the life of a historical figure, you’re reading historical fiction.
About the Author: Audry Fryer is an author and professional freelance writer from Pennsylvania. Formerly a teacher, Audry wrote her first novel while her toddler son and twin babies napped. As her children have grown into teenagers, she has expanded her writing career. Audry lives with her family and two pugs in a quiet corner of Southeastern PA. To learn more about Audry, please visit her website at www.audryfryer.com.
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