Alastair Wallace’s Take on Historical Fiction - Realism in Medieval Fiction

Historical Fiction is often thought of as a genre that romanticises the past, painting an idealised picture of history. However, Brisbane-based author Alastair Wallace offers a refreshing departure from this tradition with his debut novel. Wallace’s approach to Medieval Fiction strips away the fantasy of knights, castles, and grand battles, focusing instead on the raw, gritty realities of life in a medieval town.

Wallace’s novel introduces readers to a loyal jongleur, a wandering musician who navigates the hardships of the medieval world. The character’s life is a portrayal of resilience, loyalty, and the everyday struggles of people who lived in these times. Through the musician’s perspective, Wallace paints a vivid picture of the medieval era’s harsher aspects: the dirt, the noise, and the complex relationships between people just trying to survive.

The novel stands out because of its dedication to historical accuracy. Wallace does not shy away from depicting the dirt and struggle of daily life, capturing the essence of the era in a way that feels authentic and deeply human. For Wallace, Historical Fiction is not about glossing over the difficult truths of the past; it’s about exploring them through the lives of ordinary people.

“I wanted to show the world as it was for people who weren’t kings or queens,” Wallace says. “The medieval world was hard, but it was also full of love, loyalty, and art in all its forms. The jongleur is a symbol of this; a person who keeps going even when life is tough, and who brings light through their music.”

While Wallace is currently focusing on his studies at university, he continues to revisit his second novel, refining it with the insights he’s gaining from his academic journey. For readers who are drawn to gritty, authentic portrayals of history, Wallace’s work is a refreshing and immersive read.

To explore more of Alastair Wallace’s Medieval Fiction, visit alastairwallaceauthor.com.