3.95
"Making History" by Stephen Fry is a thought-provoking and engaging novel that explores the complexities of time travel and the consequences of altering the past. The story centers around two main characters, Steve and Michael, who are given the opportunity to build a time machine and travel back to the 1940s to prevent the rise of Adolf Hitler. Fry masterfully weaves together historical facts and fictional elements to create a believable and immersive world. The characters are well-developed and relatable, and the dialogue is witty and intelligent. The pacing of the novel is well-balanced, with moments of tension and action interspersed with periods of reflection and character development. One of the central themes of the novel is the idea of fate and the butterfly effect. The characters grapple with the question of whether it is morally right to change the past, even with the intention of preventing great evil. Fry also explores the consequences of altering history, as the changes made by Steve and Michael have unintended and far-reaching effects on the present. Another notable aspect of the novel is Fry's use of humor. Despite the heavy subject matter, the novel is filled with witty one-liners and humorous situations that provide levity and keep the reader engaged. Overall, "Making History" is a compelling and thought-provoking novel that will appeal to fans of historical fiction and science fiction. Fry's masterful storytelling and engaging characters make it a must-read for anyone looking for a smart and entertaining book. In summary, "Making History" is a well-written and engaging novel that explores the complexities of time travel and the consequences of altering the past. The characters are well-developed, the pacing is well-balanced, and the themes are thought-provoking. Fry's use of humor adds levity to the heavy subject matter, making it a must-read for fans of historical fiction and science fiction...
H.G. Wells
The Time Machine
A classic work of science fiction, The Time Machine explores the concept of time travel in a way that will be familiar to Making History readers. The protagonist's journey to the distant future and his observations of the societies he encounters there will resonate with those who enjoyed Fry's exploration of alternative histories.
Learn MorePhilip K. Dick
The Man in the High Castle
An alternate history novel that explores what the world might look like if the Axis powers had won World War II, The Man in the High Castle shares Making History's interest in exploring the 'what if's' of history. Dick's novel, like Fry's, is a thought-provoking examination of the consequences of historical events.
Learn MoreHarry Turtledove
The Guns of the South
Another alternate history novel, The Guns of the South imagines a world in which the Confederacy has access to AK-47s and nearly wins the Civil War. Turtledove's novel, like Making History, explores the complexities of history and the ways in which small changes can have far-reaching consequences.
Learn MorePhilip Roth
The Plot Against America
A novel that explores what might have happened if Charles Lindbergh had been elected president of the United States in 1940, The Plot Against America shares Making History's interest in exploring alternate histories. Roth's novel, like Fry's, is a thought-provoking examination of the consequences of historical events.
Learn MoreMichael Chabon
The Yiddish Policemen's Union
A novel that imagines a world in which Jewish refugees from Europe have created a thriving society in Alaska, The Yiddish Policemen's Union shares Making History's interest in exploring alternate histories. Chabon's novel, like Fry's, is a fascinating examination of the ways in which history and culture shape society.
Learn MoreGuy Gavriel Kay
The Lions of Al-Rassan
A novel that explores the complex relationships between religion, politics, and culture in a world that is similar to medieval Spain, The Lions of Al-Rassan shares Making History's interest in exploring the consequences of historical events. Kay's novel, like Fry's, is a rich and rewarding read.
Learn MoreWilliam Gibson
The Difference Engine
A novel that imagines a world in which Charles Babbage's difference engine has revolutionized the world, The Difference Engine shares Making History's interest in exploring alternate histories. Gibson and Sterling's novel, like Fry's, is a thought-provoking examination of the ways in which technology shapes society.
Learn MoreNorman Spinrad
The Iron Dream
A novel that imagines a world in which Adolf Hitler became a science fiction writer instead of a dictator, The Iron Dream shares Making History's interest in exploring alternate histories. Spinrad's novel, like Fry's, is a fascinating examination of the ways in which history and culture shape society.
Learn MoreJames P. Hogan
The Proteus Operation
A novel that explores the consequences of time travel and alternate histories, The Proteus Operation shares Making History's interest in exploring the 'what if's' of history. Hogan's novel, like Fry's, is a thought-provoking examination of the ways in which small changes can have far-reaching consequences.
Learn MoreClaire North
The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August
A novel that explores the consequences of living multiple lives, The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August shares Making History's interest in exploring the 'what if's' of history. North's novel, like Fry's, is a thought-provoking examination of the ways in which history and culture shape society.
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