Why Read Historical Fiction Set in Sixteenth Century France? 10 Reasons

In these turbulent times, as society reels from pandemic, natural disasters, and political turmoil, one might reasonably ask: "Why read historical fiction? And why, in particular, historical fiction set in sixteenth century France?" The companion question--why write it?--is one I've been contemplating as the world goes up in flames around me (I live in California, so that is not a figure of speech!). Over a series of posts, I will offer ten reasons why historical fiction set in Renaissance France is worth reading, not only for its entertainment value, but for the light it sheds on issues that continue to challenge society today.

Reason #1: ESCAPE

Reading has always been a way to escape the stresses and tension of daily life, and during the coronavirus lockdowns, people have turned to literature for a reprieve. After an initial dip, book sales are climbing steadily, with e-book sales particularly strong. Whether to distract themselves from their troubles or to enliven the boredom of being cooped up for months on end, quarantined readers are reaching for books more often than ever. Novels set in Renaissance France offer readers ample opportunity to escape the excruciating sameness of days in twenty-first century lockdown.

Do your eyes ache from staring at a computer screen for work or school? Watch journeymen printers pull pages on a Lyonnais printing press instead.

Need some exercise? Gallop through the forest as you hunt with the king.

Photo credit: Andy_Casrol

Tired of retracing the same path through your tiny apartment? Dance a galliard in the ballroom of a sumptuous château. (Be careful not to trip as you stare up at the gorgeous ceiling!) 

Photo credit: Zairon

An engaging novel set in a long ago era has the power to remove you from your present situation for a time, providing a refuge where you can soothe your mind and regain your balance. When everyday life becomes particularly stressful, historical fiction has a distinct advantage over contemporary fiction, for it does not simply translate lived difficulties directly onto the page. Instead of reinforcing and intensifying the malaise of all-to-familiar situations, historical fiction affords a larger perspective against which current circumstances can be better judged and more easily borne.

Even as it distracts and entertains, historical fiction reminds us of a certain truth, one that brings a good measure of comfort: no matter how bad things got in the past, when plague, famine, war, and poverty had consequences far more dire than they do today, societies not only survived, but eventually prospered. Reading a historical novel interrupts the constant stream of breaking news that bombards us with catastrophe to remind us that, in all likelihood, things will turn out fine in the end. 

And if we can laugh and dream and fall in love with a handsome prince along the way, all the better.

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Not yet convinced of the worth of Renaissance historical fiction? Be sure to return for Reason #2.