The Last Day of Creation

By Wolfgang Jeschke, 1981

Summary...

Time travel comes from science fiction to reality. By this mean, the United States decides to pump Middle East's oil to Europe at the era of the dawn of human kind, as a way to ensure a better future for their country. However, building these pipelines does not go without saying : the characters will soon cope with opponents and allies coming from alternative realities, and well-armed.

My opinion...

I like the accuracy in which the author describes this time travel adventure, from the early optimistic theories to the final battleground with its no man's land. The second part is a bit boring because there are too few actions:( : it yet shows how pathetical the inital purpose was.

1. The book shows how easily humans can disturb nature, turning paradise into hell. . Like in « The Sound of Thunder » from Ray Bradbury, a tiny little change in the past (shifting some oil ressources incognito) brings desastrous consequences (a confusing universe).

2. I was really surprised when the story shifts from quite serious issues (building a time machine, planning the building of the pipeline) to an unplanned adventure.

3. Maybe I understand why the second part is very boring at a long run. Indeed, it is all about dashed expectations : when the travelers understand that there are probably no possible return when they see that no more material would come from future... The author conveys us his own doubts about such an enterprise.

4. However, I still don't understand why the turning point didn't come earlier : among the scattering of realities that does exist why aren't there any that can go to the past and return and really wants to save our heroes ? It's a bit like the Fermi Paradox.

5. The book was written soon after the oil peak, so when crisis about oil loomed large. Likewise we see an « oil war » in the book, what can be deemed visionary at some extents.

Don't hesitate to comment on the topics I raised or on the topic you like the most (new books, new ideas...) ! I will be pleased to answer.

Medicis