How accurate does historical fiction have to be to enhance our understanding of the past rather than harm it? In the age of historical retellings/reimagenings like Hamilton and Bridgerton, I look at the works of historical romance novelist KJ Charles and the British TV series "The Devil's Mistress" to examine how marginalized people are and aren't allowed to take up space in historical narratives. Can fictional characters ever be "accurate", and is that the only standard we should judge historical fiction by? No knowledge of either KJ Charles' books or the TV show is necessary for enjoying the episode.

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