Connie Willis's novel delves into Breaking Bad territory. Well written, excellent character development, an engaging plot line, a great concept, but it's just not my thing. Alternative histories and time travel don't really speak to me as a reader. To me, time travel is a medium best left to movies or television. Visually, the concept lends itself to the big or small screen. Willis has her characters travel though a time travel device called The Net, though this portal they are able to go back in time and witness historical events. The characters are there to be impartial observers of the major events in World War II. As much as the book did a great job of showing this I felt like I should have been watching it on HBO.
Willis is a talented author, her research for this novel was impeccable. She went as far as looking up the times for Blitz attacks, and the outfit most London shop girls wore during World War 2. This makes me smile. I absolutely love it when an author takes historical fact and weaves a fictional narrative. It makes the characters feel like people as opposed to toys the author has created. Her time spent researching England pays off. The story feels less science fiction and more adventure novel. Willis also adds in an element of slapstick humor that is completely endearing. There were moments where I laughed out loud, and that's too rare in sci fi.
Walking away from this, I understand why a book like Blackout is up for a Hugo. Willis is a beloved science fiction author, and her books are often discussed in sci fi circles. However, it just doesn't measure up. There were parts that felt rushed and clunky. So far, Feed is still the clear winner in my imaginary* Hugo vote.
(Image brought to you by: Sveta Dorosheva. That link takes you to a place where you can buy some of her art.)
*It seems as though I can actually get a Hugo vote if I sign up for Worldcon. I may do this just so I can get the books for free next year.
My next book is The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms. Can't wait for this one.
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