Suprised by Sci Fi

I have never been an avid science fiction reader. When I was growing up, I read Ray Bradbury and all of the Dune books. But in my adult reading years, I very rarely turn to the science fiction genre.

So I approached The Doomsday Book by Connie Willis with a bit of skepticism. Two of my fellow librarians assured me that I would love it. But really, Sci Fi? Wasn’t that for those people who know about science and space and math? Of course, I absolutely loved it and was once again reminded to not judge a book by its cover, or its genre for that matter.

The Doomsday Book takes place in Oxford in the near future when time travel is possible, but not yet a perfect science. Kivrin a bright and adventurous young student wants to travel to the 14th century. James Dunworthy, her professor, is concerned that Kivrin is not completely prepared to travel to this period that has not yet been visited. He is further concerned that “slippage” during the actual time travel will put her in a time and place of danger. Kivrin is granted permission to undertake this adventure but minutes after she is sent off, the technician who facilitated her time travel falls ill with a mysterious virus.

The book switches between Oxford in 2054 and England in the Middle Ages. Nothing goes as expected as illness, quarantines, and miscommunications ensue. This book is filled with interesting characters, some humorous, some extremely annoying. The story flies along as you read faster to find out what happens to both Kivrin and Professor Dunworthy.

This is an older book, written in 1992. It is still available in paperback and at your local library. I encourage you to dip your toes into the science fiction genre with this great read!