Another reason I like time
travel books is the science of it. I’m a science fan and love learning new
things in the various fields. Additionally, and relatedly, I read a lot of
science fiction. I especially like so-called “hard science fiction” with an
emphasis on scientific accuracy. I like my historical fiction that way as well,
as I’ve stated before on this blog. This book is a cross-over book; fans of
both genres will enjoy it.
Before Anne After by James Paddock meets my criteria for historical fiction and science fiction. Anne is
inadvertently transported nearly 45 years into the past in the same location.
What in 1987 is a top-secret time travel research facility, in 1943 was a Navy
barracks in South Carolina.
Anne, annoyed with her
husband’s lateness and hot and sweaty on this July day, arrives at her husband’s
work site and invades an area she not allowed in. Of course, right? That’s how
these things often happen. Vastly pregnant, her arrival on the floor of the
Naval barracks, surprises everyone, including Anne. She has no idea of her
husband’s research (I found that piece the least credible part of the story, by
the way), and cannot reconcile where she clearly is with what her rational mind
can explain. She must be crazy or suffering from amnesia but with vivid,
detailed memories of a life in a different place.
Anne is among the last to
know she is a time traveler. The German spy knows. The woman she is living with
knows. The man who has fallen in love with her knows. Again, I realize the author
did this for the story he wanted to tell, but with her background and what we
know of her father’s and husband’s research interests, I didn’t buy it.
Still, the machinations to
get her back to 1987 and the plot point time travel twists held my attention to
the very end. And an unexpected ending it is. Satisfying and wholly appropriate
to the story.
While the book needed a
better editor, it was engaging enough that I continued reading this very
interesting and unique time travel tale. As to the science, the hobgoblins of time
travel stories is paradoxes and the how of it all. Paddock confronted both and
presented credible explanations. I love the pseudo-science explanations that
make you think, well . . . maybe.
As to the history, the
author does a great job of setting us down in war-time Charlestown, South
Carolina. There is enough real history and people to make the historical
fiction credible as well. The setting and the times, the fears and paranoia,
the fashions and daily routines are presented well. The tie from 1943 to 1987,
right before her disappearance, is a nice touch.
Did you enjoy this post? If
so, consider sharing it with others. Thanks!
Facebook: Are you a fan of
hard science fiction? A fan of historical fiction? I liked Before Anne After by James Paddock for having both genres and I
think you would, too.
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Twitter: @JamesWRiter has a
great cross-over time travel/hard scifi book: Before Anne After reviewed by
@Caroline_Adams9
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