I seem to be reading a lot of time travel novels recently, but Ian Mortimer's The Outcasts of Time (#754) is different. Most books in this genre feature travelers from the present day going back in history to witness important events, meet famous persons, or thwart catastrophes in the making, all very enjoyable in their own way.
However, The Outcasts of Time features two brothers, John and William, caught up in the midst of the bubonic plague sweeping across England in 1348. When John's actions to help another lead to the brothers being exposed to the plague themselves, still miles away from home they are presented with a choice: go home and be with their loved ones for their remaining few days on earth, or spend each day of their allotted time ninety-nine days in the future from the time they fall asleep. John chooses to face the unknown.
John's chief concern is for the welfare of his soul, as he seeks to atone for the harm done to others when his intention was solely to help them. This component of the story is as riveting as the changes he finds in each generation, and the difficulties the brothers face as they try to adapt. In many ways, I felt as though The Outcasts of Time could have been a text for my EfM studies, as the concepts of love, redemption and atonement discussed here are profound. This book is special, and highly recommended if you are looking for a thoughtful read with substance.
No comments:
Post a Comment