P.G. Smith Author

Sometimes it feels like we’re more divided than ever. Politics, religion, social issues—there’s so much tension out there, it’s hard to see how we can bridge the gaps between us. But one of the reasons I love writing and reading historical fiction is because it helps us step back and look at things from a broader perspective.

Through literature, we get to explore the “why” behind these divisions. In Thaddeus Lamb, for example, I wanted to explore how a deeply religious man could be pulled into politics and how his beliefs could shape the future of his small town—and, by extension, the country. But this isn’t just a political story—it’s about people, their motivations, their fears, and their hopes.

Books allow us to live through different eyes and experiences, helping us understand that behind every political argument or social debate is a person with a story. So next time you’re frustrated by the world’s divisions, maybe crack open a book. It might help you understand how we got to where we are today.