Book Review: Time Line

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Time Line     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon UK PB Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Michael Crichton
Class/Genre:   Fantasy
Knopf, Nov 1999, $26.95, 442 pp.

With the second millennium ending, visionaries greet the future with awe, wonderment, and hope. One such being, Robert Peniger the CEO of ITC introduces a quantum mechanics based technology that opens a doorway into the past. Theorists believe that there are multiple earths existing along the time-space continuum with each containing its own past. With his new prototype, Robert believes he can control the doorway to our own history.

On a dig in France sponsored by ITC, students stumble upon strong evidence that their leader Professor Johnston is living in the mid fifteen century. An ITC official invites the students to go back in time to bring the professor home. Three of the history majors agree. However, their mission is nothing like the piece of cake they anticipated. Instead, they fight to stay alive in a culture radically different than the technology loaded era they know.

Based on scientific theory, Michael Crichton combines a thriller with a work of historical fiction. This unusual mix blends into a fabulous novel. Medieval France is brought to life (through the eyes of late twenty-century visitors) in minute detail. The two subplots are exciting and cleverly blended into a great story line. TIME LINE is innovative thought provoking, and entertaining. Mr. Crichton proves he is not a dinosaur, as readers will have no strain staying up all night reading this terrific tale in one sitting.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner