Lawrence Norfolk In the Shape of a Boar Essay Example

Norfolk's dedication to research in historical fiction surpasses that of most writers. He goes to great lengths, even intimidating seasoned historians. An example of his extreme research is when he meticulously searched through archives to discover which style of chandelier would have been considered out of fashion during the 18th century. He asserts that every detail in his work is accurate, citing his exhaustive combing through ship's records, market reports, and accounts of French roads from the 18th century to ascertain whether it rained on the specific day in question.

Norfolk dedicated two years to researching the classical footnotes for the initial segment. According to Norfolk, "I did not want the book to be perceived as a progression from ignorance to the clarity of the present era." Norfolk's expertise in classical studies provides a sharp contrast to the perplexity and enigma of the World War II narrative. Even though Norfolk primarily writes novels rather than history, he relishes in the imaginative realm where historical records cease. Discovering where that point lies is a pursuit he enjoys. The book's power lies in the precarious yet captivating interplay between history and fiction, truth and imagination, research and storytelling. As a result, it defies Norfolk's notorious succinct critique and compels readers to grapple with its distinctive literary identity.