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I don’t know what the problem is with people who attack the writers of these books as long as they are clearly fiction and meant for entertainment. If they blend in some accurate history with the fiction, so much the better.

The problem is not with the books. We have had historical fiction as a genre forever. The problem is that with the deterioration of education and the cynical marketing by unscrupulous authors, who deliberately blur the boundaries of what is 'clearly fiction."

Too many people no longer can tell the difference between "accurate history" and fiction, and there is a media echo chamber which profits by encouraging ignorance. Recall how many times the author of daVinci Code was interviewed on TV and acted as if his schlock was a genuine hypothesis. Imagine how many people think the Code is real: millions no doubt.

Well, these authors (Berry and Brown) are getting an awful lot of flack here among the literate cognoscenti who should know better.

I never saw Brown blur the line between fiction and truth on any interview. He does point out the factual history he used, but he always states his book and the Code are fiction.

I think the antagonism problem occurs when folks think their religion is being undermined by fictional accounts that question the truth of doctrine or dogma. Of course, that doesn’t happen if they truly have faith in the tenets of their church.

We have had historical fiction as a genre forever. ... Too many people no longer can tell the difference between "accurate history" and fiction...

You mean there is chance that this isn't a true story?

I'd be shattered!