My husband, Michael, and I watched Lincoln last night. I know, I know we’re a little late to the party.  In fact, we’re seven years late to this Spielberg masterpiece.  It’s been on my watch list for years and was glad we finally set aside the time to watch it. After we finished the movie, I really wanted to learn more about his family and personal life.

To me, this is the mark of a great piece of historical fiction, learning a little about a person or event through a movie, show, or book and then wanting to learn more. After going to see Hamilton, I wanted to learn all I could about the founding father.  I read My Dear Hamilton by Laura Kamoie and Stephanie Dray, shortly after seeing the play and loved reading his story from the perspective of Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton. Reading America’s First Daughter by the same authors a couple years ago had me ready to visit Monticello. Clearly, I get inspired by historical fiction and have a burning desire to learn more. 

Michael, on the other hand, was much more concerned about separating the facts from fiction. He wanted to know how much of the movie was historically accurate, and what exactly was left out?Personally, I think it’s important to recognize that any dramatic work is going to have a certain level of creative license, but not everyone feels the same way I do. Whole articles like this are dedicated to sorting out the truth in the movie Lincoln. I found it interesting that Lincoln’s wife, Mary Todd, would never have been in the house when the amendment verdict was read. Likewise, I was disappointed by the not so accurate passivity of the African American characters.

I recognize that filmmakers and writers want to appeal to a broader audience, so embellishing the truth often makes for a better story. Obviously, as with anything, it’s important to investigate your source before restating something as fact.

What do you think? Do you prefer very accurate accounts or a more loosely based story to pique your interest?