Summary
Doomsday Book by Connie Willis is a science fiction novel that explores the consequences of time travel and the perseverance of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
Book Genre
Science fiction, historical fiction, time travel.
Main Topic of the Book
The book follows the story of a young historian, Kivrin, who travels back in time to the 14th century during the Black Death, as well as the parallel story of her mentors, who struggle to bring her back to the present time.
Key Ideas
- The dangers and consequences of time travel
- The resilience and strength of the human spirit
- The impact of the Black Death on society and individuals
- The importance of communication and collaboration in times of crisis
Main Parts of the Book and Short Summary
- Part 1: Present Time – Introduces the characters and their roles, and sets up the premise of time travel.
- Part 2: Oxford, 2054 – Kivrin travels back in time while her mentors, Mr. Dunworthy and Professor Andrews, struggle to send her to the correct time period.
- Part 3: The Middle Ages – Kivrin lands in 1348 and becomes trapped in the midst of the Black Death. She finds herself in the care of a kind family and becomes involved in their daily lives.
- Part 4: Present Time – Mr. Dunworthy and Professor Andrews face challenges in bringing Kivrin back to the present time as the authorities block their attempts.
- Part 5: The Middle Ages – Kivrin’s situation becomes more dire as the plague spreads and she struggles to find a way back to her own time.
- Part 6: Present Time – As the situation for Kivrin becomes more desperate, her mentors must race against time to save her and bring her back to the present.
- Part 7: The Middle Ages – Kivrin’s journey reaches a climax as she makes a discovery that could change the course of history.
- Part 8: Present Time – The aftermath of Kivrin’s journey and the impact it has on both the present and the past.
Key Takeaways
- The consequences of time travel can have far-reaching effects, both on an individual level and on society as a whole.
- In times of crisis, the human spirit can overcome immense challenges and persevere.
- Communication and cooperation are crucial in navigating difficult situations and overcoming obstacles.
- The past can hold valuable lessons for the present, and the choices we make today can have a profound impact on the future.
Author’s Background and Qualifications
Connie Willis is a science fiction and fantasy writer, known for her novels and short stories that often incorporate elements of time travel. She has won multiple Hugo and Nebula awards for her work and is highly regarded in the science fiction community.
Target Audience
Fans of science fiction and historical fiction will enjoy the intricate world-building and the thought-provoking themes in Doomsday Book. Readers who are interested in the Black Death and its impact on society will also find this book insightful.
Publisher and First Publication Date
Doomsday Book was published by Bantam Spectra on February 1, 1992.