Narrative Nonfiction

     Narrative Nonfiction. Do you know that term? I first came across the term a few years ago, and, honestly, I am still not sure that I know what it means.  Book Riot defines it this way: Narrative nonfiction—also known as creative nonfiction or literary nonfiction—is usually defined as nonfiction that uses the techniques and style of fiction (characters, plot, conflict, scene-setting) to tell a true story. (Book Riot's list of fifty great narrative nonfiction books: https://bookriot.com/narrative-nonfiction-books/ ) I am still not sure what it means, and when the term "narrative nonfiction" was first used.  I have always just called such books good history. I guess it has to with popularity, referring to books that have wider appeal, books that become bestsellers and get a lot of buzz.  

    If there is a king of narrative nonfiction, it has to be Erik Larson. (See previous blog about Larson here http://thehistocratsbookshelf.blogspot.com/2015/03/author-spotlight-erik-lawson.html ) His books are always big sellers, and I've read and enjoyed every one. In February of 2020, Larson published The Splendid and the Vile: A Saga of Churchill, Family, And Defiance During the Blitz.  I was fortunate enough to also attend his book tour appearance at the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library in Atlanta, see him talk about the book, meet him and get a signed copy.  

    This book checks a lot of boxes for me. It's a Larson book, so, of course, it is great storytelling based on thorough research at its best.  Also, the book is about one of my all-time favorite/most interesting figures in history, Winston Churchill.  The setting of the book is 1940-1941 London, during perhaps the darkest time of British history. I have always known how difficult the German blitz was, and how perilously close the fall of Britain was, but The Splendid and the Vile paints a vivid picture of life at the time. After reading the book, I admire Churchill even more. Yes, he had some pretty major faults, but would Britain have survived with any other leader? His wife Clementine comes across as an extraordinary character; I think I would like a good biography or movie about her.  Unfortunately, Winston and Clementine's son Randolph fell far from the tree. Larson also gives us a look at the other side, the behind the scenes intrigue amongst the men in Hitler's immediate circle. The story of Rudolf Hess' flight and capture is especially interesting. The Splendid and the Vile is currently my favorite Larson book. 

    If Larson is the king of narrative nonfiction, Karen Abbott is definitely a contender for queen. Abbott is a very prolific, best-selling author. I've read three of her books, and I've enjoyed and learned from each one. Liar, Temptress, Soldier, Spy  tells the story of four women who served both the Union and Confederate sides in the Civil War. Sin in the Second City is the story of the most famous brothel in American History, Chicago's Everleigh Club, and the two sisters that operated it, arguably among the most powerful women in the city. Her most recent book is  The Ghosts of Eden Park, the story of the most successful bootlegger in Prohibition history, George Remus, the female prosecutor determined to bring him down, and his wife, determined to kill him.  If you're fascinated by the Roaring 20s, the world of The Great Gatsby, or the TV series Boardwalk Empire (Remus is portrayed in an episode.) , this is a great book for you. Abbott's stories are all stranger-than-fiction, and they all feature really larger-than-life women whose stories might not be told otherwise. I'd suggest picking up any or all of her books.