Writing Between the Lines of History, with Barbara Southard
“The whole idea of historical fiction is to fill in the gaps in the emotional feeling of the participants in the crisis.” — Barbara Southard
In this episode of Uncorking a Story, historian and debut novelist Barbara Southard shares the emotional and intellectual journey behind her novel Unruly Human Hearts. Drawing from her academic roots and a deep fascination with 19th-century America, Barbara reimagines the infamous Beecher-Tilton adultery trial through the eyes of Elizabeth Tilton, the woman at the heart of the scandal. We explore gender dynamics, moral codes, and the role of historical fiction in giving voice to those left out of traditional narratives.
The emotional power of historical fiction to tell untold stories The complexity of Victorian gender roles and societal expectations The double standard in “free love” and public morality How historical fiction bridges the gaps left by historical record Challenges of transitioning from academic writing to novel-writing The enduring relevance of women’s voices in historical scandals How empathy shapes character-driven storytelling
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