Timeline (2000, Paperback)

I have never been a fan of "mainstream" or "popular" fiction. Same goes with TV and movies; just never been my thing. But, with Timeline, I couldn't resist any longer and I broke down and read it.
I am a historical fiction lover and the middle ages are my favorite period. I have read many novels on the period and I am in the midst of writing one of my own right now.
Michael Crichton is, of course, a world-renowned writer with a long list of best-sellers and movies from books. This was a turn-off for me.
I am glad that I decided to read this book. The historical setting, medieval France in the 14th century, is well described, extremely accurate and passionately played out in this novel. The characters were very believable, flawed and 'human'.
As for the time-travel stuff, I have to admit that I don't know much about quantum physics, but I do know that this is a burgeoning, growing field of science that has sparked many time-travel books so the concept is, at the least, acceptable for a work of fiction.
I came in with very low expectations and I finished the book in 4 days. I will definitely review Mr. Crichton's catalogue of work and see if anything else interests me because he is a wonderful storyteller. Also, judging from the bibliography provided at the end of the book, he does his research before he writes, which must be respected as it is shown on the pages of his novel.
A wonderful book with vivid depictions of medieval life and the politics and problems of the middle-ages; a time when, although it would be titled this much later, became known as the age of enlightenment. When knowledge became a form of power.
And, for what it's worth, I loved that the book continued to focus on the fact that we can learn much from our past. A very important fact that is lost on the Western Civ, Geology and Geography classes that are taught today.
Even if you are not a Michael Crichton fan, check out this book. I was very pleasantly surprised.

Excellent adventure with historical facts interwoven. Fast and entertaining read. Michael Crichton's art of writing is once again proven. Highly recommended.

I borrowed this book from a friend years ago and liked it then. I had to find it and add it to my collection of Scifi. The movie sucks the book is great.