Final answer:
A modern fantasy novel can indeed have a historic setting, allowing authors to blend imaginative elements with factual historical backdrops. This technique provides authenticity and depth to the narrative, as seen in works by authors like Kjartan Fløgstad and Victor Hugo. Historical and fictional characters can coexist, giving readers a rich, immersive experience.
Step-by-step explanation:
Yes, a modern fantasy novel can indeed have a historic setting. While the fantasy genre is known for its imaginative and often supernatural elements, it does not restrict the setting to contemporary or futuristic contexts. Authors frequently blend the fantastical with the historical, crafting narratives that while fictional, are grounded in a historical time and place. This approach enables them to create rich, unique worlds where fictional characters interact within a historically accurate backdrop or even with real historical figures.
Historical settings in fantasy allow for a sense of authenticity and depth, as seen in works by authors like Kjartan Fløgstad and Victor Hugo, providing a framework for the narrative events and characterisation that can resonate with readers through its familiarity and realism. Writers like these show us that as long as the portrayal remains respectful to established historical facts, there is great freedom in the way stories may unfold in historical contexts.
Recognizing the importance of both the imaginative and the historic setting contributes to a story's depth and creates a fertile ground for storytelling where readers can relate to the past while experiencing the extraordinary elements of the fantastical. As such, the blend of history and fantasy opens up endless possibilities for novelists to explore, allowing for a vivid storytelling experience that captivates and educates.