Historical Novel Society in San Diego, 2011

What is the value of writing historical fiction? This quote was shared with an enthusiastic audience by the renown historical novelist, Susan Vreeland, in a seminar at the HNS: "History alone doesn't tell much about love. If we are ever to rise as a people, we must learn more about love - not just easy love, romantic love, but broader love, loving one's neighbor when it's difficult, when all the world is shouting hate. When literature shows love falling short, we have to honor the individual for his or her heroic struggle, for the small steps taken, for how close he or she came. This is the message of the tragic form. If the scene shifts into light just by a degree, we must honor that baby step, and rejoice in it. Historical literature can teach us this." Do you agree with this quote? A professor of history from the audience countered with the idea that history teaches courage, and authors should strive to share examples of courage. Any thoughts??