The Rise of Hybrid Narratives

The literary landscape is dominated by stories that refuse to stay in their lanes.

Books that interweave fact and fiction, often called "faction" or hybrid narratives, have reached a new peak of popularity as readers seek stories that offer both total immersion and real-world relevance. "Wolf Hall" by Hilary Mantel is perhaps the most famous of all “faction” novels. It is a masterpiece that reimagines the rise of Thomas Cromwell in Henry VIII's court, blending meticulous research with a vigorous, fictitious interior life for its characters. More recent books where the stories mix fact and fiction include, "When We Were Brilliant" by Lynn Cullen in which she reimagines of the real-life connection between Marilyn Monroe and photographer Eve Arnold. There is also "Departure(s)" by Julian Barnes which is a deeply personal final book that explicitly blends memoir with fiction to explore memory and mortality.

However, why are these types of novels becoming more popular?

• The Crave for Authenticity: In an era of AI-generated content, readers are gravitating toward "human signalling", i.e., books that emphasise lived experiences and historical accuracy to prove their human origins.

• Emotional Resilience: Modern audiences are using these books as "emotional refuge," finding hope by seeing how real-life historical figures navigated past crises.

• Educational Escapism: Hybrid novels allow readers to "travel" to the past and learn fascinating, factual details about specific eras while enjoying the pacing and emotional arc of a novel.

Only Breath & Shadow, is my new novel, out in Easter this year, which I hope will take readers on a similar journey. So, what is it about?

Only Breath & Shadow follows Christian Drewe, an English gentleman blinded at the Somme, living in 1930s Vienna. When the Anschluss triggers the brutal persecution of his Jewish friends, the Friedmanns, Christian’s quiet life is shattered. Alongside American singer Claire Astor, he hides the couple's four children and orchestrates a desperate escape from the Gestapo. Hunted by the ruthless Major Ernst Schmidt, Christian must confront his past to ensure the children’s survival. This novel is a harrowing tale of courage, acting as a solitary candle against the gathering storm of the Holocaust.

If you think this is for you, check out my website www.ofallfaiths.com for more information.