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A review by davemeister28
Eifelheim by Michael Flynn
2.0
Perhaps the biggest problem with a book about aliens crash-landing in the Black Forest in the mid-1300s is, you have to either already know a lot about, or be willing to learn a lot about, the Black Forest region in the mid-1300s. You'll want to have Wikipedia at the ready, as the author mentions both historical and religious minutiae frequently, with the assumption that you know the context.
Suffice to say, the "barrier to entry" on this novel is somewhat large. There is some neat science in it, there is some neat fiction in it, but honestly, it's okay if you're tickled enough just that a book about human-alien contact in medieval Europe exists. I am. Therefore, two stars, even though it took me forever to slog through this 500-page book and I was seldom very deeply engaged in it.
In fairness, if you're going to like Eifelheim, you're going to LOVE Eifelheim. So, if the premise sounds good to you, don't be shy about picking it up! About 30 pages is enough to either hook you or let you know that it's not your thing.
Suffice to say, the "barrier to entry" on this novel is somewhat large. There is some neat science in it, there is some neat fiction in it, but honestly, it's okay if you're tickled enough just that a book about human-alien contact in medieval Europe exists. I am. Therefore, two stars, even though it took me forever to slog through this 500-page book and I was seldom very deeply engaged in it.
In fairness, if you're going to like Eifelheim, you're going to LOVE Eifelheim. So, if the premise sounds good to you, don't be shy about picking it up! About 30 pages is enough to either hook you or let you know that it's not your thing.