《To Say Nothing of the Dog》摘要

“To Say Nothing of the Dog” by Connie Willis is a clever blend of science fiction and romantic comedy that serves as both a sequel to her earlier novel “The Doomsday Book” and a stand-alone story. Set in a future where time travel has been perfected but is tightly regulated, the narrative primarily unfolds in Victorian England, particularly around the chaos of Coventry Cathedral. The protagonists, Ned Henry, a time-traveling historian, and Verity, a strong-willed scholar, are tasked with retrieving a specific artifact from the past to ensure a historical timeline remains intact. The novel explores themes of historical accuracy, the implications of temporal manipulation, and the eccentricities of Victorian society. Notably, Willis employs the framework of a time travel paradox, examining both the comedic and serious repercussions of meddling with history. One significant experiment is in the form of the “time travel trope,” where the complexities of maintaining temporal integrity often lead to humorous misunderstandings and complications. As Ned ventures into the past, he becomes embroiled in a series of misadventures, including the antics of a lost dog that embodies the novel's lighthearted charm and serves as a symbol of the unintended consequences of time travel. With deft prose, Willis highlights the social customs of the Victorian era while simultaneously commenting on the nature of love and human relationships amidst chaos. “To Say Nothing of the Dog” is celebrated not just for its intricate plot and character development but also for its rich historical detail and wit, making it a distinguished entry in the science fiction genre.