Doomsday Book by Connie Willis

Willis, Connie. Doomsday Book. Bantam, 1992.

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:

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.

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.

The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger

Niffenegger, Audrey. The Time Traveler's Wife. MacAdam/Cage, 2002.

Henry a librarian and Clare an artist live in Chicago like a normal married couple, but Henry harbors a terrible secret. He suffers from Chrono-Displacement disorder which causes him to time travel at random moments. With absolutely no control over his condition, Henry is dropped naked anywhere within his past or those of his loved ones. This inventive novel has Henry meeting his wife when she is six and himself when he needs his own assistance. Sound confusing? The narration also switches viewpoints between Clare and Henry. My head sometimes hurt trying to wrap my brain around the ramifications of the words on the page!

Beyond a bizarre story, however, this is a tale of the anchoring love of Clare for Henry and her willingness to care for him despite the incredible upheaval in their lives. It is about the bravery of Henry facing the travails of his incurable disorder and attempting to lead a "normal" life. In some ways the book has all the of a typical romance novel. A couple meets, falls in love, marries, has a family. Of course, here the plot line is twisted and tied in knots and unraveling it is half the fun.

Recommendations:

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

In this, the ultimate time traveler series, Claire Randall moves between a husband in 1945 and a lover in 1743 Scotland.

The Time Machine by H.G. Wells

Fans of the time travel motif will enjoy this classic of the genre.

Physics of the Impossible: A Scientific Exploration into the World of Phasers, Force Fields, Teleportation, and Time Travel by Michio Kaku

Looking to do a little time travel? See what scientists have to say about the possibilities.

Masterpieces of Chicago Architecture by John Zukowsky and Martha Thorne

Readers who enjoyed the Chicago setting or who want to see what the Newbery Library looks like will enjoy this pictorial work.