To Say Nothing of the Dog

Rating:
Summary: Don't waste your time!
Review: Not funny, unless you like slapstick. Repetitive. BORING

Rating:
Summary: Excellent satire.
Review: Many people might not see this novel as satirical, but having studied much of 19th century literature, I certainly see that Willis' intricate and chaotic storyline, with a basis somewhere in a love story, is reminiscent of the century the characters visit. The novel is witty and historically accurate--not a common combination! Any fan of speculative fiction, 19th century literature, and great writing (as I am) will enjoy this book extremely.

Rating:
Summary: Perfectly decent tale, but no Doomsday Book.
Review: The plot is good. Ms. Willis certainly knows how to toy with the concept of time travel. However, the attempts at humor feel forced at times, and the superficial nature of the characters (they are Victorians, after all) does not involve the reader. If you haven't already read it, get her Doomsday Book instead. It is a more serious book, and the characters are complex and well-drawn.

Rating:
Summary: Great time travel screwball comedy
Review: Incredibly intelligent, Preston-Sturges type comedy of errors set in several eras. Connie Willis continues her fascination with chaos theory and the effect of seemingly "minor" events (weather, missed messages) on the course of human events. The literary and historical references are quite clever, and the characters real and amusing. More like "Bellweather" than "The Doomsday Book" in style and tone, notwithstanding the shared device and minor characters with the latter. An excellent and delightful read for those looking for clever and witty romantic comedy.

Rating:
Summary: Not what I expected - but wonderful on its own
Review: I had a hard time getting into the start of the book because, as others have said, I was expecting science fiction. Yes, there is time travel - but for all that it doesn't follow the basic sci-fi outline at all. However, once I got into the book I thought it was hillarious. I couldn't put it down once I was half way through. Yes, the story has been done before (Oh no! We changed history!) it was the characters and the humor that made the book. Very enjoyable, very funny, well worth the read.

Rating:
Summary: Enjoyable time-travel mixed with Victorian manners.
Review: This is a delightful book. It is a "hard" time-travel story with many twists and surprises. The time-travel consequences are completely logical and believable. It is a lot of fun to read. Good plot, interesting and funny characters. Many mysteries abound for the reader to solve. (I didn't.) If you like time-travel stories and a pleasant romp, this is a book for you.

Rating:
Summary: Complex plot twists and huge laughs
Review: Ever felt you didn't quite know what was going on ? Well that's just how most of the characters in this book feel, and with good reason. Willis drops all the clues you need, but tricks you into missing them. The style is superb, hugely funny, I just couldn't put it down.

Rating:
Summary: Great!
Review: I've read nearly every one of Willis' works, and I'd have to say that this was one of her best. It returns to the world of her DOOMSDAY BOOK (which won a Hugo), but unlike that rather depressing (but well-written!) book, features humor a-plenty!

Rating:
Summary: We were delighted.
Review: My daughter and I have a practice of buying hardbacks of the books we think are worth keeping-- we each bought a copy of this book. It was delightful, witty, intelligent, convoluted, graceful, a fine piece of work. Engaging characters and a solid drawing of the complex possibilities of space and time make fine sport for any reader, but every molecule of the reader's education will deepen the fun. Not for the faint hearted or the lazy reader. Highly recommended.

Rating:
Summary: pure fun
Review: a good laugh, good charecter build up and an interesting plot. I now look at passing cats and dogs with a new eye.