In the mid-21st century, historians at the University of Oxford conduct field research through time travel and direct observation of historical events. Safeguards are put into practice to prevent the altering of history including slippages which shift the time of arrival for the researcher to a time as close as possible as the original target date, but deemed safer.
Kivrin Engle is a medieval specialist who talks her superiors into allowing her to travel to 14th century England. Previously thought to be too dangerous, they reluctantly relent. It is here things begin to fall apart. The technician who sends her to the past, collapses after he sends her, a victim of an influenza epidemic which sweeps Oxford. Meanwhile Kivrin also succumbs to the flu she has carried with her. When she awakes, she is far away from her initial entry point which is key to her return. In addition, due to the flu affecting her technician's calibrations, Kivrin is unknowingly twenty years off her target date and has landed in the midst of a Black Death outbreak in 1348.
Kivrin is a curious anomaly to her hosts and must dodge a variety of situations arising from her appearance and education. In addition, she becomes involved with people of her village, nursing them through sickness and death. On the other end in Oxford, as they recover from he flu epidemic, university staff are attempting a rescue of Kivrin.
This is an award-winning novel rich in detail and meticulous in research. While the science is a little weak, the medieval aspects are especially satisfying and enjoyable. Readers who enjoy science fiction or historical fiction would appreciate the gripping plight of Kivrin.
Recommendations:
Recommendations:
Year of Wonders: A Novel of the Plague by Geraldine Brooks
Knowing that it is a virtual death sentence, the village of Eyam, England decides to quarantine themselves to keep the plague from spreading to others in 1666.
Timeline by Michael Crichton
Very similar to Doomsday Book, except in this time traveler's tale, the heroes are historians who end up in medieval France.
Very similar to Doomsday Book, except in this time traveler's tale, the heroes are historians who end up in medieval France.
The Black Death: Natural & Human Disaster in the Medieval Europe by Robert S. Gottfried
A historian examines how the plague reshaped the face of Europe and impacted every facet of society.
Guns, Germs & Steel: The Fates of Human Societies by Jared Diamond
For an even broader look at the over-arching forces that have shaped civilization and history, check out this acclaimed biologist's work. You'll never view the world the same way again.
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