Doomsday Book

ByConnie Willis

Release Date: 1993-08-01
Genre: Fiction & Literature

Score: 4.5

4.5

From 356 Ratings

Description

Connie Willis draws upon her understanding of the universalities of human nature to explore the ageless issues of evil, suffering, and the indomitable will of the human spirit.

“A tour de force.”—The New York Times Book Review

For Kivrin, preparing to travel back in time to study one of the deadliest eras in humanity’s history was as simple as receiving inoculations against the diseases of the fourteenth century and inventing an alibi for a woman traveling alone. For her instructors in the twenty-first century, it meant painstaking calculations and careful monitoring of the rendezvous location where Kivrin would be received.

But a crisis strangely linking past and future strands Kivrin in a bygone age as her fellows try desperately to rescue her. In a time of superstition and fear, Kivrin—barely of age herself—finds she has become an unlikely angel of hope during one of history’s darkest hours.

Reviews

Such a great story
5
By ciretsof
A rollercoaster of emotions, from stress to sadness to elation. The descriptions of not-too-distant-future (from now) Oxford/society were also cool. Loved it.
Just Don’t
1
By PapaDoc75
Endless tedium. I cannot fathom how this novel was ever published, let alone lavished with awards. I heroically slogged through the first half before coming to grips with the fact that it Wasn’t. Getting. Any. Better.
Tedious and Annoying
2
By Phisto Phury
I’m sorry, but I don’t understand why this book has receive so many awards. It seems like the entire book is about nightmarish attempts to try to find somebody. Everybody’s always looking for somebody else. And when they finally find them, they don’t get the answers are looking for. Literally, certain characters are looking for other characters during the entire book without finding them.

I read 9/10 of the book and then just finally gave up. I was thinking of only giving this book one star, but it deserves to stars because it is actually scientifically accurate on many points. Unfortunately, I would never recommend this book to a friend.
Historical Science Fiction
4
By Dwardeng
This is a time travel story that allows Willis to explore the presented time period. It's well written and detailed. It was a bit slow at times for me, but I'm glad I read it.
Awesome story
5
By Sdfrdeghfrjed
My first book from this author, and I can't wait to read another
Page turner
5
By Stress1509
This was one of the books chosen for our book club. I'm not a sci-fi fan but really enjoyed this book! I really felt like I was in the 1300's. Loved the characters and all the history. I would recommend this book.
Powerful and emotional story
5
By randykcox
I can't remember any novel ever bringing me to tears. This book did it several times. Connie Willis was able to connect me to Kivrin in a remarkable way.
Good details but predictable and slow in places
3
By Giddy-up
I enjoy Connie Willis' narrative and I agree that her well researched historical details make it feel almost as if I visited the past along with her main character. However, visiting a small village just at the start of the bubonic plague in England was, in the end, somewhat depressing. And, as is often the case with Willis I found that it took Willis so long to reveal the twists in the story that I had lost interest in them - or had long since guessed correctly at what they were. I recommend reading Blackout and All Clear by Willis instead of Doomsday. The time traveling device is the same, but the visit to WWII London is more uplifting and the breadth of characters and story resolution is more engaging and makes it worthwhile to put up with Willis sometimes slow pace.
One of my top five books of all time
5
By iamemperormoo
Fun, suspenseful, a true page turner. If you are new to Connie Willis start here.
Amazing
5
By Pro-Fessor
A tremendous effort. Cleverly and creatively constructed plot with enough twists and turns to keep you constantly surprised. I'm a moderate fan of sci fi and this is one of my favorites in the genre. NOT hard core sci fi, but suits me just fine. I recommend this book to anyone who will listen to me. You should read this. You will NOT be disappointed.

This is time travel for the skeptical. The sci fi is way in the background as the novel develops mostly more like historical fiction. It has enough science to engage the pros. I loved this book. I've read another of her books, Bellweather, which is totally fun, but not nearly the work of art that this is.