1632 (Eric Flint)... Screw paradox, lets start a war!




1632 is part of the “Alternative History” genre of Fantasy/Science Fiction.
A flash of light kicks off the plot in this novel. In what is initially interpreted by everyone as a nuclear blast, light blinds the residents of Grantsville, West Virginia. When they realize they have not all been reduced to ash, they step outside and determine that something very wrong has happened, their town is no longer on the east coast of North America. Grantsville is now in the year 1632, residing in the Black Forest (what will later become Germany). They are smack dab in the middle of the 30 years war.
As readers, we all have the same paradox questions. The characters also recognized these potential issues, and they are addressed very quickly (first or second chapter).? They came to the conclusion early on that there are only two real theories to work with.
- Time travel Paradox =”The world ends”
- Time Travel Paradox = “Multiple time streams make paradox irrelevant”
As they are all still breathing, they logically conclude that they are in a tangential stream.? They have limited supplies, and no guarantee that they will ever return to normal, they could be screwed if they do not act fast.? They have an unknown belief/system for the region/era. They do not know the local languages. If they are going to survive, they need to get moving asap.
If they are not going to destroy the future and they will only affect their new time stream, there is no reason they should not fight for survival and the American way of life… Early in the book, it is decided with a vote that the best way to survive is to recreate something that has worked in the the past (the future). They will start the American Revolution early, in Europe instead of the Americas.
Flint does not spoon feed you with information. There is some theory and some wavy inundation of “how are we going to survive” conversation, but overall, Flint recognizes that the reader doesn’t need everything spelled out for them. The exception is when it comes to history. Most people are not fluent in the methodologies or details of key battles in the 30 years war. Neither are they familiar with the political flow and relationships of those in power. These are laid out fairly well for the layman.
Most of the key characters are part of the West Virginian coal miners union, so theory and plans are things are broken down as they would be explained for the common man. Essentially,? you do not get too little info, leaving you upset, but neither are you treated like a 5 year old.

Comments

  1. ShannonAugust 19, 2010 at 1:14 AM

    For the most part, I enjoyed this series. The selection of Flint's co-author greatly influenced my enjoyment/appreciation of the books...

    ReplyDelete
  2. erisianSeptember 12, 2010 at 12:01 PM

    to document our conversation on this topic from the smoking section of the 700 building two weeks ago..

    "i concur"

    ReplyDelete

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