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The Outcasts of Time

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The Outcasts of Time

By: Ian Mortimer
Narrated by: Barnaby Edwards
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About this listen

‘Beautifully written and superbly executed’ Times
'A joyous romp around England’s dark past' Suzie Feay,
Guardian

From the author of the bestselling The Time Traveller's Guide to Restoration Britain, this is a stunningly high-concept historical novel that is both as daring as it is gripping, and perfect for fans of Conn Iggulden, SJ Parris and Kate Mosse.

December 1348: With the country in the grip of the Black Death, brothers John and William fear that they will shortly die and go to Hell. But as the end draws near, they are given an unexpected choice: either to go home and spend their last six days in their familiar world, or to search for salvation across the forthcoming centuries – living each one of their remaining days ninety-nine years after the last.

John and William choose the future and find themselves in 1447, ignorant of almost everything going on around them. The year 1546 brings no more comfort, and 1645 challenges them still further. It is not just that technology is changing: things they have taken for granted all their lives prove to be short-lived.

As they find themselves in stranger and stranger times, the reader travels with them, seeing the world through their eyes as it shifts through disease, progress, enlightenment and war. But their time is running out – can they do something to redeem themselves before the six days are up?

What people are saying about The Outcasts of Time:
‘Wow, what a book! I absolutely adored this. This was ambitious but done to perfection’ Sara Marsden
The Outcasts of Time is a tour de force, rich in spellbinding detail. Haunting and atmospheric, there is warmth and humour alongside fear and torment; all human life is here. As perfect a novel as any I've ever read’ Ophelia’s Reads

©2017 Ian Mortimer (P)2017 Simon & Schuster UK
Historical Fiction Fiction Thought-Provoking Scary Middle Ages

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All stars
Most relevant
First introduction to Ian Mortimer and I will definitely read others. What a wonderful concept beautifully written!

A truly wonderful read

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brilliant book brilliant narrator putts other narrators to shame. Well done on all counts enjoyed

Loved It

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This was a fabulous listen. I loved the whole conceit and it allowed Mortimer to lay bare both the strengths and weaknesses of successive generations and ultimately to draw out lots of valuable reflections on the nature of good and evil and our human destiny. This will live long in the memory. Thank you.

Marvellous morality tale

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Loved the walk through history, felt the story was unimaginative at times but the level of detail was engaging.

Interesting

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Well, I'm literally blown away by this book! This Story by Ian Mortimer is truly fantastic!!

A few points I must make.
1. Living in the 20th & 21st centuries, I assumed the chances between 1300s - 1800s were small and insignificant. I can be forgiven for this given how fast changes have been mad in the last 100 years alone. However, beyond this story's fiction, Ian Mortimer details not only the 1300s but each century Ian has woven in facts, with comparisons, not only of inventions and mechanics. Also the social difference and changing values have been compared too. It's been done through the 14th century eyes of John which makes this exercise all the more fascinating.
It explains to me how things haven't really improved over time. People have be one nastier, derogatory towards the poor. The way people have been explains the human condition of today very well. This story isn't strictly a social commentary of the times yet, there's a lot of understanding and revelation to tske from this.

2. Would people really understand John's Middle English from day... 1700s? I wonder if that's possible. I'm guessing Ian Mortimer has mostly passed that by for the sake of a smooth narrative.


This story is so fascinating. I could write so much more about Outcadts Of Time.

Astoundingly profound

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