The Secret Chord by Geraldine Brooks
Synopsis
The Secret Chord is historical fiction about the life of King David. The story includes all of the major events of the Biblical account, with a few new spins and much-imagined embellishment from the mind of Geraldine Brooks.
The story is narrated by Natan (Nathan), the prophet. Natan convinces the king to let him chronicle his life, and the necessary interviews to do that is one way Brooks uses to flesh out and embellish the Biblical account of David's life.
So, while all the major Biblical points are there - the slaying of the giant, harp-playing, Bathsheba bathing, etc., Brooks adds made up perspectives from the other characters' viewpoints as they talk of David. The interview with David's mother lets us start at the very beginning of his life and the story continues through to David's old age and impending death. Natan's observations and thoughts also add great dimension to the old stories.
The story is exciting and dramatic as David rises to power, builds a kingdom, experiences many downfalls and must eventually decide who will be the next king. The writing is detailed but not laboriously so; Natan's narration compels the reader to keep reading. While it is still fiction, Brooks does take readers into what was the real world of King David.
Characteristics Consistent with Historical Fiction
Historical Details in Abundance
- There is a huge amount of accurate, historical detail in regards to
the characters, setting and events in the book. Truly the world of
King David is brought to life through the factual details. Although
many facts are kept as they are historically known Brooks took great
liberty with others and there are no footnotes or author's note
included in the book as a way for readers to know what is true and
what isn't.
Characterization - All of the characters are believable as
people who lived in that time. There were no "anachronisms of
language or behavior..." The characters behaved in ways that are
consistent (for the most part) with known facts about them.
The main character is a real character in actual history and his life is shown in an intimate portrayal.
There is also a huge focus on the life of one character - King David - which is a characteristic of historical fiction.
Mood - Mood is a big factor for historical fiction fans and there is definitely a strong sense of mood in this story. The mood is primarily danger and triumph as David rises to power.
Pacing - It is a longer book and unfolds in an unhurried way. The story is very detailed but not boring - it still draws readers in.
Believability - History comes to life as Brooks fleshes out actual historical events.
Researched - The book is obviously very well researched.
Takes place in the past - Takes place in a time past with characters who are long gone but are brought to life again by the author's imagination.
Blends history and story together.
Provides and inside, intimate look at historical events.
Strong Narrative Voice - Natan is the narrator and he draws readers in.
Authentic Style/Language - The language used in the book provides a sense of the culture. There is even a list of names in the front of the book and an explanation that the Hebrew names are used. For example, Nathan is Natan and Saul is Shaul.
Story Line - The story closely follows the lives of historical characters - especially King David.
Appeal Terms
characters - detailed
pace - leisurely
tone - dangerous, triumphant, brutal
writing style - lyrical
storyline - intimate following of main characters
Readalikes
The Dove Keepers by Alice Hoffman
Queenmaker by India Edghill
Esther by Rebecca Kanner
Doc by Mary Doria Russell
The Red Tent by Anita Diamant
Personal Notes
I can see that there are so many types of historical fiction, that you have to use caution recommending and consider a great deal more than that the book is historical fiction. The Secret Chord was very graphic and violent at times and many readers do not like this.
While The Secret Chord really does explore the time of King David in a way that is much more entertaining than the Bible or history books it occurred to me that historical fiction could be dangerous for a reader who did not know better because the believability and accuracy might be so high on some levels that the reader may then believe it is all true or not know which parts are fiction. As Sarricks said, some people use historical fiction as "a painless method of learning history." But it has to be kept in mind that it's historical fiction. It is fiction based on history - not the actual history. The Secret Chord was so detailed and included so much that was true that the line becomes blurry and I can see that it would be easy to forget you aren't actually reading history. I felt the author should have had footnotes or an author's note because she took liberties with the history of King David in such a way that might confuse some readers. This is the only flaw with the book - the danger that someone only familiar with the basics of the story of King David's life may believe Brooks' account to be all factual because the major events are all there.
Synopsis
The Secret Chord is historical fiction about the life of King David. The story includes all of the major events of the Biblical account, with a few new spins and much-imagined embellishment from the mind of Geraldine Brooks.
The story is narrated by Natan (Nathan), the prophet. Natan convinces the king to let him chronicle his life, and the necessary interviews to do that is one way Brooks uses to flesh out and embellish the Biblical account of David's life.
So, while all the major Biblical points are there - the slaying of the giant, harp-playing, Bathsheba bathing, etc., Brooks adds made up perspectives from the other characters' viewpoints as they talk of David. The interview with David's mother lets us start at the very beginning of his life and the story continues through to David's old age and impending death. Natan's observations and thoughts also add great dimension to the old stories.
The story is exciting and dramatic as David rises to power, builds a kingdom, experiences many downfalls and must eventually decide who will be the next king. The writing is detailed but not laboriously so; Natan's narration compels the reader to keep reading. While it is still fiction, Brooks does take readers into what was the real world of King David.
Characteristics Consistent with Historical Fiction
Historical Details in Abundance
- There is a huge amount of accurate, historical detail in regards to
the characters, setting and events in the book. Truly the world of
King David is brought to life through the factual details. Although
many facts are kept as they are historically known Brooks took great
liberty with others and there are no footnotes or author's note
included in the book as a way for readers to know what is true and
what isn't.
