Nov
01
2010
Blackout and All Clear
Title: Blackout and All Clear
Author: Connie Willis
Reviewer: Kristen Blake, Electronic Resources Librarian, North Carolina State University Libraries
The best book I read this year was Blackout/All Clear by Connie Willis — two novels that make up one epic narrative of life during the London Blitz. Three future historians travel back in time to study World War II and wind up trapped in one of history’s most turbulent moments. Willis brilliantly animates the struggles and sadnesses, as well as the optimism and heroism, of the shopgirls, ambulance drivers, actors, codebreakers and others who supported the Allies from the homefront. Add in a plot that reads like Agatha Christie times ten and you’ve got a seriously addicting saga.
I can’t wait to read these. Had the privilege of meeting Connie and hearing her talk about her writing process at my previous campus. She’s a frequent guest at Eastern New Mexico University, where sci-fi pioneer Jack Williamson taught for many years.