In an interview with Janis Robinson Daly, a historical author who's studied Book Club readers' habits, we discuss why the genre is so popular
Historical Fiction has won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction 12 out of the last 15 years.
Janis Robinson Daly is the author of The Unlocked Path and The Path Beneath Her Feet, and a self-described novelist who "unearths the stories of women whose lives have remained in the shadows."
As she divides her time between Cape Cod, New Hampshire, and Florida, a tablet becomes Janis Robinson Daly’s library and desk, packed for reading, writing, and presentations. Since publishing her first book in 2022, she's spoken about her historical novels to over 150 book clubs, library audiences, and reading groups—about one a week.
Jann Alexander: Thanks for talking over the genre we both write and love to read, Janis. You've authored two historical novels, The Unlocked Path and The Path Beneath Her Feet, and each has been named the #1 New Release for U.S. Historical Fiction on Amazon. Why has Historical Fiction become such a popular genre today?
Janis Robinson Daly: An interest in Historical Fiction as a popular genre points to readers’ desire for life-long learning. There are so many different time periods to explore and events to probe further that the material can stay fresh. Consider the best-selling novel to date in 2024: The Women by Kristin Hannah, a historical novel about nurses in Vietnam. Or the Pulitzer Prize winners in Fiction for the past two years: Trust by Hernan Diaz (2023) set in the 1920s and Night Watch by Jayne Anne Phillips (2024) set in the U.S. South post-Civil War.
JA: Who do you think the historical enthusiasts are (in terms of demographics), and what do you think they are getting from reading it?
JRD: From my observations of the active participants in Facebook interest groups related to historical fiction, as well as the attendees of my speaking engagements about my books, most appear to be women age 50-plus. This generation suffered from traditional teaching methods of rote memorization of facts and dates in history class. Now that they have more time as empty-nesters and/or retirees, as well as more disposable income, they are eager to continue their education by reading about the history never taught in school.
They enjoy vivid descriptions and the use of well-developed characters to portray life during another time, which can inspire thought of advancements that have been made and challenges overcome by our forebearers. This demographic also represents a majority of women’s book clubs where they can come together and hold active discussions about appreciating the challenges of those that came before us went through, as well as the parallels to our present.
JA: "Women are now one of the most important driving forces in the book world. They continue to amount for a staggering 80 percent of all fiction sales," the Washington Post reported in 2021. But reading circles had begun much earlier, the result of women being denied access to philosophical clubs and universities. In 1827, Black women in Lynn, Mass. formed one of the first reading groups for Black women, the Society of Young Ladies. Journalist Margaret Fuller held a session of what she called her “conversations” in 1839, which became a precursor to literary circles, women's leagues, and culture clubs. In Texas in 1885, nine women began the Ladies’ Reading Club of Houston (then called Ladies’ History Class); its membership tripled in about a month. Literary circle members gathered for lectures, readings, to collect books, and to promote social reforms. Today, it's estimated there are over five million book club members, and 88 percent of participants in private book clubs are women.
JA: You mentioned historical fiction is more fun to read than nonfiction. Do your readers prefer to learn this way?
JRD: Fiction allows a reader to immerse themselves into the time period and setting through sights, sounds, sensations, while also building a sense of empathy with the characters. Authors whose characters display strong emotional responses create stories with deeper connections to their readers.
JA: Do you think the popularity of any one book began the trend (such as Outlander, or Philippa Gregory’s novels, The Red Tent or others)?
JRD: Its current popularity cannot be attributed to any one book, given vastly different interests which readers follow. I recall reading epic sagas like Gone With The Wind, Roots, and The Thorn Birds when I was in high school. I became immersed in the settings and invested in the characters as they navigated through great moments in history.
JA: Why are you personally drawn to writing, and reading, Historical Fiction?
JRD: I have always had a keen interest in history, especially the social aspects of how historical events affect a population. Since joining a woman’s book club over twenty-five years ago, I noticed the historical fiction genre became a regular selection most months. Once those books opened my eyes to the vast amount of history we never learned about in school, I grew hungry to learn more and discuss the topics and the people of the past found in those books with my group.
“I believe that women’s history and women’s stories are still undertold, which means that there’s a hunger for them.” –Anita Diamant, author of The Red Tent
My personal interest in Historical Fiction stems from a discovery made through genealogy research that an ancestor was involved in the founding of the Woman’s Medical College of Pennsylvania. After learning more about the school, its students, and graduates, I felt they needed to be honored and celebrated. The best way to educate a wider audience about this school would be through historical fiction. Now, I’ve dedicated my writing to finding more stories about women in history whose stories have remained in the shadows. I hope that by sharing their stories, I will inspire more people to consider the incredible accomplishments of those that came before us.
JA: Personally, I've always enjoyed historical novels (Moby Dick and Great Expectations, among others in middle school), but didn't think of them as a genre. The first book that did set me on fire to read more historical fiction was Philippa Gregory's 2001 hit, The Other Boelyn Girl. (I bet I wasn't the only one.) When did you begin reading (and loving) historical fiction? Is there a first book(s) you found memorable?
JRD: I read Gone With The Wind in high school. A close friend gave me a copy of it as a gift. Scarlet O’Hara on the pages has stayed with me. I believe her character development and transformation inspired elements of my protagonist, Dr. Eliza Edwards, namely for a young woman to step beyond social expectations with a strong will to succeed and overcome the obstacles placed in her way, along with a bit of heartbreak.
JA: Your stated mission is to "unearth the stories of women whose lives have remained in the shadows." How do your historical novels match up to your goal?
JRD: Despite my vast reading of Historical Fiction, I had never come across the stories of early women doctors. My books elevate these pioneering women and bring their stories forward. I believe I’ve succeeded in that goal through the countless references in reviews of my books which mention, “rich historical detail,” and “well-researched.” I plan to continue to seek out and write about more women hidden in the folds of history.
I’ve also made a commitment to celebrate other authors who are writing and telling these stories. For the past two years, I’ve curated and circulated #31titleswomeninhistory, my list of 31 titles to celebrate Women’s History Month in March. I’ll have a new list for 2025. Folks can sign up for my newsletter or follow me on Facebook and Instagram to receive the list.
To quote one of my favorite authors: “I believe that women’s history and women’s stories are still undertold, which means that there’s a hunger for them.” –Anita Diamant, author of The Red Tent, in a January 2015 interview with the Canadian magazine, Chatelaine.
JA: Thanks, Janis, for underscoring my passion for Historical Fiction with impressions and information gathered in your many interactions with fans. Let's wrap up with your list of a few perennials in women’s historical fiction that book club readers are loving this year:
The Women by Kristin Hannah
The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon
The Briar Club by Kate Quinn
Becoming Madame Secretary by Stephanie Dray
Lady Tan’s Circle of Women by Lisa See
Stay tuned for Janis's upcoming book, about "a young American woman's life in Berlin during World War I, based on a true story," she hints. Perhaps a future candidate for this list?
Janis Robinson Daly's Book Club Tips & Ideas and Best Picks for Book Club Discussions are must-save resources to bookmark. You'll find a thorough guide to why readers enjoy book clubs to how to successfully be a book club member, complete with a massive collection of suggested titles to read.
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