I just finished reading Eifelheim by Micahel Flynn. This book is a captivating story. Firstly, it reveals life in 14th century Germany at the time of the Plague. The Christianity practiced in that time period was more inquisitive and distinct. It was also the time of invention and inquiry into the natural sciences. Within that earthy realm between philosopher and pastor, the story unfolds about stranded travelers from another place. Interpretations of faith, body, and spirit among philosophers and monks of the time present an opportunity to look at faith anew as well as life and death in the time of the Plague. This story is one that I will long remember, not from the novelty of the premise, but rather the ideas and questions it brings about in terms of ones own faith and reconciling that with life that is human in ability but not in nature. ( )

Flynn draws a parallel between the encounter of historians grappling with an ancient culture of centuries past with that of a science fiction "first contact" between space alien and mankind. The conflicts presented in scientific concepts and spiritual beliefs are intriguing because each views and understands the world's underlying structure differently. Father Dietrich, in a world that has only the most shallow grasp of mechanics, energy and disease, must communicate his rational understanding of how the world operates (temporal and eternal) to a highly advanced race of beings with a far more sophisticated understanding of how the world operates. While Dietrich is challenged to incorporate the aliens into his personal belief structure, the aliens are faced with technological, physical and ultimately spiritual challenges that cause them to question their own understanding of the world. When both sides are faced with an unreasoning challenge to survival (bubonic plague), which belief structure emerges as being correct? This is what *good* science fiction does -- it explores assumptions and ideas -- and it is not surprising that this novel was nominated for a Hugo Award. (It lost against Rainbow's End by Vernor Vinge.)

Briefly: imagine that in the 14th century a little village in the depths of the Black Forest has an alien space ship crash nearby. The aliens look like giant grasshoppers. Naturally, many of the local peasants think they are demons. Others, however, especially the village priest who was educated in Paris, take into consideration what makes a creature "a man." In other words, what constitutes a soul and therefore makes it incumbent upon us to treat aliens as we would wish to be treated? Flynn does an excellent job of recreating the 14th century mindset so this is not simply a story told with modern sensibilities in a long ago setting. As well, there is a brief modern-day story investigating the village of Eifelheim that seemed fairly superfluous until the very end of the book. Likewise, a seemingly extraneous character, Judy, is the one that gives the long-dead villagers and aliens their final humanity. I immediately requested another of Michael Flynn's books from the library. This did take me a while to finish as it might be called "cerebral science fiction" but it is well worth it, especially to those who enjoy seeing Christianity treated with respect in such a setting. ( )

Offers more promise than it delivers.
Two parallel stories; one set in Medieval times featuring aliens, and another in the near future featuring a type of historian. The historical characters are far more lovingly drawn and believable than those in the near future - which is sad, because they could have been quite interesting. The past also has a more interesting plot than the future, but both could fairly be accused of "meandering". I wish that there'd been more of a focus.

I enjoyed the mystery in the past, and the loving attention to period details. I was particularly fond of the complex, dimensioned relationship that the historical characters had to religion, faith and morality.

Flynn has written better things, but this is worth a read. ( )

Fairly good book, but nowhere as good as the original novella.
Hard reading and a bit boring reading at times - far too much discussion about medieval theology and far too little about the aliens. Some small nitpicks - spacefaring (or at least dimensionfaring) aliens for whom seasons are a surprise? ( )