Characterization - All of the characters are believable as
people who lived in that time. There were no "anachronisms of
language or behavior..." The characters behaved in ways that are
consistent (for the most part) with known facts about them.
The main character is a real character in actual history and his life is shown in an intimate portrayal.
There is also a huge focus on the life of one character - King David - which is a characteristic of historical fiction.
Mood - Mood is a big factor for historical fiction fans and there is definitely a strong sense of mood in this story. The mood is primarily danger and triumph as David rises to power.
Pacing - It is a longer book and unfolds in an unhurried way. The story is very detailed but not boring - it still draws readers in.
Believability - History comes to life as Brooks fleshes out actual historical events.
Researched - The book is obviously very well researched.
Takes place in the past - Takes place in a time past with characters who are long gone but are brought to life again by the author's imagination.
Blends history and story together.
Provides and inside, intimate look at historical events.
Strong Narrative Voice - Natan is the narrator and he draws readers in.
Authentic Style/Language - The language used in the book provides a sense of the culture. There is even a list of names in the front of the book and an explanation that the Hebrew names are used. For example, Nathan is Natan and Saul is Shaul.
Story Line - The story closely follows the lives of historical characters - especially King David.
Appeal Terms
characters - detailed
pace - leisurely
tone - dangerous, triumphant, brutal
writing style - lyrical
storyline - intimate following of main characters
Readalikes
The Dove Keepers by Alice Hoffman
Queenmaker by India Edghill
Esther by Rebecca Kanner
Doc by Mary Doria Russell
The Red Tent by Anita Diamant
Personal Notes
I can see that there are so many types of historical fiction, that you have to use caution recommending and consider a great deal more than that the book is historical fiction. The Secret Chord was very graphic and violent at times and many readers do not like this.
While The Secret Chord really does explore the time of King David in a way that is much more entertaining than the Bible or history books it occurred to me that historical fiction could be dangerous for a reader who did not know better because the believability and accuracy might be so high on some levels that the reader may then believe it is all true or not know which parts are fiction. As Sarricks said, some people use historical fiction as "a painless method of learning history." But it has to be kept in mind that it's historical fiction. It is fiction based on history - not the actual history. The Secret Chord was so detailed and included so much that was true that the line becomes blurry and I can see that it would be easy to forget you aren't actually reading history. I felt the author should have had footnotes or an author's note because she took liberties with the history of King David in such a way that might confuse some readers. This is the only flaw with the book - the danger that someone only familiar with the basics of the story of King David's life may believe Brooks' account to be all factual because the major events are all there.
Hi,
ReplyDeleteYou bring up an important point in your Personal Notes section. Historical fiction is not 100% real. This may not bother most people when they are aware that it is historical facts mixed in with a fiction story. However, mixing in historical religious facts with fiction and embellishment could upset certain people. Some people are very touchy about altering what they believe to be historical religious facts. So, I agree with you that the author should have used some footnotes or maybe a disclaimer in the introduction explaining that it is a work of fiction.
I do not have a problem with religious fiction. I can separate the mythology versus theology and enjoy a good story. For example, I read a graphic novel called "Penny for Your Soul" by Tom Hutchison. In short, this story is about the grand-daughter of lucifer getting souls for hell in sin city Las Vegas. People sign a contract and get money, sex, material objects and other vices until it is time to pay up the contract. Add in historical religious people like Jesus and Mary Magdalene with cheese cake art style and some people will be offended.
I could discuss the book "Penny for Your Soul" with some people in my church's bible study and have a fun discussion about the book and how they used religious characters. However, in this same room I know that there are people who would be really upset that I read the book. In the end everyone has their own take of historical religious fiction.
Hi Robert,
DeletePenny for Your Soul sounds good. I'll have to look for that. I agree, religious fiction doesn't bother me one bit. I loved Lamb by Christopher Moore. I thought it was hilarious, but I'm sure there are people who would be upset by it. While The Secret Chord didn't bother me at all, I was strangely bothered imagining someone thinking it was all historical. I guess because I have met people like that who can't discern the difference :( Then they use faulty thinking about sources to back up opinions.
I absolutely adored this book when I read because of the rich detail Geraldine Brooks weaved within this compelling narrative. I loved the way she reimagined the life of David through the prophet Nathan, and how she realistically depicted the life in that time period. I actually prefer religious historical fiction over reading the Bible because of the rich, compelling narrative the authors weave for their readers. I think you're read-a-like titles are appropriate because they would provide a similar, lyrical tone for the reader. You were correct to address that their are darker moments in the novel, and it is helpful to warn the readers before suggesting similar that may have a darker tone when it comes to historical fiction.
ReplyDeleteYes the detail was amazing. I was actually listening to a Bible Study on Psalms shortly after reading this and I imagined David playing his harp - which is something I never did before reading this book :)
DeleteJodi, I also chose a book by Geraldine Brooks for this week's reading and I am happy I made that choice. As an author, she has the ability to create a story based on detailed historical events and tell it from the unique perspective of the main character. She has a way of unfolding a story that keeps the reader interested throughout the span of the book. I think part of the appeal of her writing is her ability to use modern language so the reader does not get bogged down with unfamiliar sentence structure and word that were used in the past.
ReplyDeleteGreat job on your annotation! I really enjoyed your personal note as well. One only needs to looks back at all the controversy "The Da Vinci Code" caused to realize that some people can really get fooled by the whole fiction aspect. Full points!
ReplyDelete