Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Life Was Tough

One of my writing persona, Susan Gourley, writes epic fantasy. There are lots of definitions of epic fantasy out there but most of them expect the story to be set in a medieval setting. Mine is. I love reading books in that setting, even historical fiction that isn't fantasy.

I recently finished reading John Marco's novel, The Forever Knight. His series of which this book is the fourth, is one of my favorites. I've read his other works also. They're all in fantasy lands in a medieval time period. The Forever Knight, like Marco's other books remind me to try and keep things real in my own books.

Life was really difficult in such a setting. No real doctors or medicine. The food was simple and often scarce. Most people we would term the nobility didn't care about the welfare of the peasants. Those poor people suffered from poor food, lack of housing and were often pressed into service to fight a war they couldn't care less about. In such wars, they were considered expendable. A noble might celebrate victory in a battle, but families would starve the following winter because their fields had been destroyed and their menfolk killed. There were no social or government agencies to help the masses. The place of women in such societies could be an entirely other discussion.

Fantasy worlds can be whatever the author wants them to be, but the way Marco presents an unsettling realism to the plight of regular folks draws me into his books. He shows the bitter side of battle victories and isn't afraid to show the emotional devastation of loss. I hope I convey such details in my books even half as thoroughly.

Do you enjoy medieval settings? Have you read books where the peasants were too happy? Have you read John Marco? What do you think would have caused the biggest hardship for the medieval peasant? After paying fall tuition for my two children in college I'm feeling a little like a peasant myself.

12 comments:

Maria Zannini said...

I'm particularly fond of realism in medieval or post apocalyptic settings (which could be almost the same).

Being unable to work, regardless of the reason would be the worst. If you can't work, you don't eat.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

I enjoy fantasies with medieval settings. But you're right - life was difficult. People died young. I know some say they'd like to go back and live during that time, but why? Doubtful you'd make it past thirty if you were one of the common folk.

Michael Di Gesu said...

I LOVE period pieces and medieval times are particularly fascinating to me...

I've never read Marc's work... I will definitely check it out!

Michael Di Gesu said...

I LOVE period pieces and medieval times are particularly fascinating to me...

I've never read Marc's work... I will definitely check it out!

LD Masterson said...

I tend to read more modern day mysteries but I do enjoy a good period piece, especially set in medieval times. I think sometimes we need to look at the oppressive life styles of those times, then look at the places in our world that aren't a lot better.

Robin said...

I am not familiar with his work, but I do enjoy a story that can appreciate the plight of MOST people. History details the decisions of the kings, queens, and great warriors, but little is said about the common folk. Of course, there were many more of them than the other and they paid the price for the decisions that the "great ones" made. So, yes, I agree with you...

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

Good points. I think you're right about the age, Alex, around 30 would be considered old.
You're so right, LD, especially the plight and desperation of the poor folks.
Maria, I can't imagine how terrible it would be to not be allowed to support yourself with work, like so many women still in today's world.
I know you'll like him, Michael.
The plight of the simple folks are what I like about Marco's novels, Robin.

Unknown said...

It's the hard life setting that makes that time period so fascinating.

Unknown said...

I love when an author does enough research to lend authenticity to his world. Those kinds of details can really draw you into a story.

The Happy Whisk said...

My grandparents had a child die so young because that was the time. I would not want to go back there, unless, I could just pop in and out as I wished. But even then, it would be heart breaking.

Anonymous said...

I love medieval settings... if done right of course. Haven't read John Marco yet.

Ava Quinn said...

Great points, Sue.

Unfortunately, the only thing I can think of is Monty Python and the Holy Grail. "Help! I'm being Repressed!!"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxGqcCeV3qk