Historical fiction really does combine a good dose of history with fiction. Such a genre seems like it could be difficult to write - how much of and which facets of fact and fiction swirled together makes for the read that is "just right"?
Whenever I read historical fiction, I learn something new and think "why didn't I just read this book in my social studies class? It would have made all the difference." I think historical fiction is overlooked too often as boring, stuffy, something a reader may not be able to relate. However, especially when the history is interwined with fiction, - history comes to life in an engaging, educational, and accessible format.
A "just right" read comes in
Sources of Light by Margaret McMullan. She lived in Jackson, MS from 1963 to 1969, a pivotal time in U.S. History, and provided the setting for this book.
In 1962, Sam and her mother move from Pittsburgh, PA to Jackson, MS, an entirely new environment for Sam. As a freshman in high school, Sam struggles with the same issues as teenagers today. What is most poignant is how she grapples with ethical, social, and political questions of the time that have no easy, nor sometimes logical, answers.
Sam experiments with and learns to listen and speak through photography - what becomes her very own Pentax camera, the developing room, and the photographs that capture moments and memories. Sam can't be like all the other girls; her mom isn't even like all the other moms in the community. She also knows how to use a camera to be an activist, make a statement, and help her friends - those her age and adults. Sam encounters situations in life that influence her to be a good person, to help others, and, when necessary, to move with the ebb and flow of life.
The characters are real, the emotions are honest and raw, the actions are true to form, and the issues are bold. The sentences are well-written, creative, and provide for so much imagery, I had to laugh, smile, or grab a tissue.
One of my favorites: "The corners of Mill Welty's eyes crinkled like tissue paper as she smiled and welcomed us all (214).
A line I will try to remember: She'd told me fear was just one more thing you could change into something else, something else like anger or even love."
Source of Light provides the right aperture (I hope I'm using that word correctly!) on the history of our country in a way that is accessible, meaningful, and reflective.
