Ugh, I feel you on the dissatisfaction of feeling like you have current-day characters wedged into a wallpaper history. It's disconcerting and disappointing. Maybe this author needs to go back and watch some of the shows that were on in the early 90s to get a better feel for general culture. Or at least My So-Called Life, you know?? It makes me wonder if the author grew up during that period, because I think having actual memories of a time period makes it easier to write in that time period (your Carrie Diaries vs ST comparison).
Part of the challenge of writing historical fiction is to write characters that appeal to modern-day readers, but keeping them in the context of their time. Not many writers can pull this off, unfortunately. I think you're perfectly valid in your feelings that this was sign-posted, and not very well. Some people love wallpaper history, so YMMV.
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Date: 2019-01-23 02:10 am (UTC)Part of the challenge of writing historical fiction is to write characters that appeal to modern-day readers, but keeping them in the context of their time. Not many writers can pull this off, unfortunately. I think you're perfectly valid in your feelings that this was sign-posted, and not very well. Some people love wallpaper history, so YMMV.