Hipsy's View: Timeline (Book)
Being like many young children from the 90s, I watched films based on Michael Crichton's novels before I even know about the author. In fact, Jurassic Park was one of my favorite movies and made me want to dig up dinosaurs in my backyard (my way of saying I wanted to be an archeologist as a child). As I got older, I realized some of my other favorite films were based on his works (one other I plan on writing a future review on as well). One that I enjoyed as a teenager was the 2003 film Timeline, starring Gerard Butler, Frances O'Connor, and Paul Walker. It wasn't until about two months ago that I read my first Crichton novel, and it just so happened to be Timeline.
Before diving into my review, I must explain something. After reading this novel and now currently reading my second Crichton novel, I have learned, based on the two novels I have read so far, that Crichton's works need to be read slowly or one must make the time to read them because of the specified details required to fully appreciate the novels. What I mean by this is that there is so much detail Crichton puts into his works that you need to "learn as you go" while reading, which I did learn a few new things while reading this book! Also, most of the films that are based on Crichton's novels have been very close and accurate, from what I have read, so you will understand my misguided thoughts as I started reading this book.
The plot focuses on a group of archeologist and historical students traveling to another time period through a technology corporation that funds their dig site in order to save their professor who ended up in the 14th century France when he went to meet with the head of the corporation in modern day New Mexico. But when the students arrive in the 14th century, things don't go as well as they planned. Now they must not only find their professor but try to return to the present in a limited amount of time...if what happened when they arrived didn't affect their timeline.
When I first came across Timeline, I read it (foolishly) expecting it to be like the movie. There were some minor differences, such as added characters and relationships between the characters (i.e. making Professor Johnston and Chris related). Then there were some scenes that would have been interesting, like the joust in the book. But what made it a challenge for me to get through was how much quantum physics and technology was discussed in order for the characters to travel to another timeline. I felt like I was about to go out of my mind! It kind of felt like I was reading a manual for a test. On a side note though, after reading about quantum physics in this book, I understood some science-based TV shows I've come across.
But back to the point!
Though this novel was a slow read, I did enjoy the historical events part of the book. I am fascinated by European history and love delving into anything based on the time periods before the Pre-Colonialism Era. And from what I could tell, Crichton might have enjoyed this as well. The details on mannerisms, clothing, armor, weaponry, and language, I felt like I was back in my history classes in college again; one of the few who was enjoying their time learning about the past. Crichton certainly knew how to draw his audience in and make them feel like they were part of the story, and being a history buff myself, I found it enjoyable to read something that was accurate in most of the descriptions of the surroundings that would have been present during the Middle Ages.
If it's not apparent that I enjoyed this book, then I can simply say that I did. Though it was slow to get through in the beginning, as soon as I was in the past of the novel, I couldn't put the book down. It was worth reading and I recommend this novel to any history buffs like myself, to anyone that is interested in scientific theories, and to anyone that enjoys Michael Crichton's works, both film and reading materials.
P.S. I wanted to add a picture, just to see how it would look on the blog...didn't know it was going to be so big! If anyone knows how to make the pictures smaller, or has any other review suggestions, let me know in the comment section. Until next time, thanks for reading my review.