Surprisingly boring and disappointing. It's mostly a history of how the idea of time travel is represented by authors and sometimes by scientists...buSurprisingly boring and disappointing. It's mostly a history of how the idea of time travel is represented by authors and sometimes by scientists...but it's all very shallow and even when there's a complex idea lurking, it's not explained in any detail. Also, he tends to spoil key surprises in the books he writes about, so reader beware. I thought there would be more about time travel logic or something I could sink my teeth into. This was really not worth the time spent reading it.
The futuristic aspects seem pretty dated--I guess because 2054 isn't really that far in the future at this point (gReally gripping, and original, too.
The futuristic aspects seem pretty dated--I guess because 2054 isn't really that far in the future at this point (gulp!). But my main complaint is that many of the characters who seem intended as comic relief were purely annoying. And why were all the irritating characters older women? 3.5 stars....more
Sounded meh, but I was seduced by good press and blurbs from respected authors. But it was pretty meh after all. The mechanics of the time travel wereSounded meh, but I was seduced by good press and blurbs from respected authors. But it was pretty meh after all. The mechanics of the time travel were sloppy. Quick read, though. 2.5 stars....more
A little draggy, but I don't regret reading it. I think that it would take a very patient, Penelope-like child to be interested in reading this, thougA little draggy, but I don't regret reading it. I think that it would take a very patient, Penelope-like child to be interested in reading this, though.
I think my favorite thing was getting glimpses of farm life in England in the early 20th century. That world was more interesting and real to me than the 16th century....more
This book features solid writing, compelling characters, and an extremely tempting premise. Unfortunately...it's not finished.
I don't simply mean thatThis book features solid writing, compelling characters, and an extremely tempting premise. Unfortunately...it's not finished.
I don't simply mean that it's a cliffhanger, or a book with some loose ends--it is half of a novel. And it's impossible to judge a book that hasn't bothered to do any of the heavy lifting associated with successfully wrapping up a story.
There was a lot to like in it, and I'll probably read the sequel. Maybe everything will be resolved in the next book and I will be in fully love with this series and world. It's possible. But for now, I consider this book to be seriously unfinished business and can't recommend it despite its many strengths....more
Wow, I really had the wrong idea about this book. I had gotten the impression (from where???) that it was a redoubtable scifi classic. In fact, it's aWow, I really had the wrong idea about this book. I had gotten the impression (from where???) that it was a redoubtable scifi classic. In fact, it's a big trashy mishmash of genres, and mainly it's composed of (view spoiler)[a whole lot of sex and a fair bit of fetishization of torture and violence, with a heavy dose of kilt-wearing and phonetic Scottish dialogue. Ye ken? (hide spoiler)]
There were a couple scenes near the end that nearly short-circuited my brain. Forget, for a moment, the (view spoiler)[sadistic predatory mutilation session and gay prison rape with incestuous overtones...that was minor. What did me in was the opium-tinged crazed viking deathbattle featuring Claire-as-Randall and Claire-as-Jamie's-mother. Somehow, this violent free-for-all cured Jamie's blood poisoning. Better than penicillin! (hide spoiler)]
Which is not to say that there weren't enjoyable things about the book. I did find it rather gripping, and I did really like Jamie and Claire, together and apart. Mainly together, though. And I liked the idea of bringing modern medical and historical knowledge back into the past, and the limitations on how that knowledge could be used.
All I have to add is that from what I can glean about the plots online, the sequels seem just terrible. Terrible! Get me away from this mess before I do something I really regret....more
An okay children's fantasy book that didn't make me want to go on in the series.An okay children's fantasy book that didn't make me want to go on in the series....more
A gentle book, almost quaint at times, unusual in style and approach. Featured a low-tech approach to time travel that made the story seem far away frA gentle book, almost quaint at times, unusual in style and approach. Featured a low-tech approach to time travel that made the story seem far away from typical science fiction.
The characterization and plots are rather flimsy, but they aren't the point. The heart of the book is its portrayal of 1880s New York City--lavishly described and meticulously researched....more
Strange and striking. It seems more like, say, Gulliver's Travels than something that was written in the late 19th century.Strange and striking. It seems more like, say, Gulliver's Travels than something that was written in the late 19th century....more
Yes, I love this book. It's like nothing else I've ever read. It holds up well to multiple readings. Its tone is silly and irreverent without being doYes, I love this book. It's like nothing else I've ever read. It holds up well to multiple readings. Its tone is silly and irreverent without being dopey--and it still manages to discuss serious things.
But the best part is how it portrays the characters and stories of books as something real, and locates them in a place accessible from our own world. I love the alternate version of the present where people are obsessed with literature. I love the history between Thursday and Landen. I love the echoes of Jane Eyre in the present-day storyline. I love Swindon.
The fact that the book is (sort of) about Jane Eyre is icing on the cake of win.
There are things I could quibble at, like the goofily-named characters--but when the book as a whole is so awesome, why bother? ...more
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