How Historical Fiction Redefined the Literary Canon
Briefly

In recent decades, major literary prizes reflect a shift in American fiction from contemporary narratives to historical explorations, reshaping the literary canon.
Unlike the mid-20th century, when contemporary life dominated award-nominated literature, today’s novels increasingly delve into historical events and contexts.
The trend has reached a point where historical novels account for a significant portion of winners, with twelve Pulitzer Prize-winning novels focused on the past.
This shift indicates not just a change in themes of recognized works, but potentially reflects a broader cultural engagement with history in literature.
Read at The Nation
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