I like science fiction stories and always have. But, I’m finding that what I really like is time travel and alternative histories. It has become my latest obsession! Feeding this obsession has been my discovery of the author Connie Willis. Last year I read her marvelous story, Doomsday Book (1992). That book tells the story of a young woman, Kirvan, from the year 2054 who travels back to 14th century England and finds herself in the middle of the plague and unable to return to her own time. Meanwhile, in 21st century Oxford, they are also dealing with a plague epidemic. Her mentor and advisor, Mr. Dunworthy, is desperately trying to find Kirvan and bring her home.
Almost 20 years later, Connie Willis has written a two part sequel (of sorts). It’s actually two books – Blackout (2010) and All Clear (2010). The year is now 2060 and it seems that they have worked out the kinks that were a problem in Doomsday Book. Or have they? In Blackout three young historians are sent to study World War II. They are all in different parts of England, taking on different roles, but soon come to learn that they are unable to return to Oxford. Eileen is working as a maid in a country manor studying the effects of sending children from their London homes during the Blitz. Polly is working as a shop girl in London studying how people survived in the shelters. And Mike is posing as an American journalist covering the evacuation of Dunkirk.
Polly and Mike soon learn that they have not arrived at their destinations on the correct day. Their arrivals are way off. They aren't sure why this happens but they continue on with their plans to observe. Meanwhile, Eileen has been unable to get back to her drop (how they arrive and return to their own time) due to an outbreak of measles among the children. When she can make it there it won't open. Polly and Mike soon have the same problem.
After much difficulty the three historians manage to find each other in London. Now they have to figure out how to get back to their proper time period.
In All Clear the action picks up right where Blackout left off. The three young people are still searching for a way to return home. Polly is still working as a shop girl and Eileen has also found work at the same shop. Mike, meanwhile, is using is cover story as a journalist to get jobs where he can move around and try to find other historians and hopefully leave messages for any retrieval teams that are looking for them. In All Clear the reader finally gets a glimpse of what is going on in 2060 to retrieve our historians.
For me, these two books combined the best of science fiction and historical fiction that I have ever read. Connie Willis creates such a believable world that, as the reader, you feel like you are stuck in this time along with Eileen, Polly and Mike. Willis also has a remarkable way of capturing dialogue that seems to fit the time. There is a lot of conversation in these books, but it never drags the story down. It drives the story. All of the talking shows the strong relationship that the three protagonists have with each other. There is deep feeling and caring about each other that never comes across as sappy. And it would have been very easy for Willis to create a romantic triangle but she chose not to go down that path, which I really appreciated.
If you are looking for a page-turning summer read, I highly recommend 2011 Hugo Award winner for Best Novel, Blackout and All Clear by Connie Willis. And when you finish those, consider going on another time travel trip with Doomsday Book. You won't be disappointed!
-- Post by Tracy
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