Staff Book Review

Timeline by Michael Crichton

In general, I'm a pretty big Crichton fan. While his writing can get redundant sometimes, I am always impressed by his scientific research and application of that research into his stories. It is mostly because of this book that I've become so interested in quantum mechanics. His explanation of the topic in the first quarter or so of the book is very intriguing. Unfortunately, I can't say the same for the rest of the book.

Most of the story takes place in the 13th century with knights and castles and all that stuff. The thing is that I'm not into that. I find it boring, and I have trouble keeping interest as I read on. The ending is the worst however.

Generally speaking, I have trouble with books and movies that involve time travel where actions in the past spark consequences in the future (present time). The ending of Timeline is the epitome of what I hate most about such stories. One of the characters stays behind in the 13th century (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III anyone?) and when the rest of the crew return to the present, they see that a portrait or something that was painted in the 13th century now actually includes their former team member. The ending couldn't have been cornier.

RATING: 3 / 5 STARS

Book Review by Colin Lenehan at Cranesbill Books

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