FICTION | WRITING | HISTORY
The Truth About Fiction
Is fiction just a means of escape from reality, or does it serve a deeper purpose in our lives? Fiction can take us to previously unexplored worlds.
Fiction has always held a special place in my heart. There’s something about how it transports us to different worlds, introduces us to captivating characters, and explores the depths of human imagination. It has fascinated me since childhood.
“A writer of fiction is really… a congenital liar who invents from his own knowledge or that of other men.” — Ernest Hemingway.
Let’s examine how fiction and some noteworthy authors have affected our lives throughout history.
“For one who reads, there is no limit to the number of lives that may be lived, for fiction, biography, and history offer an inexhaustible number of lives in many parts of the world, in all periods of time.” — Louis L’Amour.
I will take you on a journey through the ages, from ancient times until today, to explore fiction’s enduring power and significance.
“Fiction was invented the day Jonas arrived home and told his wife that he was three days late because he had been swallowed by a whale.” — Gabriel Garcia Marquez.
Ancient Times: The Birth of Fiction
Many will insist the Bible was fiction. Certainly, it has been translated many times through the ages, and different mortals have significantly affected the writings there.
King James I of England ordered changes to the Bible during the translation process of what is now known as the Bible’s King James Version (KJV).
The KJV, also known as the Authorized Version, was commissioned in the early 17th century, and its translation was carried out by a group of 47 scholars and theologians.
This translation aimed to produce a new English-language Bible that would be authoritative and widely accepted by the Church of England and other English-speaking Christian denominations.
King James I of England, who reigned from 1603 to 1625, had a significant role in the translation process.
But who’s to say what other liberties he took while having the “Word of God” translated into English?
“A record-low 20% of Americans now say the Bible is the literal word of God, down from 24% the last time the question was asked in 2017, and half of what it was at its high points in 1980 and 1984. Meanwhile, a new high of 29% say the Bible is a collection of “fables, legends, history and moral precepts recorded by man.” — The Gallop Poll.
In ancient times, storytelling was a cherished tradition, and fiction played a crucial role in shaping cultures and societies.
One of the earliest examples of fiction can be found in the epic poems of ancient Greece, “The Iliad” and “The Odyssey,” attributed to the legendary poet Homer.
While steeped in mythology, these epic tales provided valuable insights into the human condition, the complexities of heroism, and the consequences of war.
They remind us that even in the ancient world, fiction served as a mirror reflecting our own experiences, desires, and struggles.
“Words empty as the wind are best left unsaid.” — Homer.
Shakespeare, Victor Hugo, Alexandre Dumas, Charles Dickens, & Mark Twain: Masters of Fiction
Moving forward in time, we encounter two literary giants who have left an indelible mark on the world of fiction.
William Shakespeare, often referred to as the “Bard of Avon,” was a prolific playwright and poet whose works continue to captivate audiences around the globe.
His plays, such as “Romeo and Juliet,” “Hamlet,” and “Macbeth,” dig into the complexities of human emotion, ambition, and tragedy. Shakespeare’s ability to craft complex characters and explore timeless themes through his fiction remains a testament to the enduring power of storytelling.
“All great literature is one of two stories; a man goes on a journey, or a stranger comes to town.” — Leo Tolstoy.
Leo Tolstoy’s “War and Peace” is another monumental work of fiction transcending time and place. This Russian masterpiece describes the lives of its characters against the backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars, providing a panoramic view of history, philosophy, and the human spirit.
“Literature is a luxury; fiction is a necessity.” — Gilbert K. Chesterton.
Victor Hugo was a celebrated French author of the 19th century renowned for his powerful and emotionally charged writing.
His works, including “Les Misérables” and “The Hunchback of Notre-Dame,” explore themes of social justice, love, and the human condition. Hugo’s storytelling prowess and vivid character portrayals have left an enduring mark on world literature and fiction, making him one of the most influential writers of his time.
“Truth is not only stranger than fiction, it is more interesting.” — William Randolph.
Alexandre Dumas was a prolific 19th-century French writer known for his historical adventure novels. “The Three Musketeers” and “The Count of Monte Cristo” continue to captivate readers with their timeless tales of swashbuckling heroes and intricate plots.
“Truth is stranger than fiction, but it is because Fiction is obliged to stick to possibilities; Truth isn’t.” — Mark Twain.
Another luminary in the world of fiction is Mark Twain, the author of classics like “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” and “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.”
Twain’s fiction entertained readers and offered a poignant critique of society, particularly in his exploration of racism and the human condition.
His witty and satirical storytelling style was a powerful tool for social commentary, demonstrating that fiction could be a vehicle for entertainment and enlightenment.
Here Are Some of the Most-Read Books of All-Time
The Bible — God. The Qur’an — The Prophet Muhammad. Gone with the Wind — Margaret Mitchell. The Pillars of Earth — Ken Follett. Thorn Birds — Colleen McCollough. War & Peace — Leo Tolstoy. Les Misérables — Victor Hugo. Shogun — James Clavell. Doctor Zhivago — Boris Pasternak. The Count of Monte Cristo — Alexandre Dumas. Exodus — Leon Uris.
Which was your favorite? Mine was Shogun. If it hadn’t been for that book, I never would have asked the US Army to send me to Japan. Add your favorite in the comments.
They sent me to Germany, but I asked for Japan when I re-enlisted. Once again, I didn’t go to Japan, I ended up in Korea because they had no open slots for a Morse Code interceptor in Japan, but at least it was in Asia.
What will your niche be? Will your book push one of these out of the top ten all-time?
Modern Fiction Since 1900: A Continuation of the Tradition
Fiction continued to evolve and adapt to the changing times.
What’s more, many of the problems of publishing had been rectified. Thanks to Johannes Gutenberg, who invented the printing press.
Authors like Margaret Mitchell, James Clavell, Ray Bradbury, George Orwell, Leon Uris and others brought their unique perspectives and storytelling prowess to the forefront, creating works that have left an indelible mark on readers and the literary landscape.
“Life is always going to be stranger than fiction, because fiction has to be convincing, and life doesn’t.” — Neil Gaiman.
Margaret Mitchell’s “Gone with the Wind” is a sweeping epic that explores the tumultuous backdrop of the American Civil War and Reconstruction era.
Mitchell’s vivid characters and immersive storytelling invite readers to grapple with complex themes of love, loss, and societal transformation, and made it the second most-read book in history.
However, during her life, she made much more writing copy for various businesses and articles for the Washington Post.
“The difference between fiction and reality? Fiction has to make sense.” — Tom Clancy.
James Clavell, Leon Uris, James Joyce, James Michener, CS Lewis, Jack London, and others contributed immensely to the world of historical fiction. These authors used mostly geographical fiction to transport readers to different cultures and periods, fostering understanding and empathy for people from diverse backgrounds.
“Writing fiction is for me a fraught business, an occasion of daily dread for at least the first half of the novel, and sometimes all the way through. The work process is totally different from writing nonfiction. You have to sit down every day and make it up.” — Joan Didion.
Modern-day giants, such as Stephen King, Dean Koontz, Grady Hendrix, Stephen Graham Jones, Paul Tremblay, Mariana Enriquez, and others have carved out a niche in the horror fiction genre.
Of course, I could go back and talk about Bram Stoker, Clive Barker, Edgar Allen Poe, HP Lovecraft, William Peter Blatty, Anne Rice, Shirley Jackson, and others, but you get the point.
It’s an exciting genre that gets your heart racing.
“Horror fiction shows us that the control we believe we have is purely illusory, and that every moment we teeter on chaos and oblivion.” — Clive Barker.
James Patterson, John Grisham, Lee Child, Stieg Larsson, Arthur Conan Doyle, Agatha Christie, and Louise Penny, to name a few, are must-read authors in the thriller/mystery genre. Who’s your favorite?
“Don’t think about the sentences; think about the story. Write the story down.” — James Patterson.
The Enduring Power of Fiction
The truth about fiction is that it is not merely a means of escape from reality but a profound exploration of the human experience.
From the epic tales of ancient Greece to the enduring works of Shakespeare, Twain, Tolstoy, Dumas, and modern authors, fiction has consistently served as a mirror reflecting our shared humanity. It entertains, enlightens, and challenges us to think deeply about the world around us.
As my daughter wrote in the journal she gave me:
“Thanks for reading to me as a kid and sparking an interest in fiction. It is the single best gift you have ever given me — for with it my world knows no bounds. I am free to forever pursue far off lands, magical creatures, and knowledge many don’t have the ability to seek.”
As I reflect on the rich tapestry of fiction that has shaped our literary heritage, I am reminded of its timeless relevance.
It continues bridging the gaps between cultures, generations, and perspectives, allowing us to connect with the hearts and minds of people from all walks of life, even — “magical creatures.”
So, the next time you pick up a work of fiction, remember that you are not just embarking on an entertaining journey; you are exploring the depths of human imagination and discovering the enduring truth about fiction.
No matter how much you read or how long your TBR list is, there are always many, many more treasures to dig up.
One lady asked why I didn’t include JK Rowling, JRR Tolkien, or any fantasy books. I guess I’ll answer that with The Truth About Fantasy.
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Stephen Dalton is a retired US Army First Sergeant with a degree in journalism from the University of Maryland and a Certified US English Chicago Manual of Style Editor. Also, a Top Writer in Bitcoin, Business, Investing, Nutrition, Travel, Fiction, Transportation, VR, NFL, Design, Creativity, and Short Story.