Novel Pairings17 Loka 2023

133. The modern reader's guide to historical fiction

What is the difference between literary historical fiction and "woman with her back turned on the cover" historical fiction? In today's episode of Modern Readers, we're discussing the literary landscape and rise in popularity of the historical fiction genre. We explore the definition of historical fiction, significant time periods, craft vs. plot, and "literariness" to understand whether a historical book is literary or a really entertaining read—or both! Plus, we share Novel Pairings episodes and book recommendations to pair with our nuanced conversation.

If you enjoyed today's episode and want more conversations similar to this nerdy genre deep dive, you should check out our Patreon community where for just $5 a month, you can access weekly bonus episodes just like this one. At our $10 Literature Scholar level, patrons have access to classes and our virtual book club, where we'll be discussing The Blind Owl by Sadeq Hedayat this month. To join, visit patreon.com/novelpairings.

For more updates from Novel Pairings, make sure to follow us over on our Instagram or subscribe to our free weekly Substack newsletter.

Timestamps

Jaksot(170)

165. Celebrate Novel Pairings with Chelsey and Sara with a Farewell Q&A

For our final episode of Novel Pairings, we opened up the mailbag to answer your thoughtful listener questions. From reflections on our favorite classics to behind-the-scenes stories, we're sharing a ...

3 Kesä 20251h 6min

164. Brand New Books with Backlist Pairings: Summer 2025 Edition

Get ready to load your summer totes with compelling reads, both new and old! We're sharing our anticipated summer releases on today's episode, carefully curated from a long list of captivating titles ...

20 Touko 20251h 1min

163. Reflections on Emma and 250 years of Jane Austen

We're wrapping up our Emma readalong with final reflections on rereading, standout themes, and Austen's legacy. We also chat about how we're marking the momentous occasion of Jane Austen's 250th anni...

6 Touko 202556min

162. Emma by Jane Austen Recap Six: A Perfect Union

In this episode, we reach the culmination of Jane Austen's Emma, where secrets are revealed, relationships evolve, and characters face pivotal choices that will shape their futures. We discuss shiftin...

15 Huhti 20251h 22min

161. Emma by Jane Austen Recap Five: Badly Done, Emma

In this episode, we're unpacking so many juicy moments—from Frank Churchill's restless return to Highbury and the long-awaited ball at the Crown Inn to Harriet's shocking misadventure and Mr. Knightle...

8 Huhti 20251h 8min

160. Emma by Jane Austen Recap Four: Jane Fairfax & Mrs. Elton

In this episode, we're savoring the drama and intrigue of Emma, Volume Two, Chapters 9 through 18. The aftermath of the Cole's party has Emma rehashing every social triumph and misstep, from her jealo...

1 Huhti 20251h 4min

159. Emma by Jane Austen Recap Three: A Mysterious Pianoforte

In this recap, we're discussing Volume Two, Chapters 1-8 of Emma by Jane Austen. In this episode, we'll explore the arrival of some intriguing new characters to Highbury that shake up Emma's carefully...

25 Maalis 202557min

158. Emma by Jane Austen Recap Two: Matchmaking or Meddling

In this recap, we're diving into Emma by Jane Austen — covering Volume One, Chapters 10–18. Join us on Patreon for bonus content. Emma Woodhouse is back at it — charming, meddling, and trying to navi...

18 Maalis 20251h 7min