Growing up I was crazy about the concept of time travel. Perhaps I watched a bit too much Dr. Who, but the idea of going back and forth through time absolutely thrilled me. I would picture myself living in a spaceship with my very own robot. Some things never change, I’m still a day dreamer (although I don’t have a robot), and I still enjoy a good time travel story. Connie Willis’s To Say Nothing of the Dog is one of my all-time favorites. This book is classified as science fiction but it is one of the most genre-blending novels I’ve read. With a bit of mystery, a dash of adventure, some comedy, and a healthy dose of historical romance, there are elements that I think would appeal to just about anybody.
The story begins at Oxford University in the year 2057. We encounter historian and time traveler, Ned Henry, who really needs a rest. After all, he was just recently commandeered by wealthy American, Lady Schrapnell, to retrieve a relic from a cathedral before a WWII air raid. After a series of misguided “jumps” to obtain the mysterious “bishop’s bird stump,” Ned is suffering from a serious case of “time lag.”
Unfortunately, Ned’s holiday plans are abruptly halted when he learns that another historian has accidentally brought something back from Victorian England. To make matters worse, he appears to be the only one available to go back to 1888 and return said object. Grumpy and disoriented, he lands in the wrong location, not knowing what exactly it is he is suppose to bring back. He eventually hitches a ride down the Thames with a few young men, an Oxford professor, and a bulldog. One of the young men is attempting to meet a woman he cares for (who happens to be an ancestor of Lady Schrapnell.) The only problem is…the woman is destined to marry someone else and if she doesn’t the course of history could be altered forever. Together, Ned and fellow time traveler Verity Kindle stumble along as undercover Victorians to set things right. Along the way, there are a string of memorable characters and hilarious situations. This is a comedy of manners that I’m sure will delight!
Click here to find this in the catalog.
Tags: Brandy H.'s Picks, Genre-blending, Humor, Romance, Science Fiction, Time Travel, Victorian
March 4, 2010 at 2:19 pm |
I had always wanted to read this book. It was one of those on my list of “things I want to read someday” and I finally got around to it last summer. I totally agree with you Brandy, that this is a great read! It’s hilarious all the way through and does blend quite a few genres too.
March 4, 2010 at 3:16 pm |
I’m so glad you put the spot light on Connie Willis, she has long been one of my favorite syfy writers. Her time travel books are very well written and is obvious that she puts a lot of research into her books. My all time favorite of hers is The Doomsday Book. Check it out!