Historical Fiction's Significance - Historical fiction illuminates suppressed and overlooked history, revealing truths often absent from mainstream narratives [4] - The genre creatively curates complex and dense historical events, enhancing understanding and engagement [10] - Historical fiction fosters inclusivity by allowing authors to explore diverse historical narratives without barriers [13] Popularity and Impact - In 2020, historical fiction accounted for 32% of all printed books in Canada, ranking as the third most popular subgroup of fiction [6] - Historical fiction's accessibility makes learning about suppressed history more manageable for a broader audience [14] - The genre serves as an entry point, guiding readers to explore various branches of history through different mediums [15] Educational Value - Historical fiction novels often present stories from perspectives not traditionally included in historical accounts [9] - The genre enhances engagement and understanding of historical points and messages through storytelling [9] - By opening readers' minds, historical fiction facilitates the acquisition of new knowledge and insights into historical events [11][12]