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Summary: Fry's Masterpiece
Review: It is difficult to categorize this book--part novel, part historical account, part science fiction, part futuristic, part comedy, part drama. All in all, though, it is Stephen Fry's masterpiece. While it has been argued that his plot is already overused and exhausted, as with most of Fry's writing, the plot is only the beginning as he raises questions for the reader to answer for themselves, making the experience of this story a totally personal one.
We follow the adventures of Michael Young, graduate student at Cambridge, reading history and completing his thesis on the childhood of Adolf Hitler. Thanks to a mailbox mix-up, Michael meets Professor Leo Zuckerman, a scientist harboring a tortuous secret-- his father was a guard at Auschwitz. Together, the two hatch a plot to ensure that Hitler was never born, thus assuaging Leo's guilt and, theoretically altering the course of the twentieth century. What Michael later discovers is that there are greater forces at work than even himself-- what was meant to be will be, regardless of who is forced to carry it all out. It now becomes Michael's job to find a way to recreate history (as he is now living at Princeton University in a very different 1996). But where is Zuckerman, how can Micahel convince him that he must return to a life he has no memory of living, and even if he could, will Michael be willing to leave this new world?
The writing styles in this book vary from narrative to movie script and back again, and at times can be slightly confusing, as Fry switches between the lives of Michael, Hitler and Zuckerman's family with little warning. Once the effects of the history altering is fully understood, however, one realizes just how well-planned this story is. As with all of Fry's work, you must keep an open mind while reading--conservatives could potentially be offended by some language and references, but do not let this deter you. Fry has created a seamless book that forces one to consider not only history, but love, fate and our true place in the Grand Scheme of Things.
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Summary: one cool book!
Review: i just finished reading stephen fry's 'making history' and loved it! it is a well-crafted book (delightful chapter titles) and has a bit of everything - history, science fiction, love story, and very funny social commentary. throughout the book, mr. fry has a marvellous way with words. if you are looking for something to read that makes you laugh and makes you think and above all entertains, grab this book! it's one to keep and read again. just wanted to mention that the "recaff" scene in the first chapter had me laughing out loud... it rivals the pink panther (and also mr. bean) making coffee in-a-hurry sketch.
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Summary: Nothing New in the World of Speculative Fiction
Review: I didn't like the other Stephen Fry book I read, The Liar, but the premise of this one looked intriguing enough for me to overlook that black mark. The premise is that a graduate student of history and doctor of physics attempt to reverse the course of history by sending a sterilizing agent into the water where Hitler's parents lived. The first half of the book sets this up, and the second half plays up the results. None of this will be breathtakingly inventive to anyone whose read a lot of alternate history or speculative fiction, but its very well-written, in a style more literate than, say, Harry Turtledove. Along the way the hero discovers his real sexuality, which I felt was an unnecessary subplot. But perhaps Fry, a well-known British actor (Jeeves in the "Jeeves and Wooster" series) famous for his celibate homosexuality, needs to inject this aspect into his fiction to maintain his own sanity.
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Summary: What if...
Review: A magnificent book, yet somewhat disturbing in its moral implications. The base thesis of this book is the question that historians must not ask,and do that eagerlly.What if Hitler hadn't been burn? Could WW2 be avoided? Fry is trying to answer this question, while helping his hero to discover the truth about himself. Unfortunately, there are some holes in the plot, but still,its a wonderfull book. Read it!
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Summary: MDC's review
Review: A bit of a disappointment. I hope his other books are better. The combination of memoir, history, and philosophy doesn't work for me. Try again.
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Summary: A Great Read -- and some thought provoking stuff too!
Review: I enjoyed this novel immensely -- and found it well platformed and structured. It asks some questions about the nature of evil, the effects of oppression, and ties it all up in an amusing "alternate history" story. The underlying issues of sexuality and self-discovery made the book more interesting to me, and gave the characters added depth. I immediately gave it to my husband to read... and I'll recommend it to others!
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Summary: An incredible book - until the last fifty pages
Review: I would give this book a solid 4 stars or even 5, but the ending just drags it back down to earth. I could scarcely stop reading, mesmerized, and was suckered into reading until the end.The ending itself is a tremendous letdown. After all the buildup, everything is quickly and neatly tied up in a bow. In addition, Mr. Fry chooses the last few pages to insert a huge change of direction for the character that has absolutely no continuity with the rest of the book. I'm not a moral policeman or making a political comment on what happens - it just doesn't seem to fit with the story. I have likened it with friends to being led down a long and interesting path, only to find a dead-end and nothing more to explain it than a wacky message on a signpost. Was he rushed in finishing this book? Whatever the reason, this book will not find a place on my best-of list.
Rating:
Summary: Addictive, thoughtful and funny
Review: The great thing about Stephen Fry's books is that you can really hear is voice in the words (well, who else would use such language). I could not put this down and found the story compelling and interesting. I felt for the characters and the situations they placed themself in. A must for any Fry fan, I have always enjoyed his television and film work, especially when in partnership with the great Hugh Laurie. Fry is definitly a great wit.
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Summary: Very interesting ideas, but some German language mistakes
Review: In my view this is the best book Stephen Fry has written so far. I really enjoyed it and - contrary to many other reviewers I do not think that it was finished in a hurry. The end is a little bit romantic - but, why not? As far as history is concerned, I, as a German do not feel offended and really would like to encourage other writers to be as open minded about the 3rd Reich as Fry is in this novel. There are, however, a few German language mistakes that I do not think were so necessary. Do not get me wrong, I really appreciate that he included a few German words and sentences, after all, there are many novels by foreign writers about Germany or Germans who do not find it so important to include the language that is used in this country. I would, however, appreciate the use of my mother tongue in foreign language literature even more, if it was used in the right way. Meaning: please ask someone about words and expressions that are or were used in spoken German! Otherwise, I would recommend this book to everybody interested in history.
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Summary: Poorly Written Second Half
Review: While the first half is rather tediose, and only mildly boring, the second half is an insult to the reader. It appears that the author was given a sizable advance, ran out of time, and threw together the second half of this book from some working notes. Then, his publisher was too afraid to not publish the work due to contractual agreements even though the work as a whole is a waste of time, money, and trees.
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