Okay. I know it's been a while. Well, more than a while. But I really want to pick this back up. Especially because after two years, my writing style has changed a lot (hopefully for the better). So I'm going to try my hand at this again. Wish me luck!Usually I never have time to get to the books I'm recommended. I haven't especially, as high school has kept me on my toes. But when I saw this book at the store, I decided to pick it up. And I'm definitely glad I did.
If I had a nickel for every time I have been told to read Michael Crichton, I wouldn't need my college fund! I finally got to one of his best works, Timeline. Crichton's writing style kept me engrossed the whole book, and I realized I have a "thing" for science fiction. This book is about time travel, so I can assure you that if you liked The Time Machine by H.G. Wells, you're going to like this. It's about a company that creates a device that will allow a sort of time travel. When one of Yale's professors gets stuck in 1357 trying it out, three of his graduate students travel back to try and rescue him. It seems like a simple enough plot, but the twists and details that Crichton implements weave an elaborate and captivating story arc.
Crichton has mentioned that since historical fiction isn't his usual forte, he had to extensively research the details of the fourteenth century. Obviously there were some inaccuracies, but as this book largely falls under fiction, glitches are totally acceptable. Another aspect of the book I really liked was the science part. Concepts like quantum physics, generally tough to understand, were explained well enough for most people to easily grasp.
This was a very logical book. Having read other books on time travel, I can say that this one will appeal to those not just reading for a story, but also for a good theory and explanation. A curious incorporation I liked was that there were small illustrations throughout the book. Maps, diagrams, and pictures helped me visualize the setting and make sense of the physics explanations.
Crichton's writing style interests me. He isn't P.G. Wodehouse, but he also isn't Stephanie Meyer. Okay, Stephanie Meyer is a terrible compared to any writer. Maybe Glenn Beck surpasses her though. Ooh. I'm walking on the edge here. But you get my point. I like his style, because it means that readers of all levels will be able to follow along.
Something else worth mentioning about this book is that it gets pretty gory in some parts. Set in the fourteenth century during a troublesome period, it is quite understandable that the book doesn't portray a rosy picture. However, there are some especially gruesome scenes which gave me shivers. The gory parts were a good addition though, as it gave the book a more realistic touch.
In this book, nobility and the hoi polloi are mostly portrayed as downright savages. And this was set in France, which gave me a new perspective on Europe. When we think of Europe and it's history, most of us picture strict etiquette, fancy and proper attire, refined speech, and the like. However, this book depicted Europeans as barbarous and merciless towards the weak, speaking in crude English and uncouth and uncultured. Even the nobility, who were rich and resided in large establishments, were such descriptors . I do not know how historically accurate these portrayals are, but I liked the refreshing change from the usually Elizabethan-type depiction of Europe.
In conclusion, I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a good science and historical fiction read. It does provide with much insight (at least it did for me) and plenty of plot twists! I can't wait to read another book by Michael Crichton!
