Eifelheim

By: Michael Flynn

Narrated by: Anthony Heald

Length: 17 hrs and 14 mins

Publisher's summary

In 1349, one small town in Germany disappeared and was never resettled. Tom, a contemporary historian, and his theoretical-physicist girlfriend, Sharon, become interested. By all logic, the town should have survived, but it didn't. Why? What was special about Eifelheim that it utterly disappeared more than 600 years ago?

In 1348, as the Black Death is gathering strength across Europe, Father Deitrich is the priest of the village that will come to be known as Eifelheim. A man educated in science and philosophy, he is astonished to become the first contact between humanity and an alien race from a distant star when their interstellar ship crashes in the nearby forest.

Tom, Sharon, and Father Deitrich have a strange and intertwined destiny of tragedy and triumph in this brilliant novel by the winner of the Robert A. Heinlein Award.

©2006 Michael Flynn (P)2007 Blackstone Audio Inc.

Critic reviews

• Hugo Award nominee, Best Novel, 2007

"Another meticulously researched, intense, mesmerizing novel...for readers seeking thoughtful science fiction of the highest order." (Kirkus Reviews)
"Flynn masterfully achieves an intricate panorama of medieval life, full of fascinatingly realized human and Krenken characters whose fates interconnect with poignant irony." (Publishers Weekly)
"Compellingly weaves past and present together in a dialog of faith and science....Highly recommended." (Library Journal)

Alien Castaways in History

This was a wonderfully conceived and thoughtful SF/Historical fiction novel... The placement of alien castaways in 14th century Europe is unique, and powereful... The friendships developed between aliens and the townspeople is heartwarming... The lot of the aliens is sad, but they accept and integrate, even religiously, sorta... Slow moving so won't appeal to those looking for action... It will appeal to those that enjoy well written byplay w/ deeply philosophical leanings...

Historical fiction meets SCI FI.

Absolutely offbeat marriage of historical fiction and sci fi, and it works. A modern day historian who, while involved in a research project, comes to believe aliens landed in medieval Europe, where most of this story takes place. Compelling sci fi with a richly detailed 14th century backdrop. Fascinating premise and reading.

Cleaver, sharp and a great all round listen

Would you consider the audio edition of Eifelheim to be better than the print version?

I really liked this book, the characters, the plot and the progression of the story. The author manages to wrap science fiction and history into a great read. I look forward to more of his imaginative works.

Interesting but...

The story line was quite interesting, and I enjoyed the interplay of past and present. At the end I felt questions were unresolved. But I felt the character development was shallow--leaving merely caricatures. I could never quite buy in to the dialog of the mysterious visitors.

Once I got into the story, it was worth the listen, but this is not the story I anticipated.

Bear this in mind...

For the reviewers who think that the word being said is equivalent to the English word for "he who inherits" - you are mistaken. The German word (this story is taking place in Germany) being used DOES pronounce the "H" and literally means "mister", is often used as an honorific and IS pronounced a bit like the word Hair.

Fantastic!

This was a fantastic listen. I was riveted. I highly recommend this one. I usually listen to these while cutting the yard or doing odd jobs around the house. I often found myself pausing and just standing around listening intently. It really grabs your attention and your imagination. Ecellent research and well developed characters make this a superb book.

Thoroughly enjoyed this book

The insight into medieval thinking was fascinating, particularly the rigorous logic of the scholar trying to fit something totally outside of his experience into his understanding of the universe. My favorite line: "Sharon didn't know she was a heretic until she smelled the smoke." That line occurs in the 21st century part of the book, not the 14th century part. The commentary on modern academia is another reason why I liked the book.

What a marvelous read this is!

Mr Flynn must be both well read and an arduous researcher. Not only has he masterfully inter-weaved the "alien" theme into the historical background of European 14th century life, but he has done so with sensitive balance between the two seemingly different universes. The whole tale is further bound together by the periodic return to modern day research by modern scholars, whose discoveries serve as skeleton for the intrigues of the past.
The writers acuity and detailed knowledge about Medieval, life - music, religious, social, historical should receive high accolades, while his philosophical, and humorous gems sparkle throughout.
Even Mr Flynn's aliens are different as they don't resemble of the stock-type aliens we have been presented with in the past and this, in some manner, helps to maintain a focus on the human interaction and drama, instead of making it a typical sterile science fiction sequence of events.
The performer should also be complimented by his most artistic and insightful rendition of this work. Perhaps the book would have less impact if performed by a lesser artist?
I tried to find another book by this author, but the other book seems to be less favored, so we shall wait.

One of the most splendid books I've ever read

If you want to book that brilliant in presentation, is honest to science, religion and politics both medieval and current, all while telling an excellent tail, this is your book.

Great science fiction

Really enjoyed this one. I started reading SF & Fantasy when I was eight, (mummble) years ago. It's getting hard to find a book that doesn't have magic, swords, or dragons, but - star traveling grasshoppers? Okay, I'll bite. I loved it and will look for more from this author.
(And yes, I've tried the magic, swords, and dragons, etc. and they just aren't what I need, except for a few like LeGuin.)