Why Stories from the Past Still Matter

One of the enduring truths about literature is that stories from the past — especially those rooted in history — whether strictly factual or fictionalised — have the power to shape the way we see the world today. The more we learn about the past, the more it challenges us, provokes us, and ultimately influences the way we live.

Writers have long understood this. Some of the most important books ever written are those that bring real events vividly to life: Anne Frank’s The Diary of a Young Girl, which captures both the innocence and the anguish of a life hidden during the Holocaust; Alex Haley’s Roots, which forced a reckoning with the legacy of slavery; or George Orwell’s 1984, a warning about the dangers of unchecked central government control. These books are not just entertainment. They stay with us because they reveal truths we might otherwise ignore, and they remind us of lessons we cannot afford to forget.

That is part of the reason I chose to write my first two novels, The Unravelling and A Moment of Madness, as historical fiction. Both are set in southern Africa during the 1970s and 1980s — a time of immense political upheaval, racial tension, and personal sacrifice. Though fictional, the stories are woven against the backdrop of real events, and my hope has always been that they prompt readers to reflect on the struggles, compromises, and humanity of those who lived through that era.

My most recent book, Zachary’s Cry, also sits in the historical genre but is different again. Inspired by true events, it is a reminder of how personal stories — sometimes heart-breaking, sometimes uplifting — can illuminate broader questions about justice, truth, and compassion. Fiction allows us to step into the lives of others, but it also challenges us to think about how we might act if confronted with the same dilemmas.

In a world that is often obsessed with the present, history gives us perspective. It teaches us humility and warns us about repeating old mistakes. By reading about what has gone before — whether in memoirs, novels, or narrative non-fiction — we are reminded that our choices matter. The past is never as far away as we think.

That, to me, is why learning about history — whether through fact or fiction — is so important. It sharpens our understanding of who we are, and it can guide us in the kind of people, and societies, we want to become.

If you would like to learn more about my books then click below:- The Unravelling

A Moment of Madness

Zachary's Cry