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Doomsday Book

By: Connie Willis
Narrated by: Jenny Sterlin
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Publisher's summary

One of the most respected and awarded of all contemporary science-fiction writers, Connie Willis repeatedly amazes her many admiring fans with her ability to create vivid characters in unusual situations. With Doomsday Book, she takes listeners on a thrilling trip through time to discover the things that make us most human.

For Oxford student Kivrin, traveling back to the 14th century is more than the culmination of her studies - it's the chance for a wonderful adventure. For Dunworthy, her mentor, it is cause for intense worry about the thousands of things that could go wrong. When an accident leaves Kivrin trapped in one of the deadliest eras in human history, the two find themselves in equally gripping - and oddly connected - struggles to survive.

Deftly juggling stories from the 14th and 21st centuries, Willis provides thrilling action - as well as an insightful examination of the things that connect human beings to each other.

©1992 Connie Willis (P)2000 Recorded Books

Critic reviews

  • Hugo Award, Best Novel, 1993
  • Nebula Award, Best Novel, 1992

"Ms. Willis displays impressive control of her material; virtually every detail introduced in the early chapters is made to pay off as the separate threads of the story are brought together." (The New York Times Book Review)
"A stunning novel that encompasses both suffering and hope....The best work yet from one of science fiction's best writers." (The Denver Post)

Featured Article: The 25 Best Time Travel Listens to Take You on an Unforgettable Journey


Time travel is one of science fiction's most popular subgenres. Fans are drawn to its infinite possibilities, offering a glimpse into past cultures, societies, and pivotal events while exploring big what if? questions. What if you knew what would happen next in your life? What if you could go back and change history? What if you did change history? With this guide, you're sure to find an exciting audiobook to transport you to the perfect place in another time.

What listeners say about Doomsday Book

Average customer ratings
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Compelling

Any additional comments?

Very well written and performed. Gritty. I felt like I was actually there and that the time travel was really possible. After reviewing the further books in the series though, I think I will stop at this one. Not much into wartime stories.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Good Story, Excellent Performance

This story is hard to categorize: it's not typical science fiction, but it's not really historical fiction either. In reality, it's more of a human drama, and from that perspective it excells.

The character development was superb. The storyline was engaging, if sometimes predictable. My only complaint is that it was, in areas, agonizingly repetitive and slow due to unnecessary details. If you apply patience it is still an enjoyable, worthwhile read.

Ms. Sterlin's voice characterizations are outstanding and the overall narration was excellent.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

An absolute must-read!!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I absolutely love this book! I think this has to be about the 8th time I have read it- and always around Christmastime. There are so many layers to this story, there are sad parts, funny characters, poignant moments. How do we respond in the midst of such tragedy and despair? Where do we find hope and strength? This time I listened to the audio book as I read the story and this added a wonderful dimension to the telling. I never get tired of this book! 5 stars!!

What about Jenny Sterlin’s performance did you like?

Jenny made this story come alive. I love her voice- and she drew me into the story!

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Love this book

Don't let the cover fool you -- its a great listen. Kept me entertained the whole time. I'm looking forward to other books by this author.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Whew

Well, it was an excellent story but it took forever to get going and if one more person restates what has already been said twice by some one else...
Worth the read but not for the sensitive person. No language or sex, just reality and vivid truth. I want to go hug my hot water heater and go to Walmart!

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Slow to enthrall but grows on you and BAAM! sure to make you cry

The author is refreshing ruthless with her characters. You don't go into a book titled "doomsday" and expect a truly happy ending and To be perfectly frank the book made me cry.
I want to rate the book higher as I loved Kivrin's story and was moved but not in love with the supporting present day story.
So I give the Kivrin's story 5/5, and the future Oxford (present) a 4/5.

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Absolutely fascinating!

I loved it. I'm a big reader of historical fiction, and this was a great mix if history and the future.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Time Travel to the Black Death, and Back Again

Any additional comments?

Kivrin Engle is a historian in 2054 about to use the Net for the first time to actually go to the time period she studies. She thinks she is headed for 1320, but arrives in 1348 – just in time to watch as the Black Death reaches a small English community. Meanwhile, her coworkers in 2054 are trying desperately to find out what went wrong and how to get Kivrin back. Although Willis gives you a wonderful feeling for 1348, some of the strongest messages from the book are how similar humans are regardless of time period. Willis is a wonderful writer, and this is a great read.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Loved this book!

Yes it was a bit repetitive in spots but don't let that stop you. Historically interesting, suspenseful and even funny at times. Highly recommended!

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Outstanding

I was totally drawn into the world that this book creates. Its characters came alive. This is the most emotionally powerful fiction that I have read in a very long time.

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