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To Say Nothing of the Dog summary
Brief summary
To Say Nothing of the Dog by Connie Willis is a delightful time-travel comedy set in Victorian England. Filled with humor, romance, and eccentric characters, it offers a unique and entertaining take on the genre.
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To Say Nothing of the Dog
Summary of key ideas
The Time-traveling Adventure Begins
In To Say Nothing of the Dog by Connie Willis, we meet Ned Henry, a historian from the 21st century who is suffering from time lag due to his frequent time-traveling missions. Ned is sent back to the 19th century to find a specific item, the 'bishop's bird stump', a hideous Victorian artifact, for restoration purposes. The story takes off with this seemingly straightforward mission.
However, the plot thickens when Ned meets a quirky woman named Verity Kindle, who is also a time traveler. They discover that the artifact they are searching for has been destroyed in the Coventry Blitz, an event that Ned has no memory of. They realize there has been a time travel paradox caused by Lady Schrapnell, their wealthy and demanding sponsor, who has been meddling with the past to ensure the cathedral's restoration.
A Quirky Cast of Characters
As the story unfolds, Ned and Verity find themselves embroiled in a series of hilarious misadventures. They are joined by a colorful cast of characters, including Tossie, a ditzy Victorian lady, her love-struck admirer, Cyril, and the mysteriously absent Professor Peddick, whose cat, Princess Arjumand, plays a significant role in the story.
Amidst all the chaos, Ned and Verity try to fix the time travel paradox while navigating the intricacies of late Victorian England. They also struggle to make sense of the eccentricities of the time period, such as the strict social norms, the peculiarities of the English language, and the curious obsession with the 'theft' of the aforementioned dog.
A Blend of Mystery and Comedy
Throughout To Say Nothing of the Dog, Connie Willis masterfully blends elements of mystery, comedy, and science fiction. The story is peppered with literary allusions, particularly to Jerome K. Jerome's Three Men in a Boat, from which the book's title is taken. The humor is often derived from the characters' attempts to navigate the idiosyncrasies of the past while also dealing with their own personal challenges.
As Ned and Verity race against time to fix the paradox, they uncover surprising connections between seemingly unrelated events and characters. The story takes unexpected turns, keeping the readers on edge and amused at the same time. Amidst the chaos, a sweet romance begins to blossom between the two main characters, adding a touch of warmth to the narrative.
The Resolution and Lessons Learned
The climax of the novel occurs during a boat trip on the Thames, where all the loose ends are tied up in a delightful and satisfying manner. The time travel paradox is resolved, and the characters return to their respective time periods, having learned valuable lessons about the consequences of meddling with the past.
In conclusion, To Say Nothing of the Dog is a delightful and intelligent romp through time. It is a celebration of the Victorian era, a tribute to classic literature, and a thought-provoking exploration of time travel paradoxes. The novel leaves the readers with a sense of wonder and a newfound appreciation for the intricacies of time and history.
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What is To Say Nothing of the Dog about?
To Say Nothing of the Dog is a delightful blend of science fiction, historical fiction, and comedy. Set in the future, the novel follows time-traveling historian Ned Henry as he is sent back to Victorian England to correct an inconsequential change in history. With a quirky cast of characters and a witty narrative style, this book is a light-hearted and entertaining read that will keep you guessing until the very end.
To Say Nothing of the Dog Review
To Say Nothing of the Dog (1997) is a delightful blend of time travel, mystery, and humor that will captivate readers. Here's why this book stands out:
- Its intricate plot weaves together elements of comedy, romance, and historical fiction, creating a truly unique and engaging reading experience.
- Through the exploration of Victorian era quirks and customs, the book offers a fresh perspective on time travel and historical fiction genres.
- The witty dialogue and charming characters inject humor and warmth into the narrative, ensuring that boredom is never a concern.
Who should read To Say Nothing of the Dog?
Readers who enjoy a blend of science fiction and comedy
Those interested in time travel and its potential consequences
People who appreciate clever and intricate storytelling
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To Say Nothing of the Dog FAQs
What is the main message of To Say Nothing of the Dog?
Balancing chaos and order with a touch of humor, To Say Nothing of the Dog explores time travel mishaps and the power of love.
How long does it take to read To Say Nothing of the Dog?
Reading time varies, yet expect a delightful journey. The Blinkist summary offers a quick dive into this intriguing tale.
Is To Say Nothing of the Dog a good book? Is it worth reading?
To Say Nothing of the Dog is a delightful blend of mystery and comedy. Dive in for a whimsical escape.
Who is the author of To Say Nothing of the Dog?
Connie Willis is the talented author behind To Say Nothing of the Dog.
What to read after To Say Nothing of the Dog?
If you're wondering what to read next after To Say Nothing of the Dog, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- A Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter M. Miller
- The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne
- Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder
- Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys, Judith L. Raiskin
- Just After Sunset by Stephen King
- Whereabouts by Jhumpa Lahiri
- Hearts in Darkness by Laura Kaye
- Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire
- The Curious Case of Benjamin Button by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Nunzio DeFilippis
- Side Jobs by Jim Butcher