Literature Network » Leo Tolstoy

A matter of fact After stumbling upon an obscure historical atrocity, he brought it to light as a novel

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From: The Boston Globe
Date: 20070129
Author:David Mehegan

From Leo Tolstoy to contemporary British novelist Pat Barker, writers of historical fiction have wrestled with the problem. How do you make the facts serve your story, rather than the other way around? How do you respect the history you're using without letting it take charge?

Boston novelist Michael Lowenthal faced the question with his new book, "Charity Girl." He stumbled on its little-known background and knew he wanted to spread the word. Only gradually did he realize that it had to be a novel, and that he couldn't let his attention to historic facts overwhelm his art.

"I'm waiting to see ...

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