Eifelheim - Michael Flynn

A splendid achievement in Science Fiction, but not for everyone

This fine novel was extremely hard for me to put down, even in its final, depressing chapters. (How cheerful can you be, as the Black Death advances inexorably?) But it may have more pull for the quirky than for the mainstream reader. You need to have a strong interest in all or most of the following: 1) feudalism; 2) medieval theology; 3) central European geopolitics in the 14th century; 4) the far fringes of theoretical physics; 5) first contact. If you can wade fearlessly into these murky waters (and believe me, the theology alone is mind-boggling), you will find this to be one of the best SF novels in recent decades. A walk-on by William of Ockham (of "razor" fame) cemented it for me.

Unique, Literate, Historical, Science Fiction

Historical Fiction - Set in a German village during the middle ages

Science Fiction - Aliens have landed there too!

Literate - Germans and aliens talk about all sorts of thought provoking topics as they get to know each other, including philosophy, class hierarchy and quantum physics.

Special Effects - The black plague, Alien translation devices

This is one of the most unique, engrossing and fun novels I have read in a long time. Highly recommended.

thought provoking glimpse at medieval village visited by aliens

This was a fascinating book. The aliens were well done and their characters were developed. The human-alien interaction was at times very funny. The glimpse of life on Herr Manfred's medieval manor, I think, disabuses us of many modern stereotypes. Fr Dietrich is one of the most interesting and admirable fictional characters I've encountered in a long time. His dialogues with Han von Stern were fascinating and I enjoyed seeing his gradual influence on the Krenken (which, I would argue against another reviewer, was wholly postive). I also liked how Flynn contrasts Fr Dietrich's integrated faith and reason with Br Joachim's unreasoned, emotion-based faith. As Thomas Woods explains in "How the Catholic Church Built Western Civilization," it was indeed priests and monks like Fr Dietrich who preserved wisdom and fostered cultural development after the collapse of the Roman Empire and kept a candle lit during the dark ages. Finally, at the end of the book, I wondered who lived life more fully: Tom and Sharon in post-modern America or the villagers -- who lived much shorter lives -- on Manfred's estate?

Eifelheim: A thoroughly engrossing and thought provoking read.

I am an avid reader who is always looking for books that are entertaining, unique and thought provoking. I heartily recommend Eifelheim which is one of the best books I have read in a long time; both thought provoking and engrossing.

A wonderful Sci-Fi journey through Medieval Europe

This book is well worth your time and money. Not another "alternate history" history piece, this novel combines the best of Science Fiction with great character development.