The thing that most attracts me to historical fiction is taking the factual record as far as it is known, using that as scaffolding, and then letting imagination build the structure that fills in those things we can never find out for sure.

In the quote "The thing that most attracts me to historical fiction is taking the factual record as far as it is known, using that as scaffolding, and then letting imagination build the structure that fills in those things we can never find out for sure," Geraldine Brooks explains her approach to historical fiction. She is drawn to the genre because it allows her to take factual history as a foundation, but then uses her imagination to explore and recreate the aspects of history that are unknown or speculative. The scaffolding represents the historical record, while the structure built upon it is the fictional interpretation that brings the past to life in a way that factual history alone cannot.

Brooks, an Australian-American author known for works like March and People of the Book, often blends real historical events with imaginative storytelling. In her view, history provides a solid framework upon which an author can construct a richer, more engaging narrative. This combination of fact and fiction allows for a deeper exploration of human experience during key moments in history, while acknowledging that certain aspects will always remain unknowable.

The metaphor of scaffolding suggests that while the facts provide a necessary and structured base, it is the author's imagination that fills in the gaps—offering new possibilities and interpretations of what may have happened. Brooks’ approach emphasizes the creative liberty allowed in historical fiction, where authors can speculate about characters' inner lives, motives, and the outcomes of events that were never recorded or fully understood.

Ultimately, Brooks' quote highlights the unique power of historical fiction to bridge the gap between known history and the unknown. By intertwining the real with the imagined, authors can offer fresh perspectives on past events, while also exploring the emotional and psychological depths of characters from history. This process of blending fact and fiction is what makes historical fiction such a compelling and dynamic genre.