Blackout

By: Connie Willis

Narrated by: Katherine Kellgren, Connie Willis

Length: 18 hrs and 44 mins

Publisher's summary

In her first novel since 2002, Nebula and Hugo award-winning author Connie Willis returns with a stunning, enormously entertaining novel of time travel, war, and the deeds - great and small - of ordinary people who shape history.

Oxford in 2060 is a chaotic place. Scores of time-traveling historians are being sent into the past, to destinations including the American Civil War and the attack on the World Trade Center. Michael Davies is prepping to go to Pearl Harbor. Merope Ward is coping with a bunch of bratty 1940 evacuees and trying to talk her thesis adviser, Mr. Dunworthy, into letting her go to VE Day. Polly Churchill's next assignment will be as a shopgirl in the middle of London's Blitz. And 17-year-old Colin Templer, who has a major crush on Polly, is determined to go to the Crusades so that he can catch up to her in age. But now the time-travel lab is suddenly canceling assignments for no apparent reason and switching around everyones schedules. And when Michael, Merope, and Polly finally get to World War II, things just get worse. For there they face air raids, blackouts, unexploded bombs, dive-bombing Stukas, rationing, shrapnel, V-1s, and two of the most incorrigible children in all of history to say nothing of a growing feeling that not only their assignments but the war and history itself are spiraling out of control. Because suddenly the once-reliable mechanisms of time travel are showing significant glitches, and our heroes are beginning to question their most firmly held belief: that no historian can possibly change the past.

BONUS AUDIO: In an exclusive introduction, author Connie Willis discusses her fascination with WWII and the historic context of Blackout.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Blackout is the first volume of a two-part novel. To find out what happens to the time-traveling historians from Oxford, we invite you to download the concluding volume, All Clear.

Listen to Connie Willis and Carrie Vaughn: A Conversation. And listen to All Clear.

©2010 Connie Willis (P)2010 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

• Nebula Award, Best Novel, 2010
• Hugo Award, Best Novel, 2011
• Best SF and Fantasy Books of 2010: Readers' Choice (SF Site)

“If you're a science-fiction fan, you'll want to read this book by one of the most honored writers in the field; if you're interested in World War II, you should pick up Blackout for its you-are-there authenticity; and if you just like to read, you'll find here a novelist who can plot like Agatha Christie and whose books possess a bounce and stylishness that Preston Sturges might envy.” ( The Washington Post)

Time-Travelling Epic

I will admit, it took me a little while to get into the rhythm of the story. But my god, once I got it - I got it. It was absolutely amazing!!! I was so intrigued that I immediately went to buy the second half of the story. Connie Willis completely took and folded me into the story, and Katherine Kellgren did an amazing job as narrator. She kept every single character separate and unique. The story itself was complex, interesting and engaging. Stick to the very, very end - you won't regret it!!

Really enjoyable

I loved this book. Just downloading the second book now. . . it's not often that I can hardly wait to continue a story. The characters are mostly very engaging. The narration, particularly for Binnie and Alf is really outstanding. They all became a little part of my life for the few days they were with me. Can't be sure how accurate the description of what life was like during the blitz is, but it sure is believable and feels real. It's as if it brings the reader on a little trip in time with the characters. I recommend this one. It's interesting that these feel so different than the first two books, like they were written by someone else. The first book, although good, was gloomy. The second (To Say Nothing of the Dog) was downright silly. This is the best as far as I'm concerned.

Slow, but a great look at WWII England

I found "Blackout" (keep in mind this is just the first half of the story) and "All Clear" to be fairly slow-paced and drawn out. In the end I was disappointed with the science fiction elements (time travel was really just an excuse to be an outsider in WWII England). Also the constant "time travel confuses me" mantra from people who supposedly do it for a living was a bit irritating.

However, I was really fascinated by the day-to-day life of people in London during the Blitz. The author really did a great job of showing how (and why) these people survived daily horror in stride. If you treat this book as historical fiction rather than science fiction, it's really incredibly well done.

Overall I'd recommend it, just don't expect the story to center around time travel. And it can be a bit slow, but you'll get a lot out of it in the end.

Good story, sad there was not concluded.

there is a lot of good storyline here with several compelling characters. I was disappointed to find out at the end of this book to find out how the story ends I need to buy the next book.

Pleasanty surprised

The book started out slow, but latter on I understood why the author built up to the climactic end. Listen to this before you listen to "All Clear". The author did extensive research and the book educates you as well as entertains you. I was surprised at how the American author was able to incorporate particular British social norms, idioms, and speach patterns. She must have spent a lot of time in Britain. Great book.

Very satisfying!

I've listened twice and thoroughly enjoyed this book. When my bright, middle-school son was desperate for a good to 'listen book' and I recommended Ms. Willis books. He's sold! I love this story with its distinctive 'voices' and clever plot. The characters have become quite real to me. Frankly, Connie Willis is one of those authors whose next book I eagerly await!! Great listen especially for history-scifi junkies! (Yes, they exist.)

Wonderful Book! A riveting story.

If you could sum up Blackout in three words, what would they be?

A strong dose of historical fiction blended with a little science fiction. Truly entertaining and clever, and a wonderful way to explore what it was like to be in Great Brittan during World War II.

Loved it

Would you listen to Blackout again? Why?

I found the 2 book series fascinating. I took me to the battle. I cared about the characters.

What did you like best about this story?

The history, was like being there.

Well narrated, but terrible plot!

Has Blackout turned you off from other books in this genre?

Yes! The book is very boring and tedious (there is literally 5 hours of a woman taking care of poorly behaved children) and then there is no ending to the book! It just stops and basically says, "Buy my next book also to see what happens with the lady and the bad kids". I wish I had my time back!

Do you think Blackout needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

Yeah, because the stupid thing didn't have an ending!

Awesome first part

As a two part sires this ended on a high note, but very enjoyable story. I would recommend it if you like Connie Willis.