historical fiction can be very cool
Historical fiction
Historical fiction is a literary genre in which the plot takes place in a setting located in the past. Although the term is commonly used as a synonym for the historical novel, it can also be applied to other types of narrative, including theatre, opera, cinema and television, as well as video games and graphic novels.
An essential element of historical fiction is that it is set in the past and pays attention to the manners, social conditions and other details of the period depicted. Authors also
strongly recommended, as there are layers of nuance to be discovered and explored (Sette, Jorge).
The tone is cool and discreet; Tóibín's fondness for understatement when describing emotional turbulence is admirable and quite effective.
The genre is ambiguous as the novel can fit into a plethora of categories not limited to and including: a political novel, gay romance, historical fiction, a thriller, a mystery, etc.
Tóibín seems to be fascinated with the ways that suppressed feelings can shape and deform character,