Zwarte winter (1992)

Not a hit for me. Boring characters in the modern timeline and pretty obvious danger in past timeline ( )

What can I say about this book apart from the fact that it has something in it that most every reader will enjoy, and that this is the book that started my love of this particular Author. I had a copy of this lent to me whilst I was laid up with pneumonia, and a friend asked me if I had ever read anything written by the Author; little did they know then that by introducing me to them they would be creating a monster.

There are many characters in this novel, both futuristic and from the past, and the main protagonist is a gripping female student who time travels back to the 1300’s. The way in which this character copes with a time so at odds to her own, with so many restrictions when it comes to women is what makes her a person I immediately could connect with. Throw into the mix the issue of the Black Death and this makes her even more compelling. Throughout the novel the reader can follow her progress as she comes to terms with the times she now finds herself in and can root for her every step of the way. Her determination and courage shines through as the times degenerate into one of sickness and death. The Author is equally generous when introducing their other characters in this book, although there were a few that I thought were rather superfluous to the plot itself; there is the concerned and overworked professor who I felt was the very picture of the stereotypical academic, and also the ‘mother hen’ type character who fussed over everyone and anyone. I didn’t find any of the characters unlikeable, and this rather surprised me as there is usually one that I would like to meet a miserable demise.

When it comes to location descriptions and really setting the mood for the 1300’s it is apparent that the Author did a great deal of research into the time period, and the effects the Black Death had on families and attitudes of that time. Unfortunately the editing was not as tight as I would have expected in a novel as gripping and fast paced as this one, and this is the reason for the four thumbs rating. Overall though this is a well written and entertaining book, that keeps the reader turning the pages to the very end.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone that loves a great story and/or is interested in historical fiction, sci-fi and fantasy.

Originally reviewed on: http://catesbooknuthut.com/2014/09/03/review-doomsday-book-oxford-time-travel-1-...




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Damn. ( )

2022 Book #29. 1992. A young historian is sent into the past to learn about pre-plague Oxford. Unfortunately something goes wrong and she ends up in the plague. Interesting time travel story with enough British witticism to make it very enjoyable. ( )

This is my all time favorite time travel story. Connie Willis was a master writer, far under recognized, in my opinion.

Set in contemporary Oxford, England, an academic program is testing targeted time travel for archeological purposes.

It's been a while since I've read the book but many images and feelings remain with me. The contrast between a modern day Oxford Christmas and a medieval country chapel are staggering.

Willis's ability to invest you in her characters is uncanny. I remember finishing the book and practically having to find a barometric chamber in which to decompress.

Doomsday Book is a tour de force in historical science fiction, full of life, tragedy and humor. Do not assume this book is too old to read, you will miss a masterpiece. ( )