Making History

By Stephen Fry

Book Overview

Those of us who have already discovered Stephen Fry know him as the brilliant British comedian behind TV series such as Jeeves & Wooster and Blackadder, and the author of two enormously funny novels, The Liar and The Hippopotamus. But his new film (in which he plays Oscar Wilde) and his new novel (this one) represent a somewhat alarming departure from his previous work: They're more serious. Though humor is still an essential ingredient of both, Fry's fans are finally getting to witness the emotional depth that this brilliant polymath usually keeps hidden.

In Making History, Fry has bitten off a rather meaty chunk by tackling an at first deceptively simple premise: What if Hitler had never been born? An unquestionable improvement, one would reason--and so an earnest history grad student and an aging German physicist idealistically undertake to bring this about by preventing Adolf's conception. And with their success is launched a brave new world that is in some ways better than ours--but in most ways even worse. Fry's experiment in history makes for his most ambitious novel yet, and his most affecting. His first book to be set mostly in America, it is a thriller with a funny streak, a futuristic fantasy based on one of mankind's darkest realities. It is, in every sense, a story of our times.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0099457067
• ISBN13: 9780099457060
• Release Date: July 2004
• Publisher: Arrow
• Length: 592 Pages
• Weight: 0.93 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.4" x 5.1" x 7.8"

Customer Reviews

Enthralling!

Admittedly, I usually shudder when a novel is described as 'enthralling', but there...I've gone and done it myself! Well, to be fair, in this case, it's an accurate description. Stephen Fry's third novel takes the reader on an amazing ride through what could have been. Fantastical - and yet, plausible - the story explores the possibility of what might have been if one were able to alter history in order to eliminate one of it's least savory characters - Hitler. Would we be better or worse off? There's no way of knowing for sure, but Fry gives us one possiblity. More than just conjecture about what history was and might have been, Fry's story is filled with wonderful characters, and the joy in reading it is just as much for following the development of the characters, as for exploring the possibilities of a Hitler-free world.

Clever idea couched in superb writing!

Stephen Fry's analysis of what might have happened if Hitler had not been at the helm of the Third Reich in WWII is brilliantly executed from a science fiction standpoint, but is also a great story with believable characters. Most alternate history fiction I've read spends way too much time on tearing apart the exact moment when things changed. Fry's book spends more time on the personal ramifications of a different life than the one we know. His writing style is straightforward yet innovative. I particularly enjoyed his switch to screenplay format at key points.The book held me til the end, and the end made me cry. Thank you, Stephen Fry, for a wonderful read.

one cool book!

i just finished reading stephen fry's 'making history' and loved it! it is a well-crafted book (delightful chapter titles) and has a bit of everything - history, science fiction, love story, and very funny social commentary. throughout the book, mr. fry has a marvellous way with words. if you are looking for something to read that makes you laugh and makes you think and above all entertains, grab this book! it's one to keep and read again. just wanted to mention that the "recaff" scene in the first chapter had me laughing out loud... it rivals the pink panther (and also mr. bean) making coffee in-a-hurry sketch.

What if...

A magnificent book, yet somewhat disturbing in its moral implications. The base thesis of this book is the question that historians must not ask,and do that eagerlly.What if Hitler hadn't been burn? Could WW2 be avoided? Fry is trying to answer this question, while helping his hero to discover the truth about himself. Unfortunately, there are some holes in the plot, but still,its a wonderfull book. Read it!

Addictive, thoughtful and funny

The great thing about Stephen Fry's books is that you can really hear is voice in the words (well, who else would use such language). I could not put this down and found the story compelling and interesting. I felt for the characters and the situations they placed themself in. A must for any Fry fan, I have always enjoyed his television and film work, especially when in partnership with the great Hugh Laurie. Fry is definitly a great wit